What I Bought In the Pharmacy In France
My obsession with holiday pharmacies and an (extensive) list of what came home in my suitcase.
I find it completely impossible to go on holiday without visiting the pharmacy. I am a sucker for skincare and there is not much which is more exciting than perusing a selection of previously unseen products in a completely different country. The joy of a new find is unrivalled and the perfect addition to a relaxing break; I have been known to allocate an entire afternoon to discovering the best pharmacy to visit wherever we are staying and as someone who is quite good at packing light, it’s the ONLY reason why I ever take a hold suitcase. Even the sight of people jostling their way around the conveyor belt is enough to irritate me, so I feel that this shows a real dedication to the skincare cause. Ha.
Over the last few years as my children get older, I have rather excellently managed to recruit Ella, my daughter, to join me in this worthy pursuit. It matters not where we go; I will scour the internet prior to find the most recommended items for that country and add them to a list. Yes, yes, you can probably find most of it over here if you look hard enough, but they’ll be a much better price in the country of origin and there’s always a big element of satisfaction in that fact (and in your bank balance).
Anyway, last year we went to France and Greece and so I thought it was worth documenting what I sourced here on my Substack so that you can have it to hand if you’re headed in that direction come the summer. I’m starting with France - I visited a gorgeous pharmacy last August in Juan Les Pins upon recommendation from our Hotel and we spent at least an hour there. Top tip: French pharmacies are also generally fully stocked with well priced perfumes and scented waters such as Fragonard and Roger & Gallet in endless fragrance choices, well worth stocking up on if you are happy to wait for the conveyor belt to cough up your hold case. Here’s my must have list.
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