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On the basis of two examples the author studies the hypermarket at three observational levels. The most distant view of his object suggests him a double metaphor : that of the garden and that of the anti-garden. The reference to the garden rests on several analogies : the counters and the « paths », the shelf spaces and the « patches », the labelling system and « plant taxonomy », the « merchandisers », the demonstrators, the packers and the « gardeners », the visitors, the consumers and the « walkers ». The reference to the anti-garden rests on oppositions between the closed space of signs, the garish and plastified materiality, the world of the vegetal, the even and cold tiling and the warm and loose earth, and lastly the sky and the sheet metal roof. A micro-observation (from the top downwards, in profile and from the front, from a distance and from close up, from here and from elsewhere) reveals a codified relation between the consumer and the self-service counter. The author stresses three points that improve the customers-to-hypermarket relations : the display of the cost and purchase prices enables customers to « morally » appreciate the shop profit margin. The reference to ethical trade is indicated on certain products. Lastly information given on the origin and circulation of foodstuffs establishes a symbolic bond with nature and the animal world.