Only 54 minutes to complete today's post–in time to profiter or take advantage of the garden before tomorrow's rain! Don't miss the bullet statements below–including information on Thursday's winetasting. (photo taken yesterday, at our local supermarché)
un jeton (zhuh-toh(n)
: token, chip
Example Sentence from Wikipédia:
Le jeton est une sorte de monnaie ou de méreau aux fonctions multiples.
A token is a kind of money or méreau with many uses.
Correctly pronounce French with the book Exercises in French Phonetics
A Day in a FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
And now for the rest of today's speedy content–and dardar, or super quick!
- If you are within a one-hour radius of Bandol (VAR), then come to our Thursday winetasting at 4 p.m.! 10 euros. To reserve your seat, email kristin.espinasse@gmail.com (put "reservation confirmation") in the subject line.
- Today's word, "jeton", was featured ten years ago–along with this story. Enjoy and see you in a couple of days. Off now to find my garden spade…
Comments
Do you have anything to say about today's word "jeton"? Have you ever used a token to rent a supermarket caddy, or "chariot," in France? What are some cultural differences at a French supermarket? Comments welcome here.
Smokey and I are developing our gardeners' reflexes: all potted plants and flowers go out on the porch before the rain comes. Ha! We remembered this time!
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No problem with the shopping list ,but then after 19 years living in France it shouldn’t be !
One thing that is very good in France & Spain as well, is that they do not give out plastic bags ( just don’t have them) ; You take your own shopping bags with you each time you shop . Result a much cleaner & better environment
No problem with the shopping list ,but then after 19 years living in France it shouldn’t be !
One thing that is very good in France & Spain as well, is that they do not give out plastic bags ( just don’t have them) ; You take your own shopping bags with you each time you shop . Result a much cleaner & better environment
Oh the dreaded cart $$ – it seems there is never a jeton – nor a euro in the little change section of the car! Why oh why? Makes me laugh to think of us all “suffering” together.
Oh the dreaded cart $$ – it seems there is never a jeton – nor a euro in the little change section of the car! Why oh why? Makes me laugh to think of us all “suffering” together.
Plastic bags are banned in San Francisco now. Also at most grocery stores. Not as good as Europe yet, but getting better on bringing your own. If one does’t bring their own bag they get a “made from recycled material” paper one at a cost of 10 cents a bag or just take it to the car without one.
And could you please send some of that rain this way….please. “Sunny California” is in dire need. Due to rationing many of us have just let our gardens die. We can only water before 9am or after 5pm two days a week. Many other restrictions apply also…..
Plastic bags are banned in San Francisco now. Also at most grocery stores. Not as good as Europe yet, but getting better on bringing your own. If one does’t bring their own bag they get a “made from recycled material” paper one at a cost of 10 cents a bag or just take it to the car without one.
And could you please send some of that rain this way….please. “Sunny California” is in dire need. Due to rationing many of us have just let our gardens die. We can only water before 9am or after 5pm two days a week. Many other restrictions apply also…..
I always wondered if the French wrote articles (le, la) on their shopping lists. Guess I’ve spent too much time in French class.
I always wondered if the French wrote articles (le, la) on their shopping lists. Guess I’ve spent too much time in French class.
Most Americans visiting France for the first time do not realize that they have to bag their own groceries whether they bring their own bag or purchase one. I like this tradition because the fruits and vegetables that I have spent so much time choosing are not man handled by a teenage bagger who treats it like plastic or rubber and just throws it in the bag with everything else. I am constantly amazed how far removed most Americans are from the food change (i.e. they have no experience with growing a vegetable garden, picking fruit from trees, etc.).
Also, in many grocery stores in France it is the responsibility of the shopper to weigh and sticker their fruits and vegetables in that area of the super market before going to the check-out line.
These cultural differences help explain the love of food, how it is chosen, where it comes from, and how it is prepared that is all apart of the french cuisine.
Most Americans visiting France for the first time do not realize that they have to bag their own groceries whether they bring their own bag or purchase one. I like this tradition because the fruits and vegetables that I have spent so much time choosing are not man handled by a teenage bagger who treats it like plastic or rubber and just throws it in the bag with everything else. I am constantly amazed how far removed most Americans are from the food change (i.e. they have no experience with growing a vegetable garden, picking fruit from trees, etc.).
Also, in many grocery stores in France it is the responsibility of the shopper to weigh and sticker their fruits and vegetables in that area of the super market before going to the check-out line.
These cultural differences help explain the love of food, how it is chosen, where it comes from, and how it is prepared that is all apart of the french cuisine.
Yes,to no bags. Many years ago, when I first started extended visits to France, I couldn’t figure out why the cashier was staring at me, then I realized I was holding up the line because she and I were both staring at my groceries. Voilà , the light went off, and many years later I still get an occasional stare when my magnetic striped credit card won’t register, but I have already self packed my pretty Carrefour or Monoprix sac. I have also secured a card with a chip.
