The study was carried out by the European Commission, and covered 36 European countries.

France ranks as a comparatively expensive country, placed 11th in the overall league table. However, the margin of difference between countries in the mid-range is not substantial, as can be seen from the graphic below.

As might be expected, highest prices are in Switzerland, alongside several Nordic countries, and Luxembourg, Malta and Ireland.

A closer look at the prices for individual products shows that prices for food in France are above the average in EU, alcohol prices are below average, but France has the 4th highest prices for tobacco.

If beverages (including alcohol) and tobacco are removed, France moves up the table to 10th place. The price of fruit and vegetables (not shown in table) is particularly expensive in France, 17 points higher than the average in the EU, the 5th highest in the study. The same is true of the price of meat, nearly 27 points higher than the EU average, once again the 5th most expensive in Europe. In contrast, the price of dairy produce and 'other' food is lower than the European average.