Shopping
Shopping in Paris is synonymous with famous designers and luxurious brands – the names Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Christian Dior immediately come to mind. But you will also find more affordable options to match your budget in the huge department stores or many popular neighborhood markets.
Vladislav Gurfinkel/Shutterstock.comLe Bon Marché
Founded in 1838, Le Bon Marché was the first-ever department store. Tradition and prestige accompany this prominent retail establishment, the top destination for fashion and style. Designer apparel for men and women, cosmetics, accessories, jewelery, and houseware comprise the major departments. There is also an impressive food hall, which is definitely worth a visit.
milanzeremski/Shutterstock.comGaleries Lafayette
The Galeries Lafayette is an upscale French department store chain with more than 50 locations in France as well as in Berlin, Dubai, and Jakarta. Its flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann, famous for its opulent interior along with its magnificent steel-frame art nouveau glass dome, houses more than 3500 of the most prestigious designer and cosmetics labels, as well as the largest European space entirely devoted to men's fashion. Plus, a contemporary art gallery, a variety of cafés and eateries, and a rooftop terrace offering a breathtaking view of Paris.
Vladislav Gurfinkel/Shutterstock.comShakespeare & Company
It might be difficult to let the magic of Shakespeare & Company truly sink in given the abominable number of tourists crowding the tiny space these days, but the place is still definitely worth a visit. 'Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise', seen above the reading room entrance are words the shop lives by, along with its founding motto: 'Give what you can; take what you need'. Throughout its 70-year existence, the shop has accommodated young writers and artists in exchange for helping out, and an estimated 30,000 people have reportedly slept on the beds tucked between its bookshelves since its opening in 1951, but one doesn't have to spend the night to enjoy the welcoming public reading room. In 2016, the shop published its own history with contributions from the likes of Allen Ginsberg, Jim Morrison, and Ethan Hawke.
Pantheon/CC BY 2.0/WikimediaAlong the Seine — The Bouquinistes of Paris
One of the most enchanting shopping experiences in Paris involves strolling along the Seine River's parapet, where the Bouquinistes of Paris set up their stalls. These booksellers rent out old stalls to offer a diverse array of items, including used books, posters, antiques, and souvenirs. The picturesque rows of bookstalls along the Seine create a unique and nostalgic ambiance, making it a delightful destination for book lovers and those seeking vintage treasures in the heart of the city.
Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.comCarrousel du Louvre
Located beneath the iconic Louvre Museum, the Carrousel du Louvre offers a unique and sophisticated shopping experience. The shopping gallery is known for its diverse range of boutiques and shops, showcasing a blend of high-end French and international brands. Visitors can explore elegant stores featuring fashion, jewelry, beauty products, and more.
Valikdjan/Shutterstock.comChamps-Élysées
Champs-Élysées is a charming and historic thoroughfare, famous worldwide for its upscale shopping options. The long avenue is lined with a mix of high-end and flagship stores of renowned international and French brands. Some examples of notable shops on or near Champs-Élysées include Cartier, Dior, Guerlain, and Louis Vuitton, together with a few malls such as Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, Galerie des Champs, and Galerie des Arcades. Here you will also find an Apple store, a large Sephora for beauty enthusiasts and Zara, for more accessible and contemporary fashion. While Champs-Élysées is known for its luxury brands, you can also find a mix of other shops, cafés, and theaters along the avenue, making it a diverse and iconic shopping destination in Paris.
Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.comWestfield Forum des Halles & Le Marais
Located in the heart of Paris between the Louvre and Notre Dame, Westfield Forum des Halles is a vast shopping center set on the former site of the historic Les Halles market, demolished in 1971. It is a bustling underground complex offering a diverse range of shopping experiences, including trendy shops, international brands, and independent boutiques. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy cinema screenings, dine at various restaurants and bars, and explore nearby streets like Rue Montorgueil and Rue Quincampoix for additional shopping and dining options. Once the city's Jewish quarter, Le Marais, in the 4th arrondissement, is now a hip area filled with trendy boutiques, art galleries, designer stores, vintage shops, and gay bars, making it a popular shopping destination in Paris with a unique and eclectic atmosphere. Place des Vosges is home to elegant arcades and the Musée Victor Hugo, where the renowned writer lived. Along the neighborhood’s charming cobblestone streets, you will also find a variety of cafés, restaurants, and cultural attractions, creating a well-rounded experience for those exploring the area.
