The price difference for LEGO 10332 in France is wild – here is how I got mine from the US
Why the Medieval Town Square is still a 2026 favorite
I have been a fan of the LEGO Castle theme since I was a kid, so when the LEGO Icons Medieval Town Square (10332) was released, I knew it had to be the centerpiece of my display. Even now, in early 2026, the hype hasn't died down. This set is a nostalgic masterpiece that perfectly complements the Lion Knights' Castle. We see so many collectors still hunting for this set because it offers that classic village feel with modern building techniques.
I noticed that many enthusiasts in my local groups are struggling to find it at a reasonable price. While it has been out for a couple of years, the demand in Europe remains incredibly high, often leading to stock shortages or inflated prices from third-party resellers. I decided I wasn't going to pay those markups, which led me to look across the Atlantic.
Comparing the costs between US retailers and French shops
When I compared the MSRP in the United States to what I was seeing in Paris, the difference was hard to ignore. US retailers like the official LEGO shop or big-box stores often run promotions or simply have a lower base price when you factor in the currency exchange. I found that even with shipping costs, I could often save a significant amount by choosing to shop us store websites directly.
The price gap isn't just about the retail price; it's about availability. In the US, stock levels for these Icons sets tend to be much more stable. I’ve seen my friends in Japan doing the same thing—buying from America to get their hands on sets that are either sold out or overpriced locally. For me, the savings were enough to justify looking for a way to ship to France from a US-based warehouse.
How I managed the shipping process
I realized early on that most US stores won't ship a massive box like the 10332 set directly to my apartment in France. I needed a reliable **freight forwarder** to bridge the gap. After some research, I decided to use **comGateway**. They provided me with a **tax-free us address** in Oregon, which meant I didn't have to pay any US sales tax on my purchase. This alone saved me about 7-10% right off the bat.
The **how it works** section on their site was super helpful for my first time. I just ordered the LEGO set from a US retailer, used my assigned Oregon address at checkout, and waited for it to arrive at their warehouse. If you ever run into a situation where a store doesn't accept your international credit card, I recommend checking out their **BuyForMe service** for an assisted purchase. It makes the whole thing a lot smoother.
Shipping estimates and what to expect for the 10332 set
Before I committed, I used the **shipping calculator** to get an idea of the final cost. LEGO boxes are notorious for being bulky, and the Medieval Town Square is no exception. Here is a breakdown of what I estimated for the shipping logistics:
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Box Dimensions | Large / Bulky (Approx. 20 x 15 x 5 inches) |
| Volumetric Warning | High. Because the box is light but large, carriers may charge based on size rather than actual weight. |
| Battery Check | None. This set does not contain lithium batteries, so no special shipping restrictions apply. |
I always tell people to be mindful of the volumetric weight. Even though the set isn't extremely heavy, the physical size of the box can increase the **estimate shipping cost**. It is always better to know this before the box hits the warehouse.
My experience with import duties and taxes
One of the biggest concerns I had was dealing with French customs. When you bring goods from outside the EU, you have to account for **import duties** and VAT. I spent some time reading through a guide on **import tax** to make sure I wasn't going to be hit with a surprise bill that wiped out my savings.
In France, the VAT is typically 20% on the total value of the goods and shipping. While this sounds like a lot, when I compared the total cost (US Retail + Shipping + VAT) against the local French price, the US route still came out on top for me. If you are curious about the specifics of the regulations, you might also like to check our guide on **GST/VAT** for international shoppers.
Is the US price gap really worth the wait?
My package arrived in about eight days after I authorized the shipment from my US address. The box was in perfect condition, which is a big deal for us LEGO collectors. Seeing the Medieval Town Square on my shelf today, I can say the extra steps were definitely worth it. I managed to secure a set that was fluctuating in price locally while saving enough money to buy a smaller set later this year.
If you are looking to do the same, I suggest keeping an eye on US holiday sales. Even in 2026, the US market remains the most competitive for these high-end hobby items. By using a **how it works** guide and a trusted forwarder, you can bypass local stock issues and high markups easily. Happy building!
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