Étranger Things: Cottage cheese in France — the Intermarché dairy-door mystery (Aix edition)

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Who this is for (and what you’ll get)

If you’ve ever reached for cottage cheese in Aix and thought, “Mon dieu, why is this… lukewarm?”—welcome. I’ll (1) tell the tale of a very breezy dairy cooler, (2) show you how to report food-safety issues in France, (3) confirm what cottage cheese does exist here, and (4) share a no-drama plan B near République on Ligne 8.

The case of the missing door (and my A2 meltdown)

For two months, the dairy cooler door where cottage cheese lives at my local Intermarché has been… missing. The tubs are warm to the touch. Warm. Dairy. I asked in my very best A2 French and got friendly shrugs.

Is it a cheeky plot of historical revenge against the English? (Kidding! I love you, Albion. Please keep sending your tea.) Still, I commiserated with my English classmate—she’s from Paris—who sighed that the only cottage cheese she ever finds here is Danone. And honestly, if you can’t find it in Paris, can you find it anywhere? (Apparently yes, but we’ll get there.)

Does cottage cheese exist in France?

Short answer: yes. Danone Cottage Cheese pops up in big chains (formats vary by store), typically 200–400 g, and priced roughly €2–€3 per 200 g tub depending on the store.

Pro tip: It’s often shelved near fromage blanc and yogurts—scan for the word “cottage” (no translation needed).

When dairy feels warm: what’s “normal” (and what’s not)

France’s food-safety guidance: very perishable foods should be kept between 0–4 °C (and generally < 8 °C for perishables). If the cold chain breaks, quality and safety can be compromised. That’s your cue to speak up. (Ministère de l'Économie)

Useful French at the shelf (A2-friendly):

Excusez-moi, le frigo ne ferme pas et les produits sont tièdes.
Pouvez-vous vérifier, s’il vous plaît ?


 

How to report a problem in France (fast + official)

  1. Use SignalConso (the government platform). Choose the sector (supermarket/food), describe the issue (rupture de la chaîne du froid / frigo ouvert), add a photo if you have one, submit. Your report goes to the business and becomes visible to enforcement. You can stay anonymous. (SignalConso)

  2. If it’s serious or recurrent, you can also contact your local DDPP (Direction départementale de la protection des populations) for Bouches-du-Rhône (Aix/Marseille). They handle hygiene controls in retail food. (Service Public Annuaire)

  3. Want to check recalls? Browse RappelConso for current alerts. (Ministère de l'Économie)

Where else to shop (bus-friendly backup)

While Sherlocking the dairy door situation, I found another Intermarché that’s a quick hop from République on Ligne 8. Check your app for times and get off at République—easy walking, flatter sidewalks. (Line maps and stop names vary by direction; the L8 corridor through center is well covered.)

FAQ (People Also Ask)

Is “fromage blanc” the same as cottage cheese?
Not quite. Fromage blanc is smooth; cottage cheese is curdy/granular. Texture twins they are not.

What should I say at the counter if products feel warm?

Bonjour ! Les produits ici sont tièdes, je pense que la porte est cassée.
Pouvez-vous regarder ? Merci !

Who actually inspects supermarkets in France?
Consumer issues route through SignalConso (DGCCRF); on-the-ground hygiene controls are handled by the DDPP. (SignalConso)

Where can I find cottage cheese brands?
Look for Danone Cottage Cheese (various sizes). Availability varies by chain and region.

Accessibility & price at a glance

  • Shelf location: dairy aisle with yogurts / fromage blanc.

  • Typical price: about €2–€3 per 200 g in big chains (varies).

  • No car? Center-city Ligne 8 + République stop gives you options.

Internal links for newcomers

Your turn (on papote à Aix)

  • A1: Write one line you’d say to staff if a fridge is warm. (“Bonjour… le frigo est ouvert.”)

  • A2: Add a polite request. (“…Pouvez-vous vérifier, s’il vous plaît ?”)

  • B1: Describe what you noticed and for how long.

  • B2: File a mini SignalConso summary in French.

  • C1+: Compare fromage blanc vs cottage cheese like a dairy sommelier.

Have you spotted cottage cheese in Aix (or beyond)? Any heroic Intermarché tales—or missing-door mysteries—to share? Post your story, drop a helpful link, or start a newbie-friendly thread below. Bienvenue !

Location: France