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-   -   French language/vocabulary help! (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/french-language-vocabulary-help-441878/)

GiuliaPiraino Sep 29th, 2008 03:21 PM

French language/vocabulary help!
 
I'm trying to figure out what the French call those little wheeled fabric shopping baskets? The kind that you roll to the store to take your groceries home in or to go to the laundry? Also, does anyone know where the best place to buy one is? Do they sell them at the Monoprix? Our apartment is on the Ile St Louis and the closest Monoprix is on Rue St. Antoine or Rivoli, can't remember. Anyway, it's still pretty far on foot, so I really would like something cheap to help me carry back groceries. I don't want to sling anything on my back or shoulders because I have an injury.

I just need to buy one for our visit and I don't want to spend a lot of money since we're leaving it in the apartment. What should I expect to pay for it?

Kind of like this, but I've used them in Italy where the sides were fabric. http://www.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0...AAAAAKA-Nw.jpg

Underhill Sep 29th, 2008 03:49 PM

If all else fails, just buy a cheap one on line and take it with you all folded up. That's what we bought.

suze Sep 29th, 2008 04:04 PM

My friend in french-speaking Switzerland has a wicker one she calls a "chariott".

adrienne Sep 29th, 2008 04:26 PM

I remember seeing them in the drogerie (hardware store)on rue Mouffetard, about half way down the street on the left as you descend. I don't remember seeing them in Monoprix but I'm sure other hardware stores carry them. Try pagesjaune for a store closer to your location.

Michael Sep 29th, 2008 05:15 PM

Try the Bazaar (sp?) de l'Hôtel de Ville.

StCirq Sep 29th, 2008 05:59 PM

chariotte: buy one at a LeClerc or BHV.

kerouac Sep 29th, 2008 09:22 PM

Everybody calls them "un caddie" but that is a registered trademark by one of the manufacturers. People also call shopping carts by the same name.

Normally, you should call it "un chariot" (shar-ee-o)

Pvoyageuse Sep 29th, 2008 09:50 PM

Definitely "un caddie". Drogueries usually carry them.

cocofromdijon Sep 30th, 2008 12:24 AM

I agree with Kerouac and Pvoyageuse. You can also find them on local outdoor markets (cheaper than in shops) Bon marché! :-)

cathies Sep 30th, 2008 12:39 AM

Here in Australia we refer to them as "granny trolleys" as back in the 1950's only old ladies used them. But now, they are very chic!!

GiuliaPiraino Sep 30th, 2008 08:13 AM

Thanks! I wish all apartments would provide one since the chances of a renter driving to the grocery store has got to be more unusual than walking, right?

PS* Thanks for the ponunciation tips, we're in a basic French class right now and I'm horrified to see HOW many things I had been mispronouncing! No more!!!

palette Sep 30th, 2008 08:32 AM

I have seen the local shoppers just using wheeled suitcases (carry-on size) for their market purchases.

GiuliaPiraino Sep 30th, 2008 11:01 AM

Palette, I thought about that, but I'd be pretty bummed if something leaked or spilled, but if I can't find one by the time i need to go grocery shopping, I'll opt for that!

MelJ Sep 30th, 2008 12:55 PM

Are you sure there won't be one in your apartment? We've always found them in ours (in Paris). You might want to e-mail the owner and ask.

If they don't, they might even pick one up for you to use.

GiuliaPiraino Sep 30th, 2008 03:01 PM

MelJ, I did send an email and I sensed that he didn't know what I was talking about even though I attached a photo. Now that I know what the French call it, i may try again. I am however renting through a large agency, so they may truly be removed from knowing what's in there. I think I'll email again and ask. That would be so convenient if it was just there, I'd be happy to pay for it!

pvan Sep 30th, 2008 04:03 PM

Our rental in Paris had a grocery cart and the store was only a half block away...


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