For some reason it's difficult to buy vitamins here in France. You can get them from parapharmacies or pharmacies (no I don't know what the difference is) but you don't get a whole lot of choice and they're super expensive. I used to buy my vitamins in bulk from the UK but the last couple of times I have bought them here.

I was looking for folic acid and the regular place I go to had sold out so the guy sent me next door to the pharmacy. This is how the conversation went (translated into English because I do speak French, ya know):

Me: Hello, I'm looking for some folic acid.  
Stupid Pharmacist: Yes.    
Me: Um, do you have any?    
Stupid Pharmacist: Yes.    
Me: Well... I'd like to buy some.    
Stupid Pharmacist: Oh, ok. What do you want it for?    
Me: Um, to take once a day???    
Stupid Pharmacist: Have you taken it before?    
Me: Yes, for years.    
Stupid Pharmacist: We have 400mcg and 500mcg but I can't advise you on which is best because you haven't told me why you want it.    
Me: Grrr....    
Me: It significantly reduces the risk of having a child with birth defects.    
Stupid Pharmacist: C'est vrai?    
Me: Grrr...    
Me: Also, some studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of certain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.    
Stupid Pharmacist: ???    
   
As I leave with my tiny box of tablets I hear her asking the other pharmacist:    
   
Stupid Pharmacist: Why would someone take folic acid?    
Pharmacist with a Brain: It reduces the risk of having a child with birth defects.    
Stupid Pharmacist: C'est vrai?