French pharmacies sell more than just medicine. You can also find beauty products, daily essentials, and other useful items, making them a key part of daily life in France.
This guide will show you what to expect and how to get the most from your local pharmacy.
What role do pharmacies play in France?
Pharmacies in France are recognized for their quality, trustworthiness, and professional advice. They serve as a first point of contact for many health concerns, offering consultations and minor medical advice without the need for an appointment.
Pharmacists in France are well-trained and can give you both prescription medicines (sur ordonnance) and over-the-counter options (en vente libre).
How can you identify pharmacies in France?
You can spot a pharmacy by its big green cross, which usually lights up. Most are open from Monday to Saturday, usually from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, but hours may vary depending on where you are.
If you need medicine late at night or in an emergency, look for a pharmacie de garde. These pharmacies make sure you can get medicine outside normal hours. Local pharmacies often take turns offering 24-hour service in the area.
To find the nearest one, visit ServiceGardes and enter your zip code or city.
What are the popular pharmacy chains in France?
- Pharmacie Monge: Known for competitive prices and a wide selection of healthcare and beauty products.
- Pharmacie Lafayette: Offers a broad range of health, beauty, and wellness items with multiple locations across France.
- CityPharma: Located in Paris, famous for its extensive skincare and health products at lower prices, attracting both locals and visitors.
What are the most popular over-the-counter medicines sold in France?
French pharmacies carry a wide range of medicines for everyday conditions:
| Symptoms | Over-the-counter medicines |
| Pain and fever relief | Doliprane Dafalgan Efferalgan |
| Cold and flu relief, sore throat and cold symptoms | Actifed Humex Fervex Advil |
| Headaches and migraines | Nurofen Advil |
| Stomach cramps, pain and digestive issues | Gaviscon Spasfon |
| Insect bites and itchiness | Butix Synthol |
| Bruises, muscle aches, muscle pain relief | Voltaren Arnigel |
| Travel sickness | Nausicalm Mercalm |
Why are French pharmacies well-known for selling premium beauty products?
French pharmacies are famous for their high-quality beauty products, which are often only sold there. You’ll find dermatologist-recommended brands like La Roche-Posay, Garancia, and Avène, which you rarely see in supermarkets.
Skincare brands from French pharmacies are popular because they are high-quality, effective, and more affordable than those in luxury stores. Pharmacists can also help you choose the best products for your skin type or needs.
Pharmacies also carry a wide selection of hygiene and wellness products:
- Dental care: Toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes (Oral-B, Listerine)
- Hair care: Shampoos and conditioners (Klorane)
- Body care: Soap, body lotion, and creams (Bioderma)
- Nutritional supplements: Vitamins and minerals (Aragan, Pileje)
- Baby care: Lotions and wipes (Mustela)
How can you ask for help in French if you’re sick?
Learning a few basic French phrases can make your pharmacy visits much easier:
- Avez-vous quelque chose pour les maux de tête ?
Do you have something for a headache? - J’ai mal à la tête / au ventre / à la gorge.
I have a headache / stomachache / sore throat. - Pouvez-vous me recommander quelque chose pour le rhume / mal de dos / mal de ventre ?
Can you recommend something for a cold / back pain / stomach ache?
Take a look at our French medical terms guide for more useful vocabulary.
If you have trouble communicating, try writing down your symptoms or using a translation app. Most pharmacists are patient and used to helping people who don’t speak French.
And, if you want to read more about French culture, make sure to follow our Go! Go! France blog where we cover everything you need to know about France.
