What lovely things to take home from France?

[hastalav]

Going to Normandy end of Summer for a week. I haven't been to France in a long time now, so wondered if anyone has recommendations for nice things French to take home apart from wine?

Things from the pharmacie, the supermarche, etc. Not perishable. Would love to hear.

I will be buying a few cases of wine in Auchan or similar and Efferalgan (fizzy non caffeine paracetemol), so what else?

Thanks!

If you have little ones the Monoprix baby and kids clothes

Chestnut honey

Apaisyl cream for bites

Great thread! Following

It affects anything with large amounts of diary (chocolate is still fine), vegetables or meat. Oh and seeds.

Only been brought into force by UK customers since the end of January which is why many posters won't yet be aware of it.

Lots of the things mentioned on this thread are now off limits to bring into the UK without a proper import licence and you could face a fine if you do try (and you'll have the goods taken off you).

Only came into force end of January this year.

It's a recent rule change.

I always bring back nice soaps, usually from the market. Lavender sprays too.

The weather, please.

This is the relevant gov.uk page with further links to check the rules on meat, dairy, fish and animal products and fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain

Bonne maman sables biscuits
Brest crisps - the mustard ones and the S&V ones are 👌🏻

Thanks all so much for your suggestions. I will keep this thread for reference when I get there!

Regarding the food restrictions, well I won't be taking back anything except for own use, so it doesn't look like I'll have too much bother (from EU). I won't be taking back much fresh stuff anyway, apart from some items that have caught my eye from your recommendations.

If anyone has anything else to add, I'm sure I and others will be delighted.

It doesn't matter whether it's for your own use or not. The restrictions on the gov.uk site apply to holidaymakers. They are detailed in the 'Travel abroad' section under 'Return to UK > Bringing food into Great Britain'
https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/travel-abroad

Proper mayonaise - the French stuff has mustard in it and is much nicer than the stuff you get here. Jars or tins of anchovies. Bonne Maman rhubarb jam - can't get it here and it is yum. In fact all sorts of more interesting jams. Biscuits too.

Not the point of the thread but i recently saw Bonne maman rhubarb jam in our local waitrose, so do have a look!😀

Thanks, I read it and I honestly can't see restrictions on dairy, meat, fish nuts and seeds etc. for own use. I realise there are limits on alcohol, but I'm not too bothered about that, will bring what we can between us adults.

That's importing from EU. I understand there are restrictions from outside the EU.

Am I missing something important?

Cast iron cookware from the supermarket. Much more affordable than UK!

nuit calme miel tea - it’s a camomile and honey one but you can really taste the honey much more than any of the brands here

cute stationery (and yes baby clothes) from monoprix - post it sets etc!

By my reading of it, you'd be OK with things suggested on here, like butter and cheese and produce in cans and jars.

And I second other posters' suggestions of jams and sirops. I look for jams - greengage (reine claude), bilberry (myrtille) and blackberry (mure) - for a taste of my childhood, and rhubarb sirop, really refreshing with sparkling water.

LU Chamonix biscuits - they're orange flavoured.
And eat as much flan pâtissier and tarte au citron as you can whilst you're there.

Will do! I really like lemon flavoured things.

@Mirandasbiggestfan can confirm Hollywood chewing gum was at the checkout in my local E. Leclerc this morning!

Another vote for Le Petit Marseillais toiletries. Also savon de Marseille, although I have discovered you can get it (for a price of course) in the UK now. We also usually bring back a string of market and cheese that is difficult to track down in the UK (eg Gouda with cumin).

Cider, especially as you'll be in Normandy. This year I also want to pick up some traditional 'tasse de cidre' as well.
And I always bring back Breton biscuits too.

I REALLY want to go to France now!

Another vote for Le Petit Marseillais here, love it!

Those boxes of herby sucky sweets, Ricola?

I was in France last week but had carryon luggage only. Got some makeup, a water bottle and hand towels in Hema, some nice chocs for friends and a couple of cute postcards from Galleries Lafayette to frame. Monoprix is always worth a look, they have some lovely clothes at the moment.

We are going in 5 weeks and I can't wait! DH has been there for the last week finishing and brought back Crémant for me and fizzy sweets for the DDs.

We will be staying near Courselles sur Mer. Never been before but it looks cute and plenty of fresh seafood on the menu!

While I'm here, if anyone has been to Normandy are there any hidden gems I should know about?

I've been to the landing beaches and Arromanches and Bayeux war museum etc. many years ago. It was wonderful. This time I want to wander and go to local markets etc. and EAT nice food too. More leisurely I hope!