BERK OZDEMIR/ShutterstockLes Grands Boulevards
This is one of the city's most popular shopping areas, home to prestigious department stores such as Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. They are remarkable as much for the wide range of items sold as for their Art Nouveau architecture. You will find a world of ready-to-wear, with appealing boutiques and affordable brands. A good place to start is with a walk from the beautiful Opéra Palais Garnier down to the stores on Boulevard Hausmann.
Kamil Macniak/Shutterstock.comArea Surrounding Place Vendôme
Right off Rivoli is the beautiful Place Vendôme, where jet-setters and millionaires buy their jewellery. This is THE area for renowned Haute Couture and luxury goods. From here, you can enjoy a walk down to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, where the superb boutiques display their goods out of baroque windows.
Hugh Millward/CC BY 2.0/FlickrÉpicerie Causses
Épicerie Causses is a renowned grocery shop celebrated for its curated selection of high-quality, artisanal products. From exquisite cheeses and fine wines to gourmet condiments and fresh produce, Épicerie Causses is a haven for food enthusiasts. The shop's commitment to sourcing from local producers and its emphasis on quality make it a go-to destination for those looking to experience the best of French culinary delights. It is also affiliated with Esprit Cuisine, where you can learn how to cook delicious meals with the ingredients you have just bought.
Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.comSouffle Continu
Souffle Continu is an independent record store, near the legendary Père-Lachaise Cemetery, stocking up on new releases as well as a vast and eclectic collection of re-releases on vinyl, DVDs, and CDs.
Ferenc Cegledi/Shutterstock.comMarché aux Puces de Clignancourt
Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt, located in the northern part of Paris, is one of the largest and most famous flea markets in the world. Commonly known as the Paris Saint-Ouen Flea Market, it spans a vast area and offers a treasure trove of antiques, vintage items, and unique collectables. With numerous stalls and shops, the market attracts as many as 200,000 visitors every weekend seeking one-of-a-kind finds, ranging from furniture and clothing to art and jewellery.
AnastasiaNess / Shutterstock.comLa Vallée Village
La Vallée Village is an elegant outdoor shopping centre, located 35 minutes east of Paris and just five minutes from the Disney parks. Discover superb price reductions on a selection of the leading French and international luxury fashion and lifestyle brands in over 100 outlet boutiques.
fizkes / Shutterstock.comArtazart
Combining Paris's love of books with its passion for design, Artazart is a palace of coffee-table tomes, with everything from fashion and photography to illustrations and children's books. The small art gallery section also showcases works by local talents.
luminaimages / shutterstock.comGoldymama
Paris is a goldmine for vintage clothing, but if you can only hit one spot, make it Goldymama. This small boutique is packed with well-preserved items from yesteryear, making it the perfect place to shop for 1950s skirts and suits, or indeed, the wacky 1970s shirts you have always wanted. If you are looking for truly unique gifts, look no further.
ChiccoDodiFC/Shutterstock.comLa Maison du Chocolat
Indulge in the exquisite world of chocolate at La Maison du Chocolat, a renowned chocolatier selling rich and delicious treats. Each piece is meticulously coated, decorated, selected, and boxed by hand, using only the finest cocoas sourced from around the globe. From delicate macarons and fancy candies to mouth-watering éclairs and other pastries, the offerings are a testament to the artistry of chocolate craftsmanship.
stockcreations/ShutterstockAlbum Comics
The king of comics in Paris, Album Comics carries everything from American DC and Marvel comics to popular Japanese manga to the much-beloved French BD, plus all sorts of geek-chic merchandise. Book signings are also held here, and it is not uncommon to find collectables and limited-edition items.
Miika Laaksonen/UnsplashL'ABC du Parfum
L'ABC du Parfum is exactly what it sounds like. Here, you can learn about the basics of fragrances, participate in a workshop, and go on a perfume tour. You can even take home a perfume of your own creation.
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