Any recommendations of DIY suppliers in Haute Vienne/Vienne/Charente/N. Dordogne area? Equivalent to B&Q, ScrewFix, Toolstation etc? Do they have online catalogs and online ordering as well? Many thanks in advance.
2 Likes
1 Like
To add to the above https://www.weldom.fr/
2 Likes
Worth mentioning that @Mark ‘s first two suggestions are actually owned by Kingfisher so much of the time it’s literally the same products with the same SKUs as B&Q / Screwfix since they all use the same IT system.
2 Likes
There are also a lot of regional companies that do not have outlets in other parts of France e.g Queguiner and Point P in Bretagne, Catmat & TriDome here in 66 so do a bit of googling to see who the local builders use in your area. B.Depot is not for something you want to last! Leroy Merlin are good, Weldom good but not many outlets.
1 Like
I thought Screwfix delivered to France? Or is that pre Brexit?
They are here!
3 Likes
Brico Cash is the new kid on the block our way and they are currently undercutting the others just like BricoDepot did some time back
3 Likes
I seem to recall they’re the more budget sister to Bricomarché and Bricorama which I’ve found to be quite overpriced on the whole, but I’ve never bothered going to my nearest one so it’s good to hear your first hand experience. Perhaps I’ll pay a visit next time.
1 Like
We’re great believers in shopping in our local brico so that the staff get to know us really well. They may not have the keenest prices but we get good customer service. I remember when I first used to go in there one of the staff used to hide from me! I think he was terrified of my bad French. These days, they are only too willing to help us. Always useful in case one needs advice or needs to take something back.
3 Likes
there are 2 Quincaillerie/Hardware shops within 11 kms of each other and our tiny village… each has slightly different stocks, so we have an excellent choice and, as you say, they are willing to discuss and advise.
Other than that… it’s Leroy Merlin for the big stuff… again, staff are helpful etc etc… only downside is it’s distance from our home… but a day out for DIY and lunch at a good restaurant is always enjoyable.
1 Like
Thanks Stella. Downloaded the Leroy Merlin app on my phone, it seems to be quite easiest to navigate.
Are the bricos under the same company, but just come in different sizes of stores? Like Tesco express, Tesco extra
Screwfix.fr offers some of the items that Screwfix uk offers with free delivery if over 50€. Screwfix.fr are based in northern France so if you are in that area there may be a counter. Toolstation no longer operate a delivery service in France.
For DIY stores Leroy Merlin is good along with BricoDepot (within the B&Q group). The staff of Weldom (also stock Leroy Merlin stuff) and staff always seem very nice and helpful.
Leroy Merlin always seems good for tiles.
Point P and Gedimat etc are more full blown builders merchants.
1 Like
Toolstation are in France as well IIRC
Toolstation were but they have now closed:
1 Like
Their rental vans and trucks are good value too. Starting at €9 plus so much per km and nearly always new vehicles. I often hire one when we need blocks, tubes etc and a round 22km trip is affordable. The downside of course, you must give a cheque worth €1000 as security but if you are confident, that will be given back when you return the vehicle safe and sound and no need to fill with petrol/diesel like in the old days.
Thanks for the update - I hadn’t noticed. Though they were either online only or did not have local stores near me so I never actually bought anything from them in France.
Edit - from the notice on the website it seems they still have physical stores?
The one thing to remember about French Brico’s is never believe the stock levels reported on their website.
4 Likes
Ansolutely! I purchase even if the job is in the fiture because when you actially need something. All gone!
1 Like