Yes,to no bags. Many years ago, when I first started extended visits to France, I couldn’t figure out why the cashier was staring at me, then I realized I was holding up the line because she and I were both staring at my groceries. Voilà , the light went off, and many years later I still get an occasional stare when my magnetic striped credit card won’t register, but I have already self packed my pretty Carrefour or Monoprix sac. I have also secured a card with a chip.
My first experience with jetons long, long ago was for using phones in bars and restaurants.
My first experience with jetons long, long ago was for using phones in bars and restaurants.
Migros in Thoiry gave it’s customers a jeton that would attach to your key chain so you always had it with you.
One of the differences I noted there were that the clerks got to sit on stools while working.
The other was how patient and polite the shoppers were. They never seemed to get upset even if the person at the head of the line went back for the bananas they had forgotten. We could learn something from that attitude.
Migros in Thoiry gave it’s customers a jeton that would attach to your key chain so you always had it with you.
One of the differences I noted there were that the clerks got to sit on stools while working.
The other was how patient and polite the shoppers were. They never seemed to get upset even if the person at the head of the line went back for the bananas they had forgotten. We could learn something from that attitude.
The biggest difference I’ve found between French and American supermarkets is that in France some stores actually close between 12 and 2 so that employees can enjoy a lovely lunch break! We were stunned a few years back when we arrived at a large modern store on the outskirts of Ribeauville to discover the store shut tight for just this reason. Would NEVER happen here!
The biggest difference I’ve found between French and American supermarkets is that in France some stores actually close between 12 and 2 so that employees can enjoy a lovely lunch break! We were stunned a few years back when we arrived at a large modern store on the outskirts of Ribeauville to discover the store shut tight for just this reason. Would NEVER happen here!
In St Barth’s (French West Indies) you need a Euro-shaped coin for the grocery carts at Marché. The people on the island were very helpful to the newcomers on our first trip. Now we know about the token, the bagging, and the hours! Politeness and courtesy abound!
In St Barth’s (French West Indies) you need a Euro-shaped coin for the grocery carts at Marché. The people on the island were very helpful to the newcomers on our first trip. Now we know about the token, the bagging, and the hours! Politeness and courtesy abound!
The first time I went to a hypermarché, I kept yanking on the end cart to try to get it out. I finally figured out I needed a token and, although I knew the word “jeton,” I had no idea where to get one. I went into the store, found an obvious-looking counter, and said, “Umm … Oui. Bonjour, monsieur. J’ai, uhh … besoin de —” at which point the man smiled at me and handed me a token.
Mary Ann — Some years ago, my girlfriend and I rented a house in a small village in Normandy. For some reason, we could never remember to take (or even buy) some sort of bag with us to the market. Which meant that every week, we would drive home with me behind the wheel and her cradling our half-dozen eggs in her lap.
The first time I went to a hypermarché, I kept yanking on the end cart to try to get it out. I finally figured out I needed a token and, although I knew the word “jeton,” I had no idea where to get one. I went into the store, found an obvious-looking counter, and said, “Umm … Oui. Bonjour, monsieur. J’ai, uhh … besoin de —” at which point the man smiled at me and handed me a token.
Mary Ann — Some years ago, my girlfriend and I rented a house in a small village in Normandy. For some reason, we could never remember to take (or even buy) some sort of bag with us to the market. Which meant that every week, we would drive home with me behind the wheel and her cradling our half-dozen eggs in her lap.
Our dear Kristi,
Another beautiful post and pictures!Also one that leaves me wishing for rain here in the West!
I remember the jeton,in the market(where here we also have to pay for a shopping bag) but also at the toll gates!Was fun and and an adventure!!
Thank you for starting my day off in smiles!
Love
Natalia. xo
Our dear Kristi,
Another beautiful post and pictures!Also one that leaves me wishing for rain here in the West!
I remember the jeton,in the market(where here we also have to pay for a shopping bag) but also at the toll gates!Was fun and and an adventure!!
Thank you for starting my day off in smiles!
Love
Natalia. xo
I admire the European supermarket system. In Canada, we have a few stores in which the carts can be rented for a quarter, which we receive back after returning the cart. Also, many supermarkets here discourage the use of plastic bags by charging for them. We bring our own cloth bags to the store.
I admire the European supermarket system. In Canada, we have a few stores in which the carts can be rented for a quarter, which we receive back after returning the cart. Also, many supermarkets here discourage the use of plastic bags by charging for them. We bring our own cloth bags to the store.
Lots of good jeton comments. I would add a few. Jeton are also used for car washes here in France and sometimes for electrique and water in ports (we live full time in France on an old Dutch barge). Back in Tucson AZ for a short visit last year we could not break the habit of packing our own shopping bags at super marches. The checkers were generally amused (we are from France was our excuse). The plastic jeton attached to key rings are the way to go. I cannot tell you how many times we forgot to weigh produce at Carrefour to our embarassment.
