Wish there was a suitable comparison for Marks and Spencer. Love their grub and selections of wine.
We have been camping for the last few years at Gwithian Farm. 1st class site and location in every sense. It always gets great reviews. Additionally for me There is a Marks and Spencer outlet about 3 miles away at the Hayle junction which just completed the picture of perfection.
Found this completely unscientific review on line. It is a quiet sunday morning here in Inversneckie, so there are few distractions.
What is the hierarchy of French supermarkets? I've always considered Carrefour to be best and Super U worst.
It depends what criteria you use. We like to shop for things we can't find in the UK in places that are as "French" as possible, but at the keenest prices we can find. Our list goes like this:
1 Auchan For the total, gobsmacking hypermarket experience. Wide aisles, huge selection and cheap fuel. I especially like the mini-clouds of iced water they spray over the fresh fish and vegetables, and the cheese counter the size of the Ark Royal.
2 Leader Price Best of the cheapies: basic, no-frills shopping, including giant jars of herbs and £7-a-litre rye whiskey.
3 Carrefour A bit ordinary, but since they took over Champion they seem to have a more diverse range of goodies. The only place we know that sells Aligot in packets. Cheap fuel, too.
4 Intermarché A bit run down now, but always in useful, easily accessible places. It also has cheap fuel, and Merlot at £1.50 a litre!
5 Géant Casino Big and very French, but doesn't compare with Auchan.
6 E Leclerc Basically a mega-Sainsbury's, so very clean, with good, middle-of-the-road quality at mid-range prices, but hardly a continental experience.
7 Super U Chaotic, much too cluttered, but even cheaper fuel prices.
8= Netto In France the low-cost end of Intermarché; plus Simply, Ed and Atac, the local-stores part of Auchan.
Leclerc seems to attract the loud Brits abroad. I don't know why.
I prefer to try and stay under the radar and keep my gob shut. Some of the stuff I've overheard is embarrassing, especially when a lot of the young French staff speak excellent English. Judging by some of the moans they shouldn't be allowed to go abroad and should stay at home.
Don't forget Le Grand Frais. A bit more specialist, but wonderful fruit, veg and meats.
Otherwise, we shop around to vary the experience. We have found that each has its own specialities. However, often there is little choice, especially in more remote areas.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Quote: Originally posted by Ewen c on 13/3/2016
Leclerc seems to attract the loud Brits abroad. I don't know why.
The reason would be because price/quality trade off makes it about the best of the bunch & folk like to discuss what they are buying. I notice plenty of loud French/Dutch as well, perhaps it's because Leclerc is so good it makes us all joyful?
What about the French supermarkets, that have the assistants going around on roller blades, now I do especially like visiting those French supermarkets!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I like them all, for different things, and try to visit a good selection when we are touring France. Have bought some real bargains over the years, like swings, bbqs garden furniture, bikes, plant pots, china and glassware. And wine!! OH actually likes the Super U wine boxes.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Are you a fan of Super U?
