Contact us on WhatsApp: +33 6 95 73 52 90

Best places to shop for groceries on a budget in France

By Aline
Reading Time: 3 minutes
grocery store budget friendly france

Living in France as an international student is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, including the task of managing your budget wisely. One significant area where you can save money is at the grocery store. Here’s a guide to the best places to shop for groceries on a budget in France, ensuring you enjoy your stay without breaking the bank.

Discount Supermarkets

Discount supermarkets are ideal for regular grocery shopping with significant cost savings.

Lidl

Lidl is a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Known for its low prices and weekly promotions, Lidl offers a variety of groceries, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, and bakery items. While the selection may not be as extensive as in some larger supermarkets, the quality is generally good, and the savings are substantial.

Aldi

Another excellent option is Aldi. Similar to Lidl, Aldi focuses on providing quality products at low prices. They offer a range of groceries, household items, and sometimes special deals on electronics and clothing. The store brands are often just as good as, if not better than, more expensive name brands.

Leader Price

Leader Price is a discount store that offers a variety of groceries and household items at very low prices. They frequently run promotions, making it possible to save even more on your grocery bill.

grocery store budget friendly france

Online Grocery Stores

Online shopping is convenient and often offers exclusive deals. At first, it might not seem like a budget-friendly option, but with online shopping, you only order what you need and can directly see the total amount of your cart increasing. This helps you keep track of your expenses more effectively, preventing the surprise of a high and unexpected bill at the cashier, which often happens when you’re tempted by many items in-store. Almost all supermarkets now offer an online store, with some delivering groceries to your door and others requiring you to pick them up.

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Ethnic stores are ideal for finding specific cultural foods and ingredients. They are also often very affordable.

Paris Store

For international students craving a taste of home, Paris Store offers a range of Asian groceries at reasonable prices. They provide a variety of products, including spices, sauces, noodles, and snacks that you might not find in regular supermarkets.

Tang Frères

Tang Frères is another well-known chain that specializes in Asian groceries. They offer a wide selection of products, from fresh produce and seafood to spices, sauces, and snacks, making it easier for international students to find familiar ingredients at affordable prices.

grocery store budget friendly france

Local Markets

Shopping at local markets can be both a cultural experience and a way to save money. Markets typically operate on specific days of the week and offer fresh, seasonal produce directly from farmers. Prices are often lower than in supermarkets as there is no intermediary.

Money-Saving Apps

To save even more on your groceries, you can use food waste reduction or coupon apps. In France, several apps dedicated to reducing food waste have become quite popular. Similarly, coupon apps are used by thousands of people to get discounts, buy-one-get-one-free deals, and other offers. Why not join them?

Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is a fantastic app that helps reduce food waste while saving you money. Restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets list surplus food at a reduced price, and you can pick it up at a designated time. This is a great way to get fresh food at a fraction of the cost.

Shopmium

There are several apps available in France that offer grocery coupons and discounts, such as Shopmium. These apps provide digital coupons for a wide range of products, helping you save on your grocery bill.

grocery store budget friendly france

Tips for Budget Grocery Shopping

Lastly, to shop on a budget, it’s important not only to choose budget-friendly places but also to shop intelligently. Here are some tips shared by grocery experts you can find on platforms like YouTube:

  1. Plan Your Meals: Planning meals in advance helps avoid impulse buys and reduces food waste.
  2. Buy in Bulk: Non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and canned goods are often cheaper when bought in bulk.
  3. Use Loyalty Cards: Many supermarkets offer loyalty cards that provide discounts and special offers.
  4. Check Flyers and Apps: Look out for weekly flyers and apps for special promotions and discounts.

By shopping wisely and exploring these budget-friendly options, you can enjoy your time in France without worrying about your grocery bill.

Share this article

Go! Go! France

Search articles

Popular posts

French Culture
French Culture
French Culture

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AND STUDY IN FRANCE?

We at Go! Go! France are all about turning your dreams of living and studying in France into reality!

Go! Go! France Blog

Related articles

More popular than Halloween in France, All Saints’ Day, known as La Toussaint, is celebrated on November 1st. This day is a cherished time for families to honor loved ones, reflect, and gather together. Learn more about this special tradition in this article. The origins of All Saints’ Day in France The holiday was first introduced...
While it’s not as widespread as in the United States, Halloween in France has its unique charm. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Halloween in France, how the French celebrate it today, and the influence of American pop culture on this holiday. The origin of Halloween in France Halloween in France doesn’t have...
As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to delve into the fascinating world of French superstitions. France is also a fascinating world of traditions, superstitions and beliefs passed down through generations. While some seem quirky or illogical, they continue to influence everyday life and add a touch of mystique to this enchanting nation. Lucky charms French...
Halloween is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in the chilling world of French horror movies? French cinema offers a unique blend of psychological terror, social commentary, and visceral thrills that will stay with you long after the credits roll. So grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare...
Sending a parcel to France is straightforward, but knowing the right steps can save you time and ensure a smooth delivery. Whether it’s a gift, important documents, or personal items, following the proper process is key. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to send a parcel to France quickly and efficiently. Choose the...

Contact us

Any questions? We are here to help