You're about to board your Eurostar/bus/plane home and you still haven't bought presents for your loved ones. And admittedly, as much as we love the city's concept stores and vintage boutiques, they don't offer the most straightforward of shopping experiences. But don't panic – and for goodness sake, don't waste your money on Eiffel Tower tat. Or risk certain death on the Champs-Elysées.
The simple solution is to find your nearest Monoprix, arm yourself with our list and in one fell swoop, pick up the very finest Parisian souvenirs to wow your family and friends. Brimming with high-quality goods in swoonworthy packaging, Monoprix is the French equivalent of Marks & Spencer or Whole Foods, where the usual rule still stands – the bigger the store, the better the choice (monop' is the mini version – if it wasn't obvious from the name.)
From foie gras to fig chutney, browse the best buys under €20 at the shopping seventh heaven that is Monoprix, then take a breath and go forth in your noble gifting mission. Or just keep them all for yourself...we don't blame you.
€6.61
Brag all you like about having queued for the legendary hot chocolate at Angelina, but now do the good thing and buy bottle of their liquid gold for a fellow cocoa fiend. Heat it up, serve it in a pretty china cup and voilà – it’ll be just like the real thing. Minus the wall frescoes and fancy waiters, obviously.
Who's it for? Anyone who refuses to queue for Angelina.
€15.18
While in some countries, foie gras is a controversial black market item, it’s sold practically everywhere in Paris. There’s so much, you could bathe in the stuff. But that would be vile. So instead, bring a pot back and covet it for a special occasion, to spread on toasted brioche with a blob of fig jam. And then keep the jar for something Pinterest-worthy.
Who's it for? Animal rights deniers.
€3.09
First there was Nutella, now there’s Speculoos. This velvety biscuity spread is a household name in France and is beginning to spread itself liberally overseas too (some may recognise the Lotus brand from the biscuits you get in the hairdressers). Gift with a disclaimer – it’s highly addictive so you'll catch even the most strong-willed sweet tooth spooning it from the jar.
Who's it for? The dessert lover who’s bored of Nutella.
€6.66
So you’ve heard of a Kir or a Kir Royale – wine or champagne with a glug of cassis – but go off piste and get your hands on a bottle of crème de pêche. Sweeter and more summery than it’s blackcurrant cousin, it’s the kind of thing that makes people go 'ooh' and 'aah' at parties.
Who’s it for? The hostess with the mostest.
€5.61
If you thought figs didn’t exist outside of Fig Rolls, it’s time to sort your life out. Figs are big in France. And they are far from just a sweet treat. This cute pot of fig chutney is a must for any cheese aficionado and will take a cheeseboard from decent to celestial.
Who's it for? Anyone who takes their cheeseboard seriously.
€3.36
Another appearance of that Guerande salt – this time in a rich salted caramel spread (another classically Parisian combination you’ll see cropping up everywhere from neighbourhood bakeries to Michelin-starred restaurants). This stuff should be illegal, it tastes so good. For blobbing on ice cream, slathering on crepes or eating on toast. Because life is too short not to.
Who's it for? Bon vivants.
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