What to bring from France as a gift from food, cosmetics, other goods? Consider the rating of popular souvenirs that tourists buy as a memorable present for a girl, family, and children. We will find out prices and reviews of experienced travelers, what can and cannot be exported from France to Russia.
Visiting foreign countries leaves behind a memory - but apart from thoughts and emotions, I want to take something more material and tangible in my hands. All sorts of lists of souvenirs and things that are worth taking for yourself and for other people come to the rescue. The question of what to bring from France as a gift is not too difficult, but it requires careful and even, say, thorough analysis.
What to bring from France?
To be less worried with a choice, you need to prepare. They take with them as few things as possible and as many banknotes as possible. Free of charge will be transported on board the aircraft 23 kg for economic passengers and 32 kg for those flying in business-level cabins. Above this bar, you will have to pay for the entire transportation at the rate set by the air carrier.
- Small souvenirssold at metro stations. We are not talking about hackneyed stereotyped magnets and other paraphernalia. You can buy jewelry, various boxes, medium-sized art pictures and other small things there. The cost of such products is from 3 euros.
- Watercolor images Parisian views look great. We must go after them to the left bank of the Seine. The fee depends on the requests of specific artists and ranges from 5 to 50 euros. More expensive prices cannot be found, because then the painters would be bypassed by competitors.
- Music Recorded Mediawritten by composers in the 17th - 18th centuries. Something like this is difficult or almost impossible to find outside of France.
- Sugar violets... A reasonable answer to the question of what to bring from France from food, especially to your girlfriend, mother or wife. The combination of caramel and flower petals looks unusual and creates a pleasant mouthfeel. The sweetness characteristic of a number of sweets is completely absent here. But there are unobtrusive astringent notes. Sugar violets are sold in impressive quantities in the Parisian and Toulouse markets. The jam made from violet petals is also of interest.
- Chocolate... Although French chocolates are already sold in all cities of Russia, the standard bar is twice as cheap here. You can also find stamps that are rarely found in our homeland. But if you need designer chocolate, be sure to visit boutiques, especially in Paris, we recommend visiting the Manufacture de Chocolat d'Alain Ducasse factory by Alain Ducasse at 40 Rue de la Roquette.
- Foie gras... A classic (but no less interesting) gift is a can of pâté made from goose or duck liver. The product has a powerful creamy nutty flavor. It is recommended to choose it in closed packages with tight sealing. Such a dish costs 30 EUR for a modest portion, you can buy it in every supermarket.
- Seafood... If you don't like the result of a sophisticated fattening mockery of a bird, you are still interested in the question of what can be brought from France to Russia in an edible plan. The sale of seafood is deployed on the Cote d'Azur. Of course, there is no talk of oysters. But the simpler options - canned mussels - will definitely suit people.
- Any brand of cheese... Travelers are keenly interested in the question of which cheese and wine to bring back to Russia. The variety of cheese in France cannot be compared to that in other parts of the world. You can choose aged, and you can soon ripen, it is possible with a special mold and with nuts, strong and distinguished by softness. When it is difficult to choose the right option, you will have to stop at the classic goat cheese. For a modest piece of it they take 8 euros. Also noteworthy are Crotin de Chavignol and Cel sur Cher, excellently combined with wine - but also amazing in their pure form. Do not forget to put cheese in a plastic container during transportation.
- Wine... Another impeccable symbol of French life. In the southern and central provinces of the country, exceptionally refined drinks are produced. Those with little knowledge of the wine market should choose such win-win options as Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon. Be sure to visit the tasting excursions, where you can not only taste real varieties, but also buy drinks without cheating.
- Other alcohol... Tourists will be glad to see Meukov and Edward III cognacs and Pastiss herbal tincture. For such goods, it is advised to go to supermarkets and branded outlets.
- Grocery baskets... The usual set is olive oil, violet syrup, Provence spices, chestnut jam, a serving of cheese and wine. Judging by the reviews, such a set is extremely tasty and relevant when looking for a gift for family and friends.
- Cosmetic products... Cosmetics from France have enjoyed well-deserved popularity for several decades. Within the country, products of well-known brands are significantly cheaper than in Russian stores. And there can be no doubts about the originality of the products. The products of Loreal, Yves Rocher, Loccitaine, Garnier, Vichy deserve attention. The cost of masks, lotions, creams starts from 8 EUR per pack. It is worth adding lavender soap, which is especially common in Provence. Another option, what to bring from cosmetics, these are popular perfumesold in Sephora stores. You can buy a bottle for about 35 euros or more; with less payment, product quality is not guaranteed. Related products worth buying soap dishes, caskets and other original packaging for the same cosmetics.
- clothing and others textile products... Souvenirs in France are also selected textiles. Good things and even bags are made in this country. It is good if the clothes are decorated with pictures of the Eiffel Tower and other symbols of the country. Even umbrellas with views of Paris brought from himself will definitely inspire confidence. Berets and scarves will also look impressive. But we must remember that the products of eminent brands (brands), like the notorious Armani, will cost a substantial amount. The exception is the time of mass sales, for example, from January to February.
- Childen's goods... Sold at Disneyland, represented by mugs, T-shirts, toys. Wooden toys of the Vilac brand also deserve attention. Well-polished and painted rocking chairs in the shape of a horse or a toy car will delight any toddler. At an older age, designers and dolls will come in handy.
Where is the best place to buy souvenirs and gifts?
Whatever surprise is prepared, you need to know exactly where to buy cheap souvenirs in France. For clothes, we advise you to go to the Parisian "Gallery", in H&M, Le Printemps. The cost of goods varies greatly: simple jeans will be sold for a dozen euros, and blouses for 60 euros. In the capital of France, we also recommend going to the shopping mall. Les quatre temps... You can also go to small shops. The prices there are relatively low, but the choice between the products of little-known brands deserves close attention.
The purchase of wines is possible at any point of sale selling food. Supermarkets and supermarkets, specialized establishments are also suitable. The French approach implies a convenient sorting by region (if there is a VDP mark). The VDSQ designation clearly indicates the guaranteed quality of the product. The cost starts from 50 euros. At least twice as expensive are the wines of the AOC group (the highest category of wine classification), which are labeled with the indication of the city or castle where they are directly produced. If you have solid funds, you can buy drinks Premier cru, grand cru.The cost of a bottle in these categories starts at 700 rubles.
For cheese, you should go to supermarkets. Foie gras are also plentifully sold there. For cheap souvenirs, you should go to Montmartre, where there are many tourist shops. Rue de Rivoli is also worth visiting, where you can walk in front of the Louvre, buying souvenirs from local shops. Tourists in the reviews are strongly advised to buy official art souvenirs in museums. The shops usually sell handicrafts from Asian countries.
Shopping centers in Paris on the map
What can and cannot be exported from France?
It is also extremely important to know what cannot be taken out of France in order to avoid problems at customs and miss your flight.
Under ban there are products that are distinguished by artistic value and great meaning in terms of age-old heritage. Antiques are 100% impossible. It is allowed to take on the road no more than a liter of strong alcohol or 2 liters of wine. You can take 800 pieces of cigarettes with you, or up to 90 liters of wine in your luggage (after 3 liters you pay for the carriage); for spirits, the limit is 10 liters. Any weapons and ammunition for them should be subject to a special authorization. It is recommended to further clarify the current rules of the Russian customs.
When planning a vacation in France, we advise you to study our separate heading, which contains all the tips and nuances for a cheap trip on your own.