Lots of good jeton comments. I would add a few. Jeton are also used for car washes here in France and sometimes for electrique and water in ports (we live full time in France on an old Dutch barge). Back in Tucson AZ for a short visit last year we could not break the habit of packing our own shopping bags at super marches. The checkers were generally amused (we are from France was our excuse). The plastic jeton attached to key rings are the way to go. I cannot tell you how many times we forgot to weigh produce at Carrefour to our embarassment.
I just love the word “chariot” for shopping cart. It reminds me of “Ben Hur”!
Joan L.
I just love the word “chariot” for shopping cart. It reminds me of “Ben Hur”!
Joan L.
In Australia we have to use a one or two dollar coin for the shopping trolley although some stores have tokens of the same size as well.
Unfortunately we still have plastic bags. Many people bring their own cloth bags but most people still use the horrible plastic….I wish we were doing as well as Europe and the US in getting rid of the plastic, especially as it plays havoc with the marine life here.
In Australia we have to use a one or two dollar coin for the shopping trolley although some stores have tokens of the same size as well.
Unfortunately we still have plastic bags. Many people bring their own cloth bags but most people still use the horrible plastic….I wish we were doing as well as Europe and the US in getting rid of the plastic, especially as it plays havoc with the marine life here.
The subject of one of my emails home from France this summer was: Les Fromages, Les Gendarmes, et Moi. The first line was, “First, let me say that if I had known that it was against the law to take photographs in stores in France, I would have been a lot sneakier about it.”
I thought I’d show my family the incredible variety of cheeses in my local Monoprix in Nice–it took more than 15 photos to cover all of the sections and types of cheese they carried. (I know that, because I’d only taken 15 when the head of security demanded I stop taking photos and that I delete those I had taken or he’d call the police!) We argued some, his face got redder, and I decided compliance would be a safer course of action. I was able to persuade him that I’d deleted all the photos by deleting 12. (Hah!)
I still haven’t been able to figure out what all the fuss was about.
The subject of one of my emails home from France this summer was: Les Fromages, Les Gendarmes, et Moi. The first line was, “First, let me say that if I had known that it was against the law to take photographs in stores in France, I would have been a lot sneakier about it.”
I thought I’d show my family the incredible variety of cheeses in my local Monoprix in Nice–it took more than 15 photos to cover all of the sections and types of cheese they carried. (I know that, because I’d only taken 15 when the head of security demanded I stop taking photos and that I delete those I had taken or he’d call the police!) We argued some, his face got redder, and I decided compliance would be a safer course of action. I was able to persuade him that I’d deleted all the photos by deleting 12. (Hah!)
I still haven’t been able to figure out what all the fuss was about.
Hi Kristin,
I love the European supermarkets. I remember the first time I saw all the carts chained together and thought, how smart to have to insert a coin or chip to remove the cart and it also insures you return it and not leave it in the parking lot to roll into someone’s car! I wish we had that system here! I would take my time just perusing the aisles (mostly trying to figure out where everything was and what is the French or German name for what I was looking for!)I love bagging my groceries and bringing my own bags.
Love the photo of the garden!
Have a nice week!
Hi Kristin,
I love the European supermarkets. I remember the first time I saw all the carts chained together and thought, how smart to have to insert a coin or chip to remove the cart and it also insures you return it and not leave it in the parking lot to roll into someone’s car! I wish we had that system here! I would take my time just perusing the aisles (mostly trying to figure out where everything was and what is the French or German name for what I was looking for!)I love bagging my groceries and bringing my own bags.
Love the photo of the garden!
Have a nice week!
I Jeton = a one Euro coin, and also a UK pound coin will work as well
I Jeton = a one Euro coin, and also a UK pound coin will work as well
At home in Indiana our Aldi stores ask for a quarter to use a cart. It is returned when you return the cart. Yesterday at the Supermarche in Isle sur la Sorge, I didn’t have the right coin and a kind French lady gave me a token. Now no worry about whether I have that coin.
At home in Indiana our Aldi stores ask for a quarter to use a cart. It is returned when you return the cart. Yesterday at the Supermarche in Isle sur la Sorge, I didn’t have the right coin and a kind French lady gave me a token. Now no worry about whether I have that coin.
Bonjour Kristi 🙂
One small French correction: Dardar should be dare-dare 🙂
Bon jardinage!
Alain
Bonjour Kristi 🙂
One small French correction: Dardar should be dare-dare 🙂
Bon jardinage!
Alain
When I was in France in 1976 it was the first time I was given my purchase in a plastic bag. I was amazed because the bags seemed so tacky in such a civilized country. It was several years later that plastic became ubiquitous in the US.
When I was in France in 1976 it was the first time I was given my purchase in a plastic bag. I was amazed because the bags seemed so tacky in such a civilized country. It was several years later that plastic became ubiquitous in the US.