SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 114

Plugs
Electric plug: Round with two prongs underneath and a hole
centred above, which accepts the ground wire pin ( prise de
terre ) that protrudes from the wall outlet. Only a few old,
uncoverted outlets don't have the pin. All your large appliances
should be grounded. Adaptors can be found in hardware
stores, at BHV and at Leroy Merlin.
Telephone plug: Long and narrow, with an extended one-piece
insert. Plugs into which the international RJ11 can be inserted
can be obtained at France Télécom shops, FNAC, electronic
shops and hardware stores.

Cabinets and Equipment
Department stores such as BHV carry all equipment for your
apartment, including kitchen and bathroom fittings.

IKEA, the extensive international chain, has six stores in
the Paris surrounds, with an enormous selection of home
items, including kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Website:
http://www.ikea.com

Habitat has seven stores in Paris selling furniture and
kitchen and bathroom items. Website: http://www.habitat.
net/.

For the Bricoleur
Drogueries or hardware stores in every neighourhood sell
home improvement and hardware items, but two centrally
located stores offer everything the bricoleur (DIY enthusiast)
might ever need. Both have warrens of aisles filled with stacks
of merchandise and tools, and their staff is generally helpful.
BHV (main store); 14 rue du Temple, 75004; website: http://
www.bhv.fr. The entrance is on rue de Rivoli, across from
the Hôtel de Ville.
Leroy Merlin; 52 rue Rambuteau, 75002; tel: [phone];
website: http://www.leroymerlin.fr

Self-Storage
If your apartment is smaller than you thought it would be
and it cannot hold all your household items, consider renting