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The 19 best shops in Paris

Get ready to rummage. These are the absolute best shops in Paris, from indie boutiques to department stores

We’re calling it: this is the best city for shopping in all of Europe. Away from the soulless glitz of international consumerism that’s slowly etching away at the Champs-Élysées , there are hundreds of one-of-a-kind boutiques totally worth checking out. You could spend weeks exploring them all (trust us, we have) and still come across undiscovered designers and covetable labels.

Forget Breton tees and Chanel bags – what’s à la mode these days is statement glasses and monochrome unisex staples. Sustainability also climbs ever higher on many brands’ agendas. And while the ‘buy less, buy quality’ mantra has always held sway here, you’re now just as likely to find beautiful vegan accessories as leather and luxe fabrics.

Of course, there are the traditional shops that’ll define your time in Paris, whatever side of town you’re on. Traiteurs where saucissons dangle from the ceiling. Tiny wine bar -shops where bottles are hand-delivered by the vignerons themselves. And bookshops that remain at the heart of the city’s Anglophone communities, much as they were during the années folles .

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Best shops in Paris

1.  Le Centre Commercial

• price 3 of 4

Best for:  Understated Parisian style

Where else to shop for the Parisian jeans-and-sneakers aesthetic than the concept store opened by the founders of Veja? There’s plenty more besides to discover from Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion’s impressive roll-call of designers. Pick up Oxford shirts, cosy sweatshirts and – obvs – some Veja high-tops. Their ranges include menswear and womenswear, plus small lifestyle and kids’ collections.

2.  Merci

Best for:  Fashion and homeware collabs

Wave goodbye to the crowds doing the department-store crawl along the Boulevard Haussmann. Merci might sell itself as a concept store but really it’s a mini- grand magasin – and one with some pretty impressive ethics (they help support an educational foundation in Madagascar). Their collections include fashion, design and homewares, but it’s the regular showcases of up-and-coming makers and collaborations with the likes of L/Uniform, Taion and Rizzoli that set this place apart.

3.  A La Ville de Rodez

Best for:  All things Auvergnat

Time-capsule shops are becoming ever rarer in Paris, making the 100-year reign of A La Ville de Rodez on Rue Vieille-du-Temple even more special. This traiteur specialises in all things from the Auvergne and Aveyron regions, particularly foie gras, cheese and saucisson. All sliced to order, bien sûr . Products from further afield include 24-month aged comté from the Jura, goats’ cheeses from the Loire and the legendary Prince de Paris ham.

4.  We Are Paris

Best for: Parisian-made marvels

Skip the Eiffel Tower statues, cheap berets and dry macarons, and take home something original instead. This boutique is the antithesis to throw-away culture, stocking keep-for-years pieces made by Parisian artisans. The brands are selected according to a strict code. Whether they make jewellery, cosmetics or candles, each must be based in the Île-de-France region, manufacture only in small quantities and follow environmentally sustainable practices. 

5.  Maison Plisson

• price 2 of 4

Best for:  Edible souvenirs fancy enough for your most gourmet friend

Even the simplest tins at this uber-gourmet grocers might come with hefty price tags, but there’s nowhere better to pick up a carry-on-sized gift for a fussy foodie. The ground floor, where you’ll find cheese, charcuterie and vegetables, is mostly worth browsing only if money is no object and you’re stocking the fridge of an adjacent mansion. Head downstairs for dried goods: gorgeous savoury pâtes à tartiner, single-origin chocolates and myriad herbs and spices.

6.  Monsieur

Best for: Delicate jewellery

Just like a bold red lipstick, there’s one accessory almost every Parisienne has in their fashion arsenal: a piece of delicate gold jewellery. Monsieur is among the best of the many designer-led boutiques in the Marais. Pieces range from statement stud earrings for around €100 to wedding-worthy rings and white-gold pendants inlaid with tiny precious stones. They’ll do custom engraving to order.

7.  Arty Dandy

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Best for:  Pocket squares and smart satchels

Great gifts (yes, including gifts for yourself) don’t get much more original than the bags, wallets, boots and watches in Arty Dandy’s curated collections. Brands, including RAINS, Lemon Jelly and Briston, are mid- to high-end but represent the kind of tough luxe that’s made to last. Find their two small but well-stocked boutiques in Saint-Germain and the Marais.

8.  Shakespeare & Company

• Quartier latin

Best for:  Unparalleled literary associations

Shakespeare & Co. might not be in the same location as it was during the roaring ’20s, but it’s no less influential on the city’s literary scene. Today the Left Bank’s bohemians still flock to events, signings and live podcasts at the bookshop, first founded by Sylvia Beach in 1919. Is it on the tourist map? Certainly. Is it deserving of its many, many accolades? Without a doubt.

