Do grocery stores in Paris have a meal deal similar to tescos in London? Do they have delis similar to the states? Or is finding a sandwich type place the better way to go? Looking for less expensive food options, instead of restaurant meals all the time. Thanks
Look for boulangeries if you want good sandwiches. I haven't really seen many prepared meals in any French supermarkets, though some hypermarkets might have sushi and other stuff.
Honestly, my experience is that ordering the formule for lunch at a brasserie is usually a very good deal.
In Paris there are always crepes - both sweet and savory - and they are a classic quick cart snack. I think you need to shift what you're asking for and think about 'street food' since it is prepared and meant to be taken away instead of sitting in a restaurant. Now in Paris that often means the food with not be "French" but often immigrant food. That doesn't mean it's not great but Algerian, Asian and even Italian and Spanish foods are often made to go.
Here's a decent article on the highend what I'm talking about: https://www.meetmeinparisatl.com/blog/best-paris-streetfoods
Paris is so large and chains are much less of things than in London (but there are 20 Pret A Mangers in Paris but I never remember seeing one) so what's available varies a lot by neighborhood. You'll need to do some exploring wherever you're staying - or wherever you are hungry for lunch. On R. des Martyrs there's a bakery Le Pain Retrouvé that sells breads, quiches and sandwiches which we ate later in the Tuileries Garden and it was great, but nothing on R. des Martyrs is cheap. If you are near a park keep an eye out for take away places near there.
And French restaurants are required by law to post menus outside so you can check prices before sitting down. And as mentioned there is a formula or a plat-du-jour menu many places that is a bargain. Tip: If you are ordering off the daily special menu say so explicitly to the waiter when you order.
Experiencing the food and sitting at a cafe as Paris passes you by is part of the experience so don't miss out - just order wisely.
Paris is amazing - have a great trip,
=Tod
Bakeries and boulangerie and delicatessens, some stores like Carrefour, pizza and kebab places, all should have options for you. Quiches and sandwiches and sometimes a few slices of deli meats with a demibaguette have served as an enjoyable lunch for us. And, as mentioned, crepes from a street corner stand are fresh-made and yummy. Every neighborhood should have a small produce market to buy fruit. And don't forget the cheese shops! Even if you make up your meal from more than one shop, what fun t is to visit them all! A wonderful excursion and a change from museums, churches etc. Another slice of French life to relish!
Bon appetit!
We obtained prepared sandwiches, pate, cheese at a Monoprix - very well-stocked department store. Many in Paris all over.
Yes, Monoprix has plenty of items you could take away for lunch or dinner. So does any other grocery store or mini mart. Or, like someone said, Pret a Manger ....