As visitors to France discover time and time again, French food ranks among the world’s finest. There’s nothing quite like some freshly harvested truffles, the new season’s Langue cheese from Champagne or that artisan saucisse made to a centuries-old recipe in Lyon.
But what if your craving for these delicacies hits when you’re miles away or when your next visit is still months ahead in the calendar? That’s where this blog post comes in because it lists where to buy French food overseas. We’ve sourced the go-to locations for those little treats that bring la France to the table in your kitchen.
Need to read up on the food? Discover the best books about French food.
First stop to buy French food overseas
The French art of dining well has spread worldwide and as a result, shops and stores in the UK and US now stock French produce. Start your search in these:
Your local supermarket
If you haven’t already, check out the international food aisle in your local supermarket. While there probably won’t be a massive choice, you might be surprised to find that the basics for French food are here. They include extra virgin olive oil, Maille mustards, Brie and Camembert cheeses, and foie gras.
UK supermarkets stocking French foods – for the real McCoy try Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and M&S.
US supermarkets stocking French foods – Trader Joe, Whole Foods Market
Your local delis
If your local supermarket doesn’t live up to your expectations, try a nearby delicatessen. Chances are that Italian products will dominate the shelves, but we know there’ll also be some French goodies lurking amongst them. If not, ask the owner if they’d consider stocking what you’re looking for.
Your local market
Whether it’s a daily occurrence or a weekly event, your local market may run to a French stall or two. Cheeses and cold cuts are the easiest to source, but at big city venues such as Borough Market in London or Le District in New York, you’ll find stalls literally groaning with French goodies.
>>> Check out the ultimate guide to French gastronomy, from A to Z!
Your local boulangerie or patisserie
Specialist bakers outside France can now give their French counterparts a real run for their money when it comes to freshly baked baguettes, brioche and macarons. In the UK, PAUL and GAIL’s both make great French bread and cakes. In the US, Bakery de France has countrywide outlets and Paris Baguette has numerous locations, mostly on the east and west coasts.
Where to buy French food overseas and online
However, despite the profusion of specialist delis and the ever-increasing selection of French food in supermarkets, they don’t always cut it. Or, you might live in a location where French produce has yet to appear on the local foodie radar.
In that case, the internet comes to the rescue in the following online stores. We’ve chosen a selection in the UK and US, and most of them deliver countrywide, giving you litle excuse not to enjoy a table laden with French delicacies.
Best online outlets for French food in the UK
- Deli Français – founder Fabien specialises in terroir products for the perfect diner, so along with your Périgord truffle and pork rillettes you can also buy bouillabaisse and galettes bretonnes.
- Epiceriecorner – almost like a real French supermarket with all your favourite brands on the online shelves, all stocked by French expats in the UK, so you know you’re getting the real thing.
- Frenchclick – fresh products from France including dedicated sections for real duck confit, cassoulet and steak haché fans. The stock also runs to household products so you can put a wash on with Le Chat.
- Mon Panier Latin – possibly one of the largest online sites to buy French food overseas, this one stocks thousands of products, some of which come with handy reviews.
>>> Add these 10 culinary highlights to your French food shopping list.
Best online outlets for French food in the US
D’Artagnan – founded by a French man, this online store specialises in meat, shellfish and cold cuts, but you can also shop truffles and French pantry staples.
Frenchery – think of this as your one-stop shop for everything French including soap and wine. And if you’re short of inspiration, check out the recipe section.
Goudy Charcuterie – as you’d expect from the name, this store majors in meat and cold cuts with Toulouse sausages one of the stars on the shelves. You can even buy an Opinel knife to cut them with!
Le Panier Français – another online supermarket with a wide range of favourites including Orangina and Le Petit Prince. They also do a line in French books and games.
Try before you buy
As this post has shown, it’s relatively easy to find French food overseas, but however well stocked the shop, there’s just no substitute for the real thing. And where better to try it than onboard a fabulous cruise on one of France’s majestic waterways?
All our luxury barge holidays and riverboat cruises feature fine wining and dining, with local produce taking centre stage at all meals. And excursions and tours include local markets, vineyards, Michelin star restaurants and other gastronomic treats.
Not sure which waterway or cruise is best for your tastebuds? Get in touch with our expert team for help and insider tips. Meanwhile, bon appetit!
