Quick Facts
- Expats living in France
- International buyers seeking French goods
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for deals
- France is Europe's 2nd largest e-commerce market with €175.3 billion turnover in 2024
- 78% of French buyers prefer pickup points (Point Relais) over home delivery
- Bank cards dominate (61%) with digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Wero growing (34%)
- New 2025 VAT rules make Amazon.fr to Switzerland shipping significantly easier
For expats and international shoppers, master the Point Relais pickup system and stick to card payments. Amazon leads for speed and selection, while Cdiscount offers better prices on appliances and Veepee delivers deep discounts for patient shoppers.
France has quietly become the e-commerce juggernaut of Europe.
While the world looks to the US or China, the French market hit a record turnover of €175.3 billion in 2024. It is now the 9th largest market globally and second only to the UK in Europe. But if you try to shop here using American or British habits, you might hit a wall.
Why? Because the French do things differently. They prefer picking up packages at local tobacconists rather than having them left on porches. They have their own digital wallets (hello, Wero), and their local champions compete fiercely with global giants.
Whether you are an expat living in Paris or an international buyer looking for French goods, this guide cuts through the noise to show you exactly where to shop and how to navigate the logistics.
The French E-Commerce Landscape: What You Need to Know
Before you fill your cart, you need to understand the infrastructure. It is robust, but specific.
How the French Pay
Forget Cash on Delivery. In France, the bank card is king. As of mid-2025, 61% of transactions are made via cards (Carte Bancaire, Visa, Mastercard). However, the landscape is shifting:
- Digital Wallets: PayPal and Apple Pay now hold a 34% market share. A major newcomer to watch is Wero, the European digital wallet that launched in late 2024 and is rapidly gaining traction across French banks.
- Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): While popular elsewhere, this only accounts for about 5% of the market here. Don’t expect every local site to offer split payments.
The “Point Relais” Phenomenon
This is the biggest cultural difference. While La Poste (Colissimo) remains the top carrier, a staggering 78% of French buyers prefer pickup points (Mondial Relay, Relay Colis) over home delivery. It’s cheaper, often more reliable, and avoids the dreaded “missed delivery” slip.
The Curated List: Top Online Shopping Sites in France
The market is concentrated. Amazon leads with a massive 22% market share (€35 billion turnover), but local historical players are holding their ground.
Amazon France
Best for: Speed, reliability, and finding literally anything.
Amazon is the undisputed heavyweight champion in France. It sets the standard for logistics with Prime delivery.
Practitioner Tip for Swiss Neighbors: Historically, ordering from Amazon.fr to Switzerland was a headache. However, as of January 1, 2025, new VAT rules have streamlined this. Amazon now collects Swiss VAT at checkout and acts as the importer for many items, making cross border shopping significantly smoother than in previous years.
Cdiscount
Best for: High-tech electronics and home appliances.
Cdiscount is the “French Amazon” and the second largest pure player with a turnover of €4.2 billion. While they used to dabble in selling used cars, they have pivoted. As of late 2024, their auto partners ceased activities, so Cdiscount has refocused its “Auto” category strictly on parts, tires, and accessories.
If you are furnishing an apartment, check here firstthey often beat Amazon on price for large appliances and furniture. Speaking of furniture, you might also want to check our guide on the top 10 online furniture stores in France for more specialized options.
Veepee (formerly Vente Privee)
Best for: Flash sales on premium fashion and travel.
If you still call it “Vente Privee,” you are dating yourself. Now fully rebranded as Veepee, this site invented the flash sale model. It partners with 7,000 brands to offer heavy discounts (often 50-70% off) for short periods. It remains a leader in the fashion space, serving 66 million members.
The Catch: Shipping is slow. You are trading time for money. If you need a dress for this weekend, go to Zalando instead; use Veepee for non urgent bargains.
Carrefour & E.Leclerc
Best for: Groceries and daily essentials.
In the food sector, two giants are fighting a war for your wallet. E.Leclerc currently leads the market (24.4% share), largely thanks to its mastery of the “Drive” concept (order online, pick up by car). Carrefour follows closely (22.3% share) and is investing heavily in home delivery, with its global e-commerce GMV hitting €5.9 billion in 2024.
Sephora
Best for: Premium beauty and cosmetics.
Sephora isn’t just a store; it’s a beauty authority. While you can buy shampoo at Carrefour, Sephora dominates the premium segment. Their loyalty program is robust, and they frequently offer “web only” brands that you cannot find in their physical boutiques. If you are looking for more specific health items, you might want to read about navigating a France online pharmacy.
Smart Shopping: Practical Tips for 2026
- Language Barrier: While major sites have English interfaces, many local French sites do not. Use a browser extension for auto translation, but double check return policies (CDV – Conditions Générales de Vente) as translation errors there can be costly.
- Sales Periods (Soldes): France has legally regulated sales periods (Winter and Summer). Prices on sites like Cdiscount and Veepee drop significantly during these weeks. Mark your calendar.
- Food Specialties: Don’t just stick to big box stores. For niche items like high-end chocolates, specialized artisans often ship directly. Check our guide on the best chocolatiers in France for inspiration.
