( Meant 'hostess' gift)
We've been invited for dinner at the home of some old friends in Paris. I can't think of anything to bring from the States that France doesn't have better...or just prefers. There's always flowers...or perhaps some delicacies from Normandy or Brittany that we'll be visiting prior to seeing them. I would love your advice. Merci!

Please don't take flowers. In the French mind that suggests you don't think the host is able to decorate her own house. Sort of a cutting insult. (see also wine especially from France, though from the US is fine and chocolates from France (clearly chocolates from US are a possibility but try to avoid any with butyric acid in them like Hersheys))
Do take anything from the States. If they don't want them they will hand them on to friends and kids and it is a more realistic gift of friendship.

Corrected title spelling to Hostess

Thanks Bilboburglar for the flower warning. I just read somewhere that maple syrup is a good idea since they don’t make that in France.., and, coming from WI, its a local product. May stick to chocolates or Normandy/Brittany items I find there, to avoid melting.

I'd be very happy with Maple Syrup, but not everybody likes the stuff, unbelievably!

Are there local sweet makers near you so you could bring something from your home area for them?

Are your hosts French or American?

Maple Syrup is available all over France. Just FYI.

Flowers are totally acceptable and are the most common item to give unless you know the wine or alcohol preferences of your host. (Many people like good cognac.)

Basically the French have no use for maple syrup even if they find the concept pleasantly exotic. But it is available in every supermarket. A box of high end chocolates or macarons is a possible default item but not very inventive. Items from Brittany or Normandy can hit the spot if you know your friends very well. For example, do they love canned sardines? What about large jars of fish soup? Sweet items like kouign-amann or far breton need to be really fresh to be good. A bag of salted caramels would be acceptable but it's another thing that you can buy in Paris.

In my own opinion, "old friends" do not require a gift if they are really old friends. I never expect my old friends to bring me anything (and they don't). Naturally, it depends on how you are using the term "old friends." "Old friends" or just "old acquaintances" who expect to be compensated for inviting you?

Maybe a plant instead of flowers would be a good idea.

I say this because we brought flowers to a friend’s home in France, She said they were absolutely lovely but then I watched her take time away from guests to find a vase and put them in water.

I bow to Kerouac 's advice. I was brought up to take flowers to a hostess the day after any party.

What on earth do you think she should have done? Eat them? Was she gone 30 minutes?

Thanks to all for your great thoughts! They are French, both physicians, who are more old acquaintances that we initially met on our first flight to France in 1987 and they were returning home from a CA visit. Since then, we have seen them twice there and twice at our home, so don’t know their preferences. I’m happy to skip the maple syrup. I may just look for a beautiful orchid plant or finest French chocolates. If I were home in FL, I’d bring them Norman Love chocolates, but we live in WI in summer and don’t have that quality level here.

What about maple candies? I wouldn't think they would be prevalent in France, but still a touch exotic ... or do you have some local home made jams or honeys? I suggest honey with caution as some border forces don't allow honey into the country (well, ours doesn't) due to the possibility of spreading diseases to local bees. But jam, surely, would be OK?

Lavandula

Maybe, Ice Wine? They don't make it France.

How about a "Made in USA" luxury candle? Easy to transport and could even be regifted if recipients are allergic. Google it and you will be spoilt for choice.

How about a small book showing the beautiful national parks in the US? Or maybe your native animals and birds, if you think they might prefer that.

They make it in France, but still a nice gift.

So many good ideas! Thank you!

Ice wine is best from Germany, not the US. If you want to bring a US wine not available in France, think Zinfandel, especially an "old vines" bottle or even better a late harvest zin or a zinfandel port. By the way, I found that late harvest zin pairs well with hard salami and similar charcuterie.

It's best in Canada. Niagara is the leader in Ice Wine. They make it in up-state New York as well.

The best thing about a bouquet for the hosts is that they get to throw it away a few days later without guilt. Bottles of wine or maple syrup get stored away for years before being tossed.