Sales in France - when to go and what to expect

Sales in France

The timing of sales in France is decided by the Government. In France there are only two legal sale periods each lasting a maximum of 6 weeks; winter sales (soldes d'hiver) in January/February and summer sales (Soldes d'été) in June/July. Bargains of over 50% can be found in abundance. There is usually a nationwide start and then each department sets it own end date after a local government consultation with retail leaders.

The thinking behind having set sale times is that shops should not be allowed to "buy in" goods for sales, but that goods in a sale must be genuinely reduced items.

Factory shops are legally allowed to discount LAST YEARS items (pre-existing goods), as well as end of lines. Sales at the factory shops tend to offer very good value. Discounts tend to start low, and build up towards the end of the sale period. Sale prices must include the previous price offered, and goods purchased carry the same guarantee as a normally purchased item.

French Government site with information on sales

Holiday Shopping

Sales tips - from our message board

Get there early! As sale dates and opportunities are regulated in France they only occur when the State decides. Sales in France mean a real sale of goods normally sold throughout the year. No goods brought in specially because more people are shopping as in the U.K. for example. Although in this day and age it may seem strange that when a sale runs is down the State and not the shopkeeper, this does by and large protect the shopper. You know what to expect.

- www.dixons.co.uk. From a visitor. "If you want to buy computers / camcorders / cameras / hi-fi / DVD, etc., go into your local high street Dixon's, get a brochure, pick an item (with an alternative choice) and ring Dixon's at the Chunnel, quote the catalogue number and ask for a price (Tel: 01303 273 080), they can save you 15%, you get the same guarantee and you can have Dixon's finance! All you do is order it, drive down, collect (from this side of the channel, drive onto train, do your french shopping, come back. My mate saved £300 on a lap top pc."

Webmaster - we understand that as they cannot sell at duty free prices to E.U. citizens, their prices (on a reduced range of goods) are roughly 15% cheaper than the high street.

Don't overload! - More

It may be cheap, but is your car big enough to carry it all? There are stiff penalties waiting at Dover and elsewhere for overloaded vehicles. Kent police are often waiting at the passport booths there, specifically looking for overloaded cars.

Factory Shops in France

Shopping Fairs and Festivals

- Annual festival promoting Cannes (and shopping). See the Spring/Summer 2008 collections. 3rd to 13th January 2008. Many special offers available. www.cannesshoppingfestival.com

Sizes - Clothes and Shoes

Supermarkets & Shopping Centres

Main shopping Centres in Calais

 - Cite Europe

- Marques Avenue

Main Supermarkets in Calais

 - Carrefour Cite Europe

 - Carrefour Mi-voix

- Auchan Hypermarket

What to Buy - where to save money

Paris shopping and sales