I've discussed the cost of living in France often enough on these pages. In general. And in general, we've been surprised at the affordability of a fulfilling lifestyle here in the south of France. I'm not talking about simply existing, keeping our heads down, eating three squares a day, and keeping the cats fed and healthy. No. I'm talking going out to eat reasonably often to restaurants that are way beyond fast food burgers and fries, going to concerts with ticket prices ranging from a passed hat for free-will donations to national/international artists charging $50 a ticket and more, going to the beach and sipping a cold one while watching the tide roll in. Yes, we watch our bank account and occasionally have to hitch up our belts when the car needs work or the the dentist decides that an implant is the solution. But that word 'fulfilling' comes to mind - a life in retirement beyond mere existence that you imagine you deserve after a lifetime of work.
Part of the affordability question centers on groceries. I've played around the edges before. Let's do a deep dive. Let's talk veggies. Grand Frais is a grocery chain throughout France that specializes in fruits and vegetables from around the world but with an emphasis on local produce. Understand that in Europe, local produce has a slightly different meaning than in the USofA. Back home, you can certainly buy locally grown fruits and veggies in season in many parts of the country, but odds are that for most of the year, California and Florida producers are as likely to represented on your table as the farmer in the dell. In France, with Spain as a neighbor in one direction, Italy in the other, and North Africa a short ferry ride to the south, 'local' is a relative term.
The actual grocery receipt for a shop at Grand Frais is shown below. Lots of stuff beyond veggies - pasta and rice and yogurt and such. We'll get to meat and poultry soon. Grams and euros have been converted to pounds and dollars at the current rate. Keep in mind, these prices are for the best, freshest produce that you can buy.
Carrots: $1.04 per pound
Limes: $2.60 per pound
Celery: $1.30 per pound
Green Beans: $2.07 per pound
Cherry Tomatoes: $1.30 per pound
Batavia Lettuce: $1.30 a head
Fresh Coriander, Parsley et al: $1.13 per bunch
Now for some miscellany.
8 Brioche Burger Buns: $3.41
Red Label Free Range Eggs: $5.25 a dozen
Premium Feta: $0.44 per ounce
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