Travelers tend to grab something in the visited countries as a memento of the trip, 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 their choice must be approached thoroughly.
History of tradition
Souvenirs originated from objects used by ancient people in various rituals. Initially, these figurines were assigned special magical properties, and today the tourist unwittingly attaches special significance to any object taken in a memorable 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 life, souvenirs are no longer filled with deep symbolic meaning. But they continue to be part of the ritual: a person who has returned from a trip is almost obliged to give gifts to acquaintances andloved ones with even small gifts. Otherwise, the value of travel would be reduced as well. The choice of souvenirs usually lies in three planes. These are memorabilia with the symbols of the place (mugs, plates, magnets); local goodies; practical gifts.
French speci alties
The gastronomic term "speci alty" 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 is the richest country in this sense. It is associated with wines, cheeses, perfumes, fashion, art and many other things. Therefore, the question of what to bring from France can be difficult to find answers. France is rightly proud of its cuisine, cosmetics and fashion brands, and products from these industries are worthy 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 trip to France is the national cuisine of the country. Naturally, tourists tend to take something tasty and unusual with them to please and surprise their loved ones. The first item on the list of edible souvenirs is cheese, which became especially relevant during the period when the import of this product to Russia was restricted. The most famous and well tolerated by transportation are Roquefort, more familiar to the taste of Russians.emmental, aristocratic camembert, as well as democratic conte and temple. Be aware that cheeses often have a very pungent odor and are best transported vacuum-packed in the luggage compartment.
Another speci alty of France are pates, in particular foie gras, truffle pastes. These products are often quite expensive, and not everyone likes their taste, so you need to be careful with such a souvenir.
Confectionery is a very popular gift. The famous Macarons, chocolates, 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, burgundy - all these drinks are real French speci alties. Thinking about what to bring from France, many people remember strong drinks. An excellent gift would be a bottle of the famous Dom Perignon or "Veuve Clicquot" champagne. For lovers of stronger drinks, the famous cognacs or Calvados, sung by Remarque, are suitable. Often people, buying tickets to France, are going to visit the famous wine regions of the country: Bordeaux, Buse, Cahors, Alsace, Provence. Here you can find the best drinks in the world. And, of course, you should take a few bottles with you, which 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 bestquality. Therefore, French cosmetics are one of the gifts most often brought from the country. The purchase can be made in luxury department stores in Paris, in branded brand stores or at the airport, in duty-free departments, and save money in addition. The world leadership in cosmetics sales belongs to three French brands: Chanel, Clarins and Dior. In France, you can always buy new brands in branded stores. Prices for the products of leading manufacturers are, of course, high, but they will still be cheaper in Paris than in Yekaterinburg, for example. You should also pay attention to more budget brands that are less famous, but of very high quality: La Roche Posay, Bourjois, Biotherm. A good selection of the country's beauty brands is available at Sephora stores, where you can buy sets and the best new items.
Perfume
The first thing that comes to mind when answering the question of what to bring from France is perfume. The country has no competitors in the 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. The Printemps Haussmann department store has the largest perfume department in the world. Here you can find all the new items, as well as rare items from limited edition perfumes. The industry leaders, of course, are Chanel, Lancome, Christian Dior. However, you should also pay attention to less popular perfume houses that create fragrances in small batches. Caron, JAR, Etat Libre d'Orange - these names are little known in Russia, these are places for connoisseurs. But this is where you can find youra fragrance that will stand out against the backdrop of hyped perfumes.
Clothes
For practical people, clothing from France is an excellent combination of pleasant and useful. You can bring clothes for your loved ones and yourself that will remind you of the trip for a long time. Universal gifts include accessories: scarves, gloves, ties. With them it is difficult to make a mistake in size and color. In addition to the fact that all world fashion brands are localized in France, the prices for their products are not at all democratic, here you can buy high-quality clothes of medium-level brands: Cacharel, Lanvin, Moncler, Plein Sud. The choice of clothes in France is huge, in any department store there are luxury and affordable brands, the main thing is not to make a mistake with the sizes.
Gifts for children
When choosing gifts from France for children, you should pay attention to local brands. In large shopping centers, mass-market brands are always presented, which are distinguished by affordable prices and excellent quality. These departments very often have various seasonal offers, so buying gifts may not be a ruinous business. Toy stores are a dangerous place to go with children. After all, the range here is incredibly wide. For kids, Sophie the giraffe, a real cult toy of the French, or Disney cartoon characters, will be a wonderful gift.
Gifts for women
The easiest way, it would seem, is to find a gift for ladies in France, because there is a real cult of women in the country. But the choice maycreate a serious problem. The most correct decision will be French cosmetics. You can buy a set of miniature packages of cosmetics or perfume bottles, and any woman will find a use for them and will be pleased with the gift. A large selection of sets is available at Sephora and Marionnaud stores. The second most popular gift is clothing from France. If you are not sure about getting into the size, then you can opt for jewelry, bags, silk squares. The choice of such goods in France is simply excellent, just go to any department store or shopping center.
Gifts for men
Expensive French wines will be a solid gift for a man. A bottle of cognac or aged wine will delight both connoisseurs and novice gourmets. An excellent selection of drinks for every taste and budget is offered by the French Nicolas chain of stores, its outlets 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 look to classic brands like Dior or opt for smaller brands.
Original gifts
Those who do not want to follow the beaten paths and want to bring something really unusual from France should be advised to go to small family shops, which are many in the country. You can surprise guests and friends by bringing them pastis anise liqueur or green absinthe, the use of which can be turned into a whole fire show. In every provincehave their own unique crafts. Unusual ceramics, hand-painted glass bottles for oil, handmade jewelry, wicker baskets for small things - 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 syrup, which cannot be found anywhere else. 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 speci alties in souvenir packaging.
