Languedoc property guide

Shopping

Original artwork by KATHIE MCGREGOR

Much of the charm of shopping in Languedoc lies in exploring the ancient medieval centres. Often the shops remain unchanged through generations. There are many small local shops, often concentrated in small market towns (e.g. Sommieres, population 3500 has 50 + small shops).

France also has a well developed retail distribution sector, and a wide choice of goods is easily available. The main supermarkets focus on French food products, but increasingly have more foreign goods for sale. Specialist shops stock difficult to find items such as californian wine, and foreign favourites.

Of course, to vary the choice, it is not too far to take a day trip to Spain where prices are often slightly cheaper.

It is normal to need to buy a variety of items when moving to a new house, particularly if it is in another country.

All the national chain shops are available in Languedoc. The main centres are Ville Actif in Nimes and Lattes / Perols in Montpellier. Both are near to the A9 motorway.

There are other centres both in Nimes and Montpellier, as well as Ales, Beziers, Agde, Narbonne, Avignon, Arles etc.

Useful links to local branches of major chain stores.