France (Normandy, Paris maybe) and Belgium - shops?

[ianmianmianm]

Hi all,

I am fortunate enough to be in France for 11 days in the first half of June, staying near Rouen and going there and back by car and ferry.
Doe anyone have any reccommendations for shops for hardscape, plants (can I bring them in to the UK as a personal import if not a prohibited species?) and also stores to window shop at, any expos or sales, etc.

I'll be in self-catered accommodation so will be able to keep plants cool/warm, wet and fed....

Regards
Ian

 

[hypnogogia]

I don't think that your're allowed to bring plants back into the country.

 

[Maf 2500]

Yes, live plants will require official paperwork to be legally imported from the EU post Brexit. If you are a gambling man you can always put them out of sight in the boot of your car and try not to look like a drug dealer when passing through customs. Just don't buy anything you are not willing to have confiscated if they decide to search your car. If you are caught, plead ignorance, and (assuming personal use quantities) you will not face any other sanctions other than losing your plants. Not that I am encouraging anyone to break the law, just pointing out the options.