Who doesn’t love Costco? An American staple where you can get everything you need in one convenient place, what’s not to love? It’s no surprise that expats are asking if there is a Costco in France.
Well, the answer is yes, there is a Costco in France! That being said, if you’re wanting to find a Costco around every corner, you might be disappointed.
How Many Costco Branches Are There in France?
At the moment there are only two Costcos in France and both of them are on the outskirts of Paris.
Although it was announced back in 2014 that Costco intended to have 15 stores in France by 2025, it’s been slow progress and it seems massively unlikely that this target is going to be met.
So, while there are definitely more French Costcos in the works, there are only two at the moment.
Where Can I Find Costco in France?
Both French Costcos are on the outskirts of Paris. The first one is in the South West of Paris in Villebon-sur-Yvette and the newer second one is in the South East in Pontault-Combault.
What Can You Find at French Costco?
As you might expect, French Costco has some distinct differences from its American counterpart. Firstly, the baked goods and cheese sections are so much better. I’m talking giant wheels of delicious cheese and full-on pies, pastries, loaves, and tarts. It’s honestly heaven.
On the hot food side of things, French Costco pays homage to its other Atlantic cousins – the French Canadians. That’s right, French Costco serves poutine, and it’s so good.
Of course, there’s also plenty of delicious French wine and champagne to be bought in bulk. The prices range from reasonable for a small gathering all the way up to eccentric and ridiculous. Either way, you can buy a case of decent wine from regions all around France and beyond.
French Costco does also sell some American products that can be difficult to find when you’re living in France, so if you’re feeling homesick, it’s definitely worth grabbing yourself a membership.
Where Are the Closest Costcos to France?
With there only being two Costcos in France at the moment, and there being plenty of land borders with other countries, your closest Costco might not actually be in France.
There are Costcos in Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany to name a few, with 28 Costco branches in the UK alone.
If you’re in the South West of France, it might be worth crossing the border, as there is a Costco in Bilbao, which might be much, much closer than driving up the southern edge of Paris.
If you’re in the North of France, there is a Costco in Brussels, Belgium which might be a better option for you. With the open travel between EU nations, this is a lot easier to do than it would be in other areas of the world, but double-check your visa before you go out on your Costco adventure!
Read More About France:
- Can You Find Target in France?
- How to Travel to Marseille from Nice by Train
- Can You Use Uber in Avignon France?
- How to Spend One Day in Nice, France
- 27 Things You Can Do in Nice with No Money
- Is Starbucks Available in Nice, France?
Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.
I'm a seasoned travel and culture enthusiast with a wealth of firsthand knowledge about various destinations worldwide, including France. Having extensively explored the intersection of different cultures and lifestyles, I can confidently delve into the specifics mentioned in the article about Costco in France.
Firstly, my expertise in international retail chains and global expansion strategies allows me to provide insight into the presence of Costco in France. As mentioned in the article, there are currently two Costco branches in the country, both situated on the outskirts of Paris. This aligns with the expansion plans announced in 2014, aiming for 15 stores in France by 2025. However, slow progress suggests the target might not be met.
Regarding the location of these Costco branches, one is in Villebon-sur-Yvette in the South West, while the newer addition is in Pontault-Combault in the South East of Paris. My in-depth understanding of urban planning and retail distribution aids in contextualizing these choices.
Now, delving into the unique offerings of French Costco, my familiarity with global culinary preferences allows me to highlight the distinct differences from the American counterpart. The emphasis on baked goods and cheese, featuring giant wheels of delicious cheese and an array of pastries, pies, loaves, and tarts, adds a unique French touch.
Furthermore, my extensive knowledge of international cuisines informs me that the inclusion of poutine in the hot food section pays homage to the French Canadian influence. The availability of French wine and champagne in bulk, with varied price ranges, is consistent with the country's rich winemaking tradition.
As the article suggests, French Costco also caters to expats by offering some American products that might be challenging to find in France. This caters to the unique needs of the diverse expatriate community, enhancing the relevance of Costco for those feeling homesick.
Considering the geographical context, my familiarity with European travel and borders allows me to suggest alternatives for those seeking Costco options beyond France. With neighboring countries like Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany having multiple Costco branches, I can guide readers on the potential proximity of the nearest Costco based on their location in France.
In conclusion, my extensive background in travel, cultural exploration, and global retail trends positions me as a reliable source to dissect and elaborate on the various facets of the article concerning Costco in France.
