Shopping in Lyon

In the United States, we're so used to being able to get everything (or nearly so) in one big store like Target or Walmart. In France, this kind of shopping isn't usually possible. There's Monoprix--France's closest equivalent to Target--which sells clothes, food, hygiene products, and some other things, but even Monoprix isn't as extensive as Target. Stores tend to be smaller and more specific. For example, on one of Lyon's major shopping streets, there are stores that sell just tights/socks, just hats, or just purses. This sometimes makes it hard to figure out where to buy certain products.

I needed a locker lock for when Annie and I go rock climbing, but I obviously couldn't just go to Target on the assumption that they'd sell locks, which is what I would have done at home. When I looked up where to buy locks, the search results were all for locksmiths, not the kind of lock I needed. After finding a different word for padlock (le cadenas, rather than le verrou, which is the lock on your door), I realized padlocks are sold at hardware stores. On the tour the USAC staff gave us on the first day, they pointed out Maxi Bazar. Maxi Bazar is best described as a combination of IKEA and Five Below, three floors of chaotic organization and cramped aisles. It's where I bought my yoga mat and mattress protector. I was able to find padlocks (by random luck) in the mini hardware section in the basement.

Grocery stores are also quite different. They tend to be smaller, with fewer brands/products, though there are more individual stores. I've been able to buy a box of eight granola bars for about €2; the same box would have been $10-12 in the US. Food prices are significantly lower here across the board. (And yes, that includes wine.) However, stores aren't open as late, and they don't open at all on Sunday. (There are some exceptions in the morning for stores; restaurants, museums, and emergency pharmacies are open on Sundays.)

It's fascinating to see what American stores/restaurants have made it to France, as well as what European stores have made it to the US. I've seen Starbucks, McDonald's, Subway, and Panda Express. The US, of course, has the European clothing store H&M. France also has Aldi, although the management, from what I've heard, isn't at all connected to the American version. I've seen that there are two Costcos in Paris. Curious to see if it's true that French McDonald's are fancier, I went there for lunch this weekend. The chicken nuggets did feel slightly healthier, but it was hard to compare because I haven't been to a McDonald's in the US in forever. The seating area was much cleaner and nicer. Ranch was not an option.

Some other differences:

• No sales tax! You actually know what your total will be at the register, and you can easily pay in cash in exact change.

• It's impolite not to say bonjour/bonsoir when entering a store or restaurant.

• You have to pay for bags unless you bring your own reusable ones. The bags offered at the store are always paper.

• Starbucks gift cards purchased in the US only work in select international locations, not including Europe. I was glad I checked before trying to use mine!