What food to bring on a self-catering holiday?

[MsFogi]

We are going on a s-c holiday for the first time. We’ll be in France and are driving there - I am looking forward to buying lovely fresh food in the markets but wonder what ´ basics’ should bring so as not to have to spend a fortune in the supermarket on stuff I could have easily packed. Does anyone have a handy tried and tested list?

I would take good which your family can’t live without - brands of cereal, tea, coffee, tomato sauce etc. I also would take food for the first 24-48 hours - French supermarkets can be closed on Sundays.

This, and (long life) milk!
Milk is surprisingly difficult to find in France and I need a cup of tea when I get there.
I would definitely take something (even pasta and a jar of sauce) so you have something for when you get there / the night you don't get to the shop / if you are delayed / etc.

A knife sharpener as the knives are usually blunt.