9.  Le Bon Marché

• Department stores
• Rennes-Sèvres

Best for:  The Parisians’ department store

As Printemps and Galeries Lafayette become ever more geared to international tastes, LVMH-owned Le Bon Marché remains more of a Parisians’ department store. Away from the city centre in Saint-Germain, it’s been a bastion of Rive Gauche style since 1838. Even if you don’t come to buy, snapping a photo of the iconic escalators or the latest art installation is de rigueur.

10.  Paperdolls

Best for:  Raiding an imaginary friend’s wardrobe

The layout of this Pigalle ‘apartment boutique’ is designed to mimic a quirky Parisian home – meaning you can bring your dream of raiding a trendy friend’s wardrobe to life. Floaty, floral pieces are their mainstay. Think wrap skirts, frilly blouses and retro accessories, almost all French-made. Expect prices punchier than fast-fashion alternatives (but products with much more charm and originality, too).

11.  Aujourd’hui Demain

Best for:  The very, very vegan

Having been slow to support vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, Paris is making up for lost time. Yes, in many places you’re still likely to get chicken stock in your vegetarian soup and eggs in your ‘vegan’ salad, but others are flying the flag for change. Part-restaurant and part-concept store, Aujourd'hui Demain is one of the most appealing, selling as it does a range of hard-to-find ingredients, a small selection of plant-based cosmetics and more.

12.  Fleux’

Best for:  Bold home décor

Interior decoration with a touch of je ne sais quoi can be hard to find in a city that values muted colour palettes, elegance and tasteful fabrics over anything too outrageous. Fleux’ is a design and lifestyle store – actually, several stores within spitting distance of each other – that breaks the mould. Stop by to pick up quirky tableware, statement lamps and plenty of small gift-worthy bits such as purses, umbrellas and keyrings embossed with cheeky designs.

13.  Papier Tigre

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Best for:  One-of-a-kind notebooks

A one-stop-shop for statement stationery: notebooks, diaries, pencil cases and more, all emblazoned with their signature bold colours and graphic designs. Many are produced in the Marais, thanks in part to their commitment to sustainability, and their prints are instantly recognisable. There’s nothing better to take home to brighten up your work desk.

14.  Red Wheelbarrow

Best for:  Lovers of English literature in France

Great bookstores form the heart of communities. And while The Red Wheelbarrow stocks French titles, it’s their range of English-language books – spanning poetry, travel, history, politics and more – that make this independent Left Bank shop such a firm favourite among the city’s expats. Events include book launches, readings and Q&As with a range of fascinating writers.

15.  L’Etiquette

Best for: Hervé’s latest discovery

A natural wine shop with a rebellious streak is the last thing you’d expect to find steps from Notre-Dame on Île Saint-Louis. Yet L’Etiquette is as original and authentic a tasting room as you could hope to find. Owner Hervé is a fount of knowledge and opinions, not just on the producers he stocks (who he often knows personally), but also on the benefits of organic and natural winemaking.

16.  La Trésorerie

Best for:  Appreciating the ‘art du table’

The word ‘chic’ gets bandied around too often in Paris, but this Rue du Château d’Eau boutique nails stylish minimalism like nowhere else. If you’ve spied exquisite tableware in a Parisian restaurant or fallen in love with pastel linen napkins, this is where to track them down. Their earth-tone ceramics are among the less suitcase-friendly options, but blimey, are they beautiful.

17.  L’Officine Universelle Buly

Best for:  A trip to the apothecary

What do you get if you cross a 19th-century French apothecary with an Italian-style espresso bar? There’s only one way to find out. Pop in to L'Officine Universelle Buly’s Marais store, which is partly occupied by Grand Café Tortoni. The old-fashioned styling of their perfume and skincare ranges is commercial and visual genius. It’s little wonder the brand’s popularity has exploded (they’ve even collaborated with the Louvre).

18.  Le Vin au Vert

Best for:  Mags, grower Champagne and all things Jura

Bar and caviste Le Vin au Vert is the kind of place wine geeks, er, geek out over. For the uninitiated, there are unusual and small-production grower Champagnes and lots of fun, fresh and drinkable natural wines. For the fanatics, there are Jura greats like Ganevat, a serious selection of magnums and plenty of options sans sulfites. Even better, it’s a handy stumble from the Eurostar at the Gare du Nord.

19.  Kiliwatch

Best for:  Those who don’t mind trawling the racks

Only a few vintage shops warrant mention year in and year out. Kiliwatch is one. You’ll need to dedicate at least a few hours to trawling the racks, but you might stumble on the perfect shearling aviator or one-of-a-kind sunglasses. On the cheaper end, think retro sