Paris Shopping

"Paris is not only an expensive city, but shopping is different here. You really do need to know about 'shopping etiquette' in order to get good service. And, the best stores are often hidden in outlying neighborhoods."

- Janet Feldman in her book “Best Buys and Bargains in Paris.”

Shopping in Paris

Of course, you can generalise about where to find Paris shops.

Looking for haute couture? Check out the Place Vendôme, rue du Faubourg St-Honoré and avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. Interested in leather? Get the best shoes, bags, and leather goods on rue du Cherche-Midi and rue de Grenelle in the 6th. Cutting-edge fashion to bleed your wallet dry? You need to be seen in the shops on rue Etienne Marcel and Place des Victoires bordering the 1st and 2nd arrondissements.

From vintage buys at the Marché aux Puces (flea market) to the latest creations of Karl Lagerfeld, Paris is a shopper's delight, provided you have a pocketful of euros (preferably large denominations, because la vie à Paris est très chère!). Yet even if you want to buy only the latest Dior, Chanel or Prada styles, the "City of Light" is still a shopper’s paradise compared with other places.

There is exquisite shopping available in Paris, and plenty of bargains too, if you do your research and keep your wits about you (or get some expert help - see our Paris Shopping Advice from the Gurus page).

We've put together some useful information to help you get the most out of your Paris retail experience, whether you're a dedicated shopper or just want to pick up a few gifts or souvenirs. And everyone wants to save money! Just use the menu below or simply follow the link at the bottom of each page to see everything:

• Paris Shopping: some initial recommendations : Check your currency, what size are you? And some ideas about souvenirs, gourmet food, luxury goods and haute couture.
  
  
• Paris Shopping Duty free : Don't pay that VAT! Shop duty free or get a tax refund: here's when you can get one and how to do it.
  
  
• Shopping in Paris Department Stores : Art Deco temples of retail, we tell you where they are and how and when to maximize your discounts.
  
  
• Paris Shopping : Designer Outlets : The thrill of the designer label! Here's how and where to get clothes and other products at knock-down prices...
  
  
• Paris Shopping Advice from the Gurus : You need a local expert to tell you the ins and outs of the local scene: here's advice from three Paris shopping gurus and how you can enlist their help for yourself!
  
  
• The Paris Flea Market: The world's largest antique market, bric-a-brac heaven, and bargain-hunter's paradise - if you're sharp! Actually, there are several markets within the complex, restaurants as well - it's an experience!
  
  
• Paris Shopping: Miscellaneous Wonders : The wonderful, the idiosyncratic, the strange and the unusual - with some useful "where can I find it" info thrown in for good measure!

Next Page: Paris Shopping: some initial recommendations