Paris Walmart vs. USA Walmart (These Prices will Shock You)
In this video we go shopping at the French Walmart, Carrefour, in a suburb of Paris, to see what French people really buy. We compare prices on everyday items, check the quality and freshness, and point out the odd things we have only ever found in France. If you are renting an apartment, curious about daily life here or thinking of moving, this gives you a real feel for a French hypermarket.
What surprised us
- A huge produce section with endives, celery root and many potato varieties, each for a specific use. Our mashed potatoes once turned gritty because we used the wrong kind.
- Fresh orange juice machines where you fill your own bottle.
- A meat counter with rabbit, quail, pork skin and plenty of pork. In France, filet mignon usually means pork.
- Affordable cheese, from Camembert de Normandie to goat cheese for a few euros.
- Eggs sold on the shelf, not in the fridge, and almost all brown.
- Wine, beer and spirits on sale, but no aspirin: medicine is only sold in pharmacies.
- Snacks in flavors like blue cheese and curry, sweet popcorn by default, and peanut-flavored cheese puffs.
- Food-scented shower gels, from caramel to cotton candy.
Prices we spotted
When we filmed, a bag of endives was 2.99 euros, a 1.5 kg pork roast was about 11 euros, a dozen free-range eggs was around 3 euros, a store-brand Bordeaux was under 6 euros a bottle and a 12-pack of French beer was 7.50 euros. Pre-made party food like canapés, mini croissants and potatoes dauphine makes entertaining easy. American brands, like Maxwell House coffee, can cost more because here they are imported.
Good to know
Bring your own shopping bags, as the store does not provide free ones. Prices change with the season, so use these as a rough guide only. We also show the slim power bank we carry so our phones never run out during a long day of sightseeing.
Planning a stay in Paris? Our Paris Guide Bundle covers hotels, restaurants and itineraries by arrondissement, and our Paris hotel guide has 125 picks by neighborhood. You can also see Antoine’s everyday anti-theft travel gear.