How to Use French Street Market Vocabulary Like a Local

There’s no better way to soak up the local culture than wandering through a French street market. The smells of fresh bread, the chatter of vendors, and the colourful stalls offer a perfect backdrop to practice your French. Whether you're in Provence or Paris, here’s the essential vocabulary you’ll need to navigate a marché like a local.

🥖 Basic Words

• Le marché – market

• Un étal – a stall

• Le marchand / la marchande – vendor

• Des produits frais – fresh produce

• Un panier – a basket

  
  

🧀 Common Phrases

• C’est combien? Ça fait combien? – How much is it?

• Je peux goûter? – Can I taste?

• Je prends… – I’ll take…

• Je voudrais... – I would like

• Avez-vous de la monnaie ? – Do you have change?

• Par carte – By card

• En espèce / cash – In cash

• C’est trop cher ! – It’s too expensive!

  
  

🍅 Food-Specific Terms

• Des fruits et légumes – fruit and vegetables

• Du fromage – cheese

• De la charcuterie – cured meats

• Du pain – bread

• Des herbes fraîches – fresh herbs

• Des olives / les noix – olives / nuts

⚖️ Talking About Quantity

Vendors will often ask you how much you’d like. Here are some handy expressions:

• Un kilo de pommes – a kilo of apples

• Une tranche de jambon – a slice of ham

• Une douzaine d’œufs – a dozen eggs

• Un morceau de fromage – a piece of cheese

• Un peu de / un petit peu de… – a bit of…

• Beaucoup de… – a lot of…

🇫🇷 Tips for Visiting a French Market

• Markets usually run in the morning and close by lunchtime.

• Bring cash – especially coins!

• A polite bonjour to the vendor goes a long way.

• Don’t hesitate to chat – it’s part of the experience.

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