There’s something magical about a French market.

Maybe it’s the riot of colors—the blush of strawberries in spring, the deep purple of summer figs. Maybe it’s the scent of fresh bread mingling with the salty tang of olives and cheese. Or maybe it’s that unmistakable hum: locals chatting, vendors calling out prices, the occasional “Poussez pas, Madame!” when someone’s blocking the way.

If you’ve ever wandered through a French market, you know: it’s not just shopping. It’s an experience.

But here’s the thing.

Markets in France have rules. Some are written (prices are labeled, scales must be used). Others are unspoken, cultural—the little habits that make you look like a local… or like a very obvious tourist.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris, Provence, or that little village you can’t pronounce yet, this guide will give you the phrases and tips you need to feel confident—and maybe even charm a vendor or two.

1. Start With the Magic Word: “Bonjour”

Rule number one of French markets? Always greet the vendor.

This isn’t optional. You don’t just march up and say, “How much are the strawberries?”

You say:

• “Bonjour, Monsieur.” (Hello, sir.)

• “Bonjour, Madame.” (Hello, ma’am.)

Skip the “bonjour,” and you might notice the vendor suddenly becoming… less helpful. In France, this little word is more than politeness—it’s a ritual. It’s how you “enter” the conversation.

👉 Bonus: if it’s after 6 p.m., switch to “Bonsoir.” Vendors will notice—and they’ll like that you know the difference.

2. Know How to Ask for What You Want

This is the moment you need a few simple phrases to sound less “Oh‑my‑gosh‑I‑don’t‑speak‑French” and more “confident traveler.”

Here are your go‑tos:

• “Je voudrais…” – I would like…
  → “Je voudrais une baguette, s’il vous plaît.” (I’d like a baguette, please.)

• “Je vais prendre…” – I’ll take… (slightly more casual)
  → “Je vais prendre 200 grammes de fromage.” (I’ll take 200 grams of cheese.)

• “Combien ça coûte ?” – How much does it cost?

• “C’est combien, les fraises ?” – How much are the strawberries?

• “Je peux goûter ?” – Can I taste?

If you only memorize one? “Je voudrais…” It’s polite, easy, and works for nearly anything.

3. Learn the Local Shopping Units

Here’s where Americans often trip up:

In France, you don’t ask for “half a pound of cheese.” You ask for 200 grammes (200 grams).

Some quick conversions:

• 100 g ≈ a little less than ¼ pound

• 250 g ≈ about half a pound

• 500 g ≈ just over a pound

👉 Pro tip: Don’t panic if you don’t know the exact number. Vendors will happily suggest an amount.

You can just say:

• “Un peu de…” – A bit of…

• “Une tranche de…” – A slice of…

And they’ll slice or scoop until you say, “C’est bon, merci !” (That’s good, thanks!)

4. Don’t Touch the Produce (Seriously, Don’t)

Imagine you’re at a farmers market in the U.S. You’d pick up an apple, turn it over, maybe squeeze an avocado.

Do that in France, and the vendor might gasp.

Rule: You don’t handle the produce unless you’re explicitly told you can.

Instead, you say what you want, and the vendor picks it for you.

Why?

• It keeps everything hygienic.

• It shows trust: you trust the vendor to choose well for you.

👉 Exceptions: In some markets (especially in bigger cities), there might be “self-service” stands. If you see a little scale for weighing your own fruit, you’re probably safe to touch. Otherwise? Hands off.

5. Listen for “La/Le/Les” — and Use Them

This one’s subtle, but it matters:

French people often order using the article with the item:

• “La baguette” (the baguette)

• “Le fromage de chèvre” (the goat cheese)

• “Les tomates” (the tomatoes)

It’s not “baguette, s’il vous plaît.” It’s “La baguette, s’il vous plaît.”

It signals you know what you’re asking for—and sounds way more natural.

6. Bring Cash (and Small Coins)

Yes, some vendors take cards now, but many still don’t—especially in smaller towns.

👉 Bring:

• A few €10 and €5 notes

• Lots of coins

Trying to pay for €2 of cherries with a €50 bill? Prepare for an eye roll.

Bonus tip: Most markets have a stall selling coffee or crêpes. If you need small change, buy something cheap there first.

7. Pack a Tote Bag (Or Two)

Forget the plastic grocery bags you get in the U.S.—in French markets, you bring your own bag.

