Stores on the autoroutes

[Ann]

Thanks to bad planning on my part (or maybe just bad luck), we are going to drive from CDG to La Roque-Gageac. Normally, we'd have taken the train to Brive-la-Gaillarde, but since we arrive on a Sunday, the car rental places there and also at the Brive airport are closed. And either flying into Bordeaux or taking the TGV would get us to our rental a couple of hours later than the long drive.
So, I can't remember whether the stores/shops along the autoroutes (connected to gas stations) have essential groceries like coffee, butter, etc. The next day is May 1, so we definitely have to get at least a few essentials, and I simply can't remember how well-stocked these shops are. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[veronicafrance]

They are more geared to food to eat on the go. You might find some basic groceries, but I wouldn't count on it. What time will you be driving? If Sunday morning, a good option is to head off the autoroute before lunchtime and find a small town to shop and have lunch (bearing in mind shops aren't open Sunday afternoon).

Alternatively could you ask the rental owner to buy a few items for you?

 

[Ann]

Thanks, Veronica. I was especially concerned since I know everything closes on Sunday afternoon. We hope to leave CDG by 10:30, so I'll probably just ask the rental owner to pick up a few items for us. It's the fourth time we've rented there and we know her fairly well, so it shouldn't be a problem. Many thanks for your response, and aloha, Ann.

 

[Roz]

Ann, I know I have bought bread and cheese, and I think maybe some type of charcuterie at stores on the autoroute -- the type of stuff you could use for a picnic. I don't know about butter or coffee though (other than coffee by the cup).

 

[Ann]

Hi Roz. If we can find bread, cheese, and some charcuterie (and some wine, of course), or ask Anne to buy some for us, maybe we'll just have a picnic on our terrace, which has a beautiful view over the village and the Dordogne. Thanks for the help, Ann