Many Belgians have decided to go do their Christmas shopping in France. Some products, as you know, have the reputation of being cheaper there. Including during the holidays… This would be the case for fish, cheese or even alcohol. So is this really the case? An RTL INFO team went to check on the spot.
Jocelyne lives in Belgium, but she crossed the border to do her Christmas shopping. A net saving according to her. “Oysters, lots of cheese, prawns… A shopping cart like I have here, I would have paid 200 euros back home, I got 150 in France. So, there is still a nice little economy”she notes.
And we checked for ourselves by buying the exact same items in two stores, one in Belgium and the other in France. Raclette cheese from a well-known brand, for example, was 50% cheaper in France. Same for frozen logs: about 2 euros difference. Same observation for smoked salmon. “For salmon, we can say that it’s half price, 50% cheaper. And above all, the water which is 4 or 5 times cheaper than at home”observes a Belgian customer who went shopping in France.
In the parking lot at Jeumont, almost all the vehicles came from Belgium. Customers tell us that despite the cost of fuel, the trip quickly pays for itself. “There are shrimps, there are oysters… That’s still cheaper, at least 30%”says a Belgian. “And in additioncontinues another. I went to the pharmacy to take Voltaren, it cost me 3.50 euros, with us it’s 20 euros! With that alone, I had cushioned my move.”
And on the Belgian side, everyone says they know that the prices are more advantageous with our French neighbours. But it is often for ease that customers do not make the trip. “I sometimes go there. For water, for example, it’s more interesting. Certain medications. Otherwise no, it’s quickly done here.”
Only small problem in the French store: the shelves are completely robbed, especially foie gras or champagne.