Price advantage of France falls away

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Every weekend, many living near the French border cross to do their weekly shop in France, in the belief that it’s cheaper. But figures show that due to French inflation and the so called ‘Swiss effect’ the benefits are falling away.

The media group, France Bleu and the research firm NielsonIQ, keep track of prices in the French border zones and they show the price of a basket of regularly used products has risen by around 15%.

That’s higher than the French average – but prices in the French border zones are always higher due to the proximity of Switzerland. 

As inflation in Switzerland is lower, the price differential is falling. Commentators point out if you add in the price of fuel to drive over the border - it may be cheaper to shop here. 

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