International patients
English-speaking pharmacy in Paris 10
In the heart of Faubourg Poissonnière, close to Bonne Nouvelle, Grands Boulevards, Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord, Pharmacie Bergère welcomes French and international patients with simple, professional and reassuring advice.
A multilingual pharmacy in Paris 10
Our website is available in several languages and our team can advise patients in French and English. We help visiting patients navigate their everyday health needs.
What we can help with
- Prescription or document
- Health advice
- Everyday products
- Parapharmacy
- Dermocosmetics
- Baby & maternity
- Medical equipment
- Vaccines (subject to eligibility)
- Medication leaflets
Your usual medicines: French equivalents
Brand names are different in France. Show us the box or the name of the active ingredient and we will find the French equivalent. In France, even non-prescription medicines are kept behind the counter and given with pharmacist advice.
| Need | US or UK brand | What to ask for in France (active ingredient) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain, fever | Tylenol, Panadol | Paracetamol (Doliprane, Dafalgan, Efferalgan) |
| Pain, inflammation | Advil, Motrin, Nurofen | Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen) |
| Hay fever, allergy | Claritin, Zyrtec | Loratadine, cetirizine |
| Heartburn | Tums, Gaviscon | Antacids, alginates (Gaviscon) |
| Acid reflux | Prilosec, Losec | Omeprazole (pharmacist advice required) |
| Diarrhea | Imodium | Loperamide (Imodium) |
| Travel sickness | Dramamine | Ask the pharmacist: options differ in France |
| Morning-after pill | Plan B, Levonelle | Levonorgestrel or ulipristal (available without a prescription) |
| Sleep | Melatonin | Melatonin (food supplement, low dose) |
Availability depends on stock and on the pharmacist's assessment. Some medicines sold over the counter in the US or UK require a prescription in France (for example, anything containing codeine). Always tell us about your other medicines, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Medicines that need a prescription in France
- Antibiotics, codeine-based painkillers, most sleeping pills and many other medicines require a prescription in France.
- A prescription from another EU country can usually be dispensed if it contains the required information (patient, prescriber, medicine name or active ingredient, dose, date). Prescriptions from outside the EU are reviewed case by case: contact us before coming.
- If you need a doctor, we can point you to nearby options, including teleconsultation.
Do you have a foreign prescription?
If you have a foreign prescription, please contact the pharmacy before your visit. Dispensing depends on applicable regulations, the medication concerned and review by our pharmacy team. No dispensing is guaranteed without prior validation.
How to get here
Access & transit
Near the pharmacy
Pharmacie Bergère is within easy walking distance of several metro stations and neighborhood landmarks.
Bonne Nouvelle
Metro - lines 8 & 9
≈ 2 min walk
Grands Boulevards
Metro - lines 8 & 9
≈ 5 min walk
Cadet
Metro - line 7
≈ 7 min walk
Poissonnière
Metro - line 7
≈ 8 min walk
Gare de l'Est
Train station & metro
≈ 12 min walk
Gare du Nord
Train station & Eurostar
≈ 15 min walk
Parking Rex Atrium
5-7 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière
≈ 5 min walk
Walking times are indicative and may vary depending on the route.
Need help during your stay in Paris?
International patients FAQ
Do you speak English at the pharmacy?
Yes, our team can welcome you in French and English.
Can I buy products without a prescription?
Yes for parapharmacy, hygiene, dermocosmetic and food-supplement products. Prescription medicines still require a valid prescription.
Do you accept foreign prescriptions?
Dispensing depends on applicable regulations and review by our team. Contact the pharmacy before visiting - acceptance is never automatic.
How can I pay?
The pharmacy accepts the main payment methods in use. Ask the team for specific details.
Is there an English-speaking pharmacist near Gare du Nord?
Yes. Pharmacie Bergère is at 20 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, about 20 minutes' walk from Gare du Nord and a few minutes from Bonne Nouvelle and Grands Boulevards metro stations. Our team speaks English.
Can I buy Tylenol or Advil in Paris?
The brands are often different, but the active ingredients are the same: ask for paracetamol (Doliprane) instead of Tylenol, and ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen). We will check the right dose with you.
Can you refill my prescription from the US or UK?
UK and US prescriptions are not automatically valid in France. Send us a photo of the prescription before coming so we can tell you what is possible, or we can direct you to a doctor or teleconsultation.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6:30 pm, closed on Sunday.