10 French Market Bags for Grocery Shopping & Beyond

Living

Mar 12

Written By Lily

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.

Peek inside almost any French kitchen, and you’ll find a designated market bag. Since plastic shopping bags aren’t free in France (nor are they the most eco-friendly), the French never head to the marché or grocery store empty-handed. Sometimes it’s a Filt net bag, a linen tote, a woven basket, or even a cart on wheels for serious hauls, but they always have a way to carry it all.

From fresh produce to beach essentials, these French market bags make transporting everything effortless—and oh-so-stylish. Continue reading to discover the 10 best French market bags and baskets for grocery shopping and beyond (including my favorite option that you’ll only find in France).

Grocery Shopping in France

If you visit a French marché, you’ll want some type of French market bag, whether it’s a woven basket, a canvas tote or a sac filet. Since French market vendors typically offer only small paper or plastic bags, most local shoppers come prepared with their own shopping bag—and sometimes a few extras to keep certain items like eggs, berries and flowers separate. And even if you don’t live in France or aren’t a regular at your local farmer’s market, a French market tote somehow always finds a purpose, whether it’s for storage, decor, or outings like picnics and beach days.

You’ll also spot several people using rolling shopping carts (yes, the kind you may have once associated with grandmas). Many French locals opt for a cart on wheels, especially when stocking up on a lot of items. After seeing them all over my TikTok feed, I decided to invest in a Hulken bag, which I have been using for my grocery hauls here in France. I got the medium size, and it’s definitely a game-changer if you live in the city (French or not).

Essential Market Etiquette

Beyond the bag, there are a few things to keep in mind to shop like a true Frenchie. At the markets, you’ll definitely want to carry cash and coins. While some vendors accept cards, many still prefer cash, especially at smaller stalls.

Getting to the markets early is also a good idea. If you arrive late, you may find the best produce picked over and big crowds everywhere. On the weekends, I try to go before 10 a.m. here in Strasbourg, but in bigger cities like Paris, you might want to try for a bit earlier.

One of the great joys of shopping at the French farmer’s market is the personal connection you can build with vendors. Many stall owners are passionate about their goods and will happily suggest the best produce and products. And if a vendor offers you a sample, don’t hesitate to accept. Tasting is all part of the experience. After all, what better way to ensure you’re bringing home the best of the best?

Tips for the Grocery Store

At French grocery stores like Carrefour, E. Leclerc and Monoprix, you won’t see big baskets as often as at open-air markets. Instead, shoppers typically bring their own reusable bags—often simple supermarket totes, but sometimes canvas or linen options. Below I’m recommending a few stylish choices that make grocery runs feel a little more elevated.

In most French supermarkets, you’ll need to weigh your fruits and vegetables at a small kiosk before heading to the checkout. I’ve made this mistake before, and it’s usually fine if you only have one or two items. But if you’ve loaded your bag with fruits and veggies, the cashier might tell you to go back and weigh it all first.

One more thing to note: many grocery stores in France close for lunch or have reduced hours on Sundays. It's something I miss about the U.S.—the convenience of shopping whenever you want. But over the years, I’ve gotten used to doing my shopping on Saturdays and then meal prepping for the week on Sundays.

With that, let’s get into my picks for the best French market bags and baskets!