Travelers tend to grab something to remember about the trip in the countries they have visited, but it has become a common tradition to bring various gifts to friends and relatives. Therefore, the question, for example, what to bring from France, is relevant for many tourists. This country is so rich in possible souvenirs and gifts that they need to be approached thoroughly.
History of tradition
Souvenirs evolved from objects used by ancient people in various rituals. Initially, these figures were assigned special magical properties, and today a tourist unwittingly attaches special importance to any item taken in a memorial place. So, any souvenirs from France, even a simple stone from the embankment, can become a symbol of happy and memorable moments.
Today, when travel has become the norm of the European standard of living, souvenirs are no longer filled with deep symbolic meaning. But they continue to be part of the ritual: a person who returned from a trip is almost obliged to give friends and relatives at least small gifts. Otherwise, the value of the trip seems to be reduced. The choice of souvenirs usually lies in three planes. These are memorable little things with the symbolism of the place (mugs, plates, magnets); local goodies; practical gifts.
French specialties
The gastronomic term "specialty" is quite applicable not only to the names of food, today it is increasingly used in the vocabulary of travelers. Each country has a set of things, goods and products that convey its uniqueness and specificity. France in this sense is the richest country. It is associated with wines, cheeses, perfumes, fashion, art and many other things. Therefore, the question of what to bring from France can cause difficulties in finding answers. France is justifiably proud of its cuisine, cosmetic and fashion brands, and the products of these industries are worthy of French gifts. In addition, the country is associated with art, so paraphernalia with paintings by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro is also a traditional souvenir.
Food
The second most popular reason for buying a ticket to France is the country's national cuisine. Naturally, tourists tend to take with them something tasty and unusual to please and surprise loved ones. The first thing that is included in the list of edible souvenirs is cheeses, which became especially relevant during the period of restrictions on the import of this product into Russia. The most famous and well-tolerated transportation are Roquefort, Emmental more familiar to Russians, aristocratic Camembert, as well as democratic contets and temples. It should be remembered that cheeses often have a very pungent odor; they are best transported in a vacuum package in the luggage compartment.
Another specialty of France is pastes, in particular foie gras, truffle pastes. These products are often quite expensive, and not everyone likes their taste, so you need to be careful about such a souvenir.
Confectionery is a very popular gift. Famous Macarons cookies, chocolate, candied violets, candies in colorful boxes are a simple and pleasant souvenir.
Alcohol
Alcohol from different parts of the country has become literally a symbol of the regions and a household name. Champagne, cognac, Armagnac, Bordeaux - all these drinks are real French specialties. Reflecting on what to bring from France, many people recall the strong drinks. An excellent gift will be a bottle of the famous Dom Perignon champagne or Widow Clicquot. Famous cognacs or Calvados sung by Remarque will suit stronger drinks lovers. Often people buying tickets to France are going to visit the famous wine regions of the country: Bordeaux, Buzet, Cahors, Alsace, Provence. Here you can find the best drinks in the world. And, of course, it is worth taking a few bottles with you that will remind you of a wonderful trip.
Cosmetics
France is a symbol of female beauty. She is the undisputed leader in the production of cosmetics of the best quality. Therefore, French cosmetics is one of the gifts most often brought from the country. You can make a purchase in luxurious department stores in Paris, in branded brand stores or at the airport, in duty-free departments, saving money in addition. The global leader in cosmetics sales belongs to three French brands: Chanel, Clarins and Dior. In France, you can always buy brand new products in company stores. Prices for products of leading manufacturers, of course, are high, but still in Paris they will be cheaper than in Yekaterinburg, for example. It is also worth paying attention to more budget brands that are less known, but very high quality: La Roche Posay, Bourjois, Biotherm. A good selection of cosmetic brands of the country is presented in Sephora stores, where you can purchase sets and the best new products.
Perfume
The first thing that comes to mind when answering the question of what to bring from France is perfume. There are no competitors in the country’s perfume industry. The production of all the best brands in the world is concentrated here, so leaving without a fragrant bottle is almost a crime. Printemps Haussmann is home to the world's largest perfume department. Here you can find all the new items, as well as rare items from a limited series of perfumes. Industry leaders, of course, are Chanel, Lancome, Christian Dior. However, it is worth paying attention to less well-developed perfume houses that create aromas in small series . Caron, JAR, Etat Libre d'Orange - these names are little known in Russia, these are places for connoisseurs. But it is here that you can choose your own fragrance, which will favorably differ against the background of untwisted perfumes.
clothing
For practical people, clothes from France are a great combination of pleasant and useful. You can bring clothing to your loved ones and yourself that will remind you of the trip for a long time. Universal gifts include accessories: scarves, gloves, ties. It’s hard to make mistakes in size and color. In addition to the fact that all world fashion brands are localized in France, whose product prices are not at all affordable, you can buy high-quality mid-level clothing here: Cacharel, Lanvin, Moncler, Plein Sud. The choice of clothes in France is huge, luxury and affordable brands are presented in any department store, the main thing is not to be mistaken in size.
Gifts for children
When choosing gifts from France for children, it is worth paying attention to local brands. In large shopping centers, brands of the mass market are always represented, which are distinguished by affordable prices and excellent quality. In these departments various seasonal offers are very common, so buying gifts may not be ruinous. Toy stores are a dangerous place to go with children. After all, the range here is incredibly wide. For kids, the giraffe Sophie will be a wonderful gift - a real cult toy of the French, or characters of Disney cartoons.
Gifts for women
It would be easiest to seem to find a gift for ladies in France, because the country has a real cult of women. But the choice can create a serious problem. The most correct decision will be French cosmetics. You can buy a set of miniature packages of makeup products or perfume bottles, and any woman will find use for them and will be happy with the gift. A large selection of kits is available at Sephora and Marionnaud stores. The second most popular gift is clothing from France. If you are not sure about getting into size, then you can opt for jewelry, bags, silk squares. The choice of such products in France is simply excellent, just go to any department store or shopping center.
Gifts for men
A solid gift for a man will be expensive French wines. A bottle of brandy or aged wine will delight both the connoisseur and the novice gourmet. An excellent selection of drinks for every taste and budget is offered by the French Nicolas chain of stores, its points are widely scattered throughout the country. A good selection of wines is offered by shops at airports, but you should not look for unique drinks here. Also, a close man will undoubtedly be pleased with high-quality French toilet water. You can pay attention to classic brands, such as Dior, or opt for products of small industries.
Original gifts
Those who do not want to go on beaten paths and want to bring something really unusual from France should advise going to small family shops, which are many in the country. You can surprise guests and friends by bringing them pasteis anise or green absinthe, the use of which can be turned into a whole fire show. Each province has its own unique crafts. Unusual ceramics, hand-painted glass oil bottles, handmade jewelry, wicker baskets for small items - these souvenirs will become a warm reminder of France. A fragrant gift will be a sachet of Provence herbs or a bottle of lavender oil. Provence is also famous for its poppy seed syrup, which can no longer be found anywhere. Despite the fact that coffee and tea do not grow in France, local shops offer a great selection of these drinks from around the world in interesting packaging. You can also buy ready-made sets of local specialties in souvenir packaging.