E. Leclerc is consistently ranked as the cheapest major supermarket in France for a broad range of products, often up to 7% cheaper than the national average, according to studies. For the absolute lowest prices, budget chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Netto are competitive alternatives, while Intermarché and Super U are also known for competitive pricing.
In Paris, you can find more affordable items like T-shirts, sweaters - especially the signature Ami de Cœur - and trousers. Shopping at AMI Paris is a blend of contemporary and classic, offering a refined yet laid-back shopping experience that embodies Parisian cool.
Aldi has now been cheapest supermarket of the year five times in a row. Lidl won the title in 2020, but Aldi has won every year since then. However, Lidl is starting to close the gap. It went 20 months - from November 2023 to June 2025 - without winning the monthly contest, but has won it twice since then.
Leclerc stores are 5.5% cheaper than the average of all own-brand products sold. This was closely followed by Carrefour (2.7% cheaper), and Intermarché (2% cheaper). In contrast, own-brand products sold in Monoprix stores are on average 16.7% more expensive than their equivalents in other supermarkets, the study said.
10 Tricks & Secrets for Grocery Shopping in Paris, France
What is the 5 4 3 2 1 grocery rule?
The 5-4-3-2-1 grocery method is a viral TikTok trend for balanced, easy meal planning, guiding you to buy 5 vegetables, 4 fruits, 3 proteins, 2 grains/carbs, and 1 fun treat (or 2 sauces/spreads + 1 treat) for the week, simplifying shopping by focusing on food groups rather than specific recipes, allowing for flexibility while ensuring a variety of nutrients.
The closest equivalents to Tesco in France are major supermarket chains like Carrefour (especially Carrefour Market/Hypermarket for variety/size) and E. Leclerc, offering extensive groceries, similar to Tesco's range and scale; while Monoprix is like a Tesco Metro/Express with quality own-brands, and Franprix or Carrefour City serve the convenience store niche, like Tesco Express, found in city centers.
What's the difference between Carrefour and Carrefour Market?
There're different types of Carrefours, depending on the size of the store. Carrefour Contact, Carrefour City, and Carrefour Express are convenience stores. Carrefour Market is a regular supermarket. Hypermarket Carrefour is the biggest and sells non-food items as well.
I shopped at Auchan, which I call the 'Costco of France. ' From home decor to aisles just for yogurt, here's what it's like. I'm an American living in France who shops at Auchan, which reminds me of Costco.
McDonald's prices at Disneyland Paris are generally similar to UK prices, with some items being slightly more expensive. For example, a Big Mac meal costs around €10.10, and a Royal BBQ Bacon meal is about €10.15. A Happy Meal is around €4.00. A bottle of water is €3.50 and a bottle of Coke is €4.20.
Both Carrefour and Lulu offer regular promotions on groceries. However, Carrefour often has more competitive prices, especially with its private-label products.
What is the French equivalent of Marks and Spencer?
The closest French equivalent to Marks & Spencer (M&S) is Monoprix, a supermarket chain offering high-quality food, fashion, beauty, and homewares, similar to M&S's blend of groceries and clothing in an attractive, middle-of-the-road style, especially in their larger stores. While Monoprix captures the general vibe, for specific M&S strengths, you might look at specialist organic grocers like Bio c' Bon or Naturalia for quality food, and department stores like Printemps or Galeries Lafayette for broader fashion/home goods, though M&S Food also has a presence in Paris now.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lidl is one of the cheapest supermarkets in France. This German discount chain is famous across Europe for its selection of cheap products. Items are displayed in cardboard boxes and there are special weekly offers.
If you just look at prices supermarkets, it's easy to think that the UK is cheaper than France. Indeed, overall, groceries and consumer prices are lower in the UK than in France, and by more than 10%. However, that wouldn't be completely fair; indeed, rents also need to take into account.
The closest equivalents to Tesco in France are major supermarket chains like Carrefour (especially Carrefour Market/Hypermarket for variety/size) and E. Leclerc, offering extensive groceries, similar to Tesco's range and scale; while Monoprix is like a Tesco Metro/Express with quality own-brands, and Franprix or Carrefour City serve the convenience store niche, like Tesco Express, found in city centers.
Basically, any French supermarket will have stock that is far superior to your average UK Waitrose. I'd say Leclerc is the closest to Waitrose in terms of range and quality- they have a very good wine range and obviously much cheaper!