Most locals carry:

• A canvas tote (or three)

• Sometimes a “panier” (straw basket)

Vendors will bag things for you (often in little paper bags), but they expect you to have something to carry them in.

8. Market Phrases You’ll Actually Hear

Here’s what you might hear flying around the market:

• “Vous désirez ?” – Literally “Do you desire?” but means “What can I get for you?”

• “C’est tout ?” – “Is that all?”

• “Je vous fais combien ?” – “How much do you want?”

• “Ça vous ira ?” – “Will that work for you?”

• “Ça fait [price].” – “That’ll be [price].”

👉 Practice hearing these. Even if you don’t fully catch the words, you’ll start to feel the rhythm: a little back-and-forth dance.

9. Don’t Rush

American markets are quick: grab, pay, go.

French markets? Slow down.

Chat with the vendor. Compliment their produce. Ask questions.

• “C’est de la région ?” – Is it local?

• “Vous l’avez goûté ?” – Have you tasted it?

• “C’est la saison ?” – Is it in season?

Even a tiny exchange makes the experience richer. Vendors love curious shoppers—they might even slip you an extra apricot.

10. Pay Attention to Market Rhythm

Markets aren’t 24/7.

• Most markets start early. (By noon, stalls start packing up.)

• Some days are “market days.” (In many towns, it’s Wednesday and Saturday.)

• There’s a “last-minute rush.” (Arrive late, and you might score discounts—but the best stuff might be gone.)

👉 Tip: If you want the prettiest produce, go early. If you want a deal, show up right before closing and ask:
“Vous faites un prix ?” (Are you offering a deal?)

11. Taste Before You Buy (Sometimes)

In some markets—especially for cheese, olives, or dried fruit—you can ask to taste.

• “Je peux goûter ?” – Can I taste?

Vendors will usually cut a slice, hand you an olive, or offer a tiny sample.

👉 Don’t abuse this. Taste politely, then either buy something or thank them sincerely.

12. Don’t Expect “Supermarket Behavior”

Here’s what might surprise you:

• Prices are firm. This isn’t a flea market—most vendors don’t haggle.

• Lines are loose. Sometimes it’s a polite wait, sometimes it’s a gentle push forward.

• The vibe is personal. This isn’t anonymous checkout—people chat.

If you treat it like a cultural experience instead of a grocery run, you’ll enjoy it a lot more.

13. Bonus Phrases to Sound Like You Know What You’re Doing

Want to really impress vendors? Sprinkle in these:

• “C’est bien mûr ?” – Is it ripe?

• “Vous me conseillez quoi ?” – What do you recommend?

• “Vous pouvez m’en mettre un peu plus ?” – Can you add a bit more?

• “Ça sent bon !” – That smells good!

Even if your accent isn’t perfect, these phrases spark connection.

14. Things You’ll Find Beyond Fruits & Veggies

Markets aren’t just about tomatoes and baguettes. You might see:

• Rotisserie chicken stalls (look for the dripping potatoes underneath—pure heaven)

• Seafood (sometimes so fresh it’s still moving)

• Fresh pasta & charcuterie

• Flowers, soap, handmade baskets, tablecloths

👉 Tip: If you’re staying in an Airbnb, markets are the place to stock up for the most unforgettable picnic of your life.

15. Final Secret: Enjoy the Scene

Even if you don’t buy much, take your time.

Watch the old ladies bargain for cherries. Smell the lavender soap. Listen to the accordion player busking near the cheese stand.

French markets aren’t just about shopping—they’re about being there.

Quick Cheat Sheet for Your Next Market Trip

Here’s your pocket phrasebook:

• Bonjour / Bonsoir – Hello / Good evening

• Je voudrais… – I would like…

• Je vais prendre… – I’ll take…

• C’est combien ? – How much is it?

• Je peux goûter ? – Can I taste?

• C’est tout. – That’s all.

• Merci, au revoir ! – Thank you, goodbye!

Add a smile (and maybe a tote bag), and you’ll do just fine.

French markets can feel intimidating the first time you go—everyone seems to know what they’re doing except you.

But here’s the secret: vendors don’t expect perfect French. They don’t care if your accent is off.

What they love?

• That you try.

• That you say “bonjour.”

• That you treat the market not just like a transaction—but like the little slice of French life it is.

Next time you’re in France, skip the supermarket for a day. Find the local market square. Order a baguette, sample some cheese, maybe pick up that basket of strawberries that smells like summer.

Because once you experience a French market the right way, you’ll never see grocery shopping the same again.