So you are planning your trip to France, or maybe you are already there and are trying to figure out what French souvenirs to bring back for your loved ones, or hey, maybe even for yourself because you deserve it! Genuine French souvenirs might be hard to find amongst the sea of tourist shops you are likely to find on every corner.
These are mostly filled with commercialized knicknacks though. And not to beat you down if you’ve been wanting to get that Tour De Eiffel keychain. But if you’re going to France, we think it’s better to get something more authentic- you know, something actually French. Many of these knicknacks are actually imported from places like China.
So instead I wanted to explore with you a list of French souvenirs you can be proud to bring back home.
But first off- why be more intentional?
Well every decision you make matters. With every purchase you’re essentially voting with your money. So where you spend it tells a whole story. The moment you decide to part with your hard earned cash you are choosing something you think is worth the money right? So when we choose imported goods over items made by French craftspeople, what are we saying?
When you choose crafts original from France you are actually voting for the locals. You are supporting the local economy by paying craftspeople for their art. You are also reducing the carbon footprint as these items are made nearby, and thus didn’t have to travel a long distance to get to you.
French souvenirs for your sweet tooth: Chocolates and pastries
The French are famous for their patisseries so why not get something yummy. Well for one, it might not last the plane ride amirite? But for real, you need to choose wisely what is most likely going to survive the journey. If you want to bring back the famous macarons or madeleines, think of getting them in wooden or metal cans. These are sustainable and sturdy for all the ups and downs they’re gonna go through in your bags.
As for chocolates, just make sure to pack them into your hand luggage or you might discover a melted disaster after you open your bags when you get back home.
What about French Souvenirs for food lovers?
French cuisine is known and revered the world over. It is as no surprise then that some of the souvenirs on our list will include food.
Cheese
The variety of French cheese is truly humbling. I know the first time I visited a large supermarket in France I was completely out of my element. There seemed to be hundreds of cheeses available. All I wanted was to get myself a piece of cheese but here were a bunch of names I didn’t even recognize. Luckily the man behind the counter was very patient and knowledgeable.
Now you are visiting France and know you will miss the selection available here. Plus the tradition in France to finish a meal with a cheese board is so delicious maybe you want to continue it at home, or share it with your friends when you get back. Plus, I mean, cheese is delicious. Do you need a better reason than that?
But here is the thing, cheese can be a bit tricky as a souvenir. For one, it can go bad on a long journey back home. Also, there might be restrictions in your country for the types of cheeses you are allowed to bring in. So a couple of tips here.
- Buy the cheeses as close to your departure as possible.
- Try to find a selection of vacuum sealed options. You might even be lucky enough to find a shop that can do this on the spot.
- The types of cheeses that travel best are semi-firm to firm varieties.
Spices
Now I know this might not have been the first item you considered when thinking about a souvenir. But we know French food is one of the best in the world and its use of spices is one of the reasons it’s gained this fame. And what can be better than getting the spices from their source? This is why we consider this to be such a great souvenir idea for any food lover. Oh and also because they are super easy to travel with.
So let’s talk Herbes de Provence. This mix of herbs originated in the South of France. I mean, its right in the name: Provence. This spice mix will come in very handy as its use is very versatile. You can add it to any meat with some olive oil, pasta sauce or even sprinkle some over some baked cheese.
Then, back at home make sure that you keep them in an airtight container to keep it fresh for long.
Saucisson
Delicious, super French, and easier to travel with than cheese, saucisson is a great gift for all the gourmands in your life. It is a dry and cured meat so it will keep really well for long. Plus, it is an incredible snack and will mix really well with that cheese and wine you’re bringing back.
Dijon
Another French specialty that will be very easy to travel with is Dijon Mustard. It comes from the region by the same name and will add a kick to any meal. It can be added to so many things like a burger or a sandwich, or used in the preparation of a sauce or vinaigrette.
Truffles
We’re not talking about those delicious chocolate treats here but the succulent fungi. They add an incredible amount of flavor to any meal. And the good news is you do not need much, usually a pinch of the stuff will add the pop you are looking for.
To be extra safe, consider traveling with some truffle oil instead. You might also find them canned, whole, peeled, or in purées and ready to travel. It would be such a heartbreak to have to leave your fungi goodies behind.
Plus it can be made into a whole adventure. If you are visiting the regions of Burgundy or Dordogne you can plan a tour to go scouting for some truffles if that is something you are interested in.
Fleur de Sel
Another one for the foodies. This salt is quite different from your regular salt because of the method it is obtained. Unlike regular salt, it is collected by skimming the thin crust that forms as saltwater evaporates. However, it is unlike sea salt as well as it is not produced by waiting for saltwater to fully evaporate but by skimming the top layer from shallow pools of water. This traditional method has been around for a very long time, and though it was used before as a salve, it has been finding its way to the kitchen. This ‘flower of salt’ is used almost as a garnish for extra flavor, not during the cooking process.
And to wash it all down- French souvenirs to quench your thirst
Wine
Do I really need to explain this one? France is one of the largest producers of wine in the world so it comes as no surprise this item is on the list. Though you can find French wines almost anywhere, we recommend finding small, local producers to get a truly unique bottle. Plus, you can get a bottle specifically from the regions that you visited, making it an even more personal souvenir.
As an added extra, you might even be able to visit the vineyards and chateaus to get to know the where and who of your bottle’s origin.
Our only note of caution, there are limits to the amount of bottles you are allowed to travel with. Plus they add quite a bit of weight to your luggage so make sure you take these into consideration before you go on a shopping spree. I know I would if I could.
Champagne
This is also a no brainer. Though it is many times used as a generic term for any bubbly, actual champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region of France. This is what makes this option so unique. Plus, as with the wines before, you can find smaller and local producers to make sure you try something new, something that you might be unable to find back home.
Much like Champagne, other original bottles you could get during your travels are pastes (an anise flavored drink from Provence), or Cognac (a variety of brandy made in the region of Cognac). The tea in France is also something special. You can easily find it in specialty shops or at the local markets in my places.
Other drinks
Much like Champagne, other original bottles you could get during your travels are pastes (an anise flavored drink from Provence), or Cognac (a variety of brandy made in the region of Cognac). The tea in France is also something special. You can easily find it in specialty shops or at the local markets in my places.
Toiletries
Soaps
This is probably one of the most versatile gifts on our list. And it is a lot more unique than you might imagine at first glance. The art of soap making has been taking place in Marseille for around 600 years. Some soap makers still make their product by hand. So you see, this actually winds up being a truly unique local souvenir. They usually come in a variety of smells, you might even find an assortment box and ready gift-packaged soaps in stores all around. They are so popular you won’t have to make the trek all the way to the south to get some, though we heartily recommend it!
Perfumes
In France, perfume is not only a very big industry but there is a lot of tradition behind it. Though you can find perfumes everywhere, and they are highly associated with Paris, the heart of this industry actually resides in the town of Grasse. But don’t despair. As I said, it is possible to find perfumeries virtually anywhere, from big brands like Chanel to smaller producers.
Literally anything lavender!
France is one of the largest producers of Lavender. This product comes from the South of France, in the region of Provence, but it can easily be found throughout the country. You can either buy the lavender directly, or bottles of lavender oil. What better French souvenir than something as refreshing as Lavender.
Museums Gift Shop Goodies
For something a little different than your regular souvenirs, you can find memorabilia at any museum gift shop. For friends who will gawk at the fact that you were able to walk through the highly celebrated museums of France like the Louvre, be sure to send them a little piece of the collection with a gift from the museum’s gift shop.
