Although France has a number of large supermarket chains (such as Carrefour, E.Leclerc, Leader Price and Géant), independent boulangeries, pâtisseries and boucheries remain in every French city, town and village.
Many French people make a daily visit to their local boulangerie to buy a fresh baguette. This long, crusty bread stick is a staple of most meals. The annual week-long Fête du Pain (Festival of Bread) celebrates France’s traditional bakeries.
Street markets (des marchés) are very popular in France. Held on set days of the week, they offer locals and visitors the opportunity to fill their shopping baskets (des paniers à provisions) with fresh produce.