Natalie2b

We are visiting Disneyland Paris with the kids later this week. I would like to pickup a LeCreuset or Staub dutch oven. Does anyone know whether a trip to the factories are worth the side trip? We are arriving in Calais from the UK by car (so weight isn't an issue). There is a factory in/near Merville for Staub, but I am unsure if it is open to the public. The factory for LeCreuset is in Fresnoy-le-Grande. I know there is a factory outlet for Staub in Alsace, but obviously that isn't on the way.

I realize I am not saving a ton of money, but thought it would be a fun keepsake/souvenir to have and use all the time (I like to cook). Plus I do have the benefit of the exchange rate (£ to €)... What I want to know is the price at the factory better than somewhere normal like Monoprix (not sure if they sell it) or La Vaissellerie when we go into Paris for a day.

I do have plans to check some Emmaus shops before I buy to see if I can find some there... Any tips?

Tulips

I've bought Creuset at outlets in the UK, there are several. Not sure if you'll get a better deal in France.

Christina

I would be very surprised if MOnoprix or La Vaissellerie sold Creuset, I thought the latter was just really cheap stuff. I would think you'd have to go to a dept store (Galeries Lafayette, Bon Marche, BHV), or their own stores, they have several in Paris. They have a store in St Germain and the Marais.

I'd suggest Dehillerin in Paris, you probably won't find it cheaper anywhere else. first arrondisement

The Creuset website lists their outlet locations in France, they have several. THey may not have the best selection. Doubt if this is worth the trouble vs buying at home, or cheaper

Natalie2b

La Vaissellerie has it on their website, but not Monoprix. I haven't been to a Monoprix yet, so I wasn't sure what they have to offer and their website is obviously in French... On La Vaissellerie's website it popped up on the front page.

http://www.lavaissellerie.fr/index.html

I will definitely be checking out Dehillerin. Just curious if anyone has experience with the factory stores

flanneruk

We've never seen much financial benefit in buying in France compared to Bicester Village. The case for French buying is choice and fun (though for me it's a waste of valuable eating time)

But why not just buy Sainsbury's own label? http://tinyurl.com/lrhv4y9

About a third of the price at Le Creuset - outlet or ripoff store, UK or France. And infinitely more cred among the Aga set.

You wouldn't (I hope) be seen dead wearing Abercrombie & Fitch, or sporting a Ralph Lauren logo or a Burberry lining. Sporting valueless French brands is just as naff.

Natalie2b

I actually do have a Tesco brand dutch oven that I bought for almost nothing my my reward points. It is great.

I have found that sometimes it is worth spending a bit more for something that will last longer or is better quality. Since I spend a lot of time in the kitchen (I do have three boys, lol) that is one of the spots that I find worth spending a bit more sometimes.

The Staub in particular has a different interior finish that is supposed to be better at searing meats...

I am too old for Abercrombie (plus I can't stand to walk into their heavily perfumed store) but I am quite happy with the Ralph Lauren shirts that I buy my husband for work. I am also happy to buy shirts at Costco and Asda - I just don't expect them to last 10+ years the way the Ralph Laurens have... I am not concerned with the name brand, but I don't think that they are valueless French brands either- nor do I think I am naff for wanting/buying one

So, no ones been to the factories then?

sparkchaser

If anyone does go to the outlets or buys some Le Creuset outside the U.S., please report back on prices.

Amazon has this Le Creuset 20-piece Cookware Set for $800 (regularly $1356) and I am genuinely curious if the cookware is cheaper in France. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...IMONWQDHOWOUHX

In return, I will hit up the local kitchen shop in town and report back on the prices of what them here in Middle Franconia.

bilboburgler

I always wondered if anyone ever bought Ralph Lauren

The idea of those little ponies, or is it crocs, and the button down collars just makes me laugh. Still better than having someone else's initials (or indeed any initials) on a shirt just made me thing the stuff was washed communally.

Smiles all round

Bilbo

sparkchaser

Polo guy on Horse = Ralph Lauren
Green crocodile = Lacoste

bilboburgler

The one thing I've bought and wanted in a French shop is a thick copper based pan, often made in very small quantities they are fantastic for distributing the heat far better than a cast iron one (I have one of those as well), in fact there is a town that only sells this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villedieu-les-Po%C3%AAles and that might be worth the money of a visit

WeisserTee

We live just over the border from Alsace and Staub is definitely the local French favorite. FWIW, we also like Silit, a German brand (the red 4-quart pot is great for steaming mussels).

Sparkchaser, FWIW, we bought this Le Creuset grill pan at their discount store in Foxtown in Ticino. We paid 115 francs; the Amazon price is $160 with a list price of $215.
http://www.amazon.com/Creuset-Square...uset+grill+pan

We don't have whole sets from any one brand -- our cookware is a mix and match of Staub, Le Creuset, Silit, Thomas, the Italian-made Migros house brand, along with some dinged-up no-name baking pans we've been using for years.

sparkchaser

Good to know. 115 Francs is around $120 so it was a good deal (provided it did not result in overweight fees to your luggage).

northie

WeiserTee I have had a Silit very large pot that I bought on sale in 1964. I still use it - white enamel on outside and navy inside - perfect for mussels, soup and on stove or in oven.

RM67

There are plenty of Le Creuset outlet stores in the UK and the prices are pretty well discounted. Our local discount village is Freeport. An alternative souvenir might be some pates or rilletes that come in little ceramic dishes or ramekins that you can re-use?

WeisserTee

"(provided it did not result in overweight fees to your luggage)."

Nope, just a train ride back to Basel.

Natalie2b

bilboburgler - i think that town might be a bit too far out of the way for that on this trip , but I am on the lookout for nice thick copper pots at Emmaus & the flea markets.

WeisserTee - I haven't heard of Silit yet, I will check them out!! We have a hodgepodge of store brands/no-name, All-Clad and cast iron. Looking forward adding a few other pieces!

RM67 - We really aren't that far from Bicester, so we could go there easy enough. But I like the idea of buy French cooker in France, silly as it may seem to some I'm sure I am definitely watching for yogurt & pates and such that come in cute little ceramic dishes that we can keep. Maybe some butter molds, Opinel pocket knives for the kids (not to play with...), mortar & pestle, a terrine... I have lots of ideas/possibilities - we will see what we come home with

Thanks for all the input!!

sandy_b

I visited Dehillerin's on one of my trips to Paris, bought a small saucepan at the start of a 10-day trip and then had to carry it around France. It is a small saucepan, copper with stainless steel interior and it is HEAVY! I love the way it cooks but don't know if I would buy anything larger . . . I would not be able to lift it.

I would love to return and see if there is anything else I "need." Dehillerin's has everything.

Sandy (in Denton)

Pvoyageuse

Natalie : if you are looking for ceramic dishes, check http://www.emilehenry.com/ien/home
They are good quality and not too expensive. You can find them almost everywhere in France.

Natalie2b

Dehillerin's is definitely on my list to visit!!

I've heard of Emile Henry - I will check them out!

sugarmaple

Just to go off topic a bit from the Le Crueset cookware (regularly on sale here so no need to schlep it across the Atlantic), but Dehillerin has the best whisks!

I bought two last October, and had my sister bring me home one in January. They are inexpensive, about €5-7. DH says they whisk up eggs for scrambles like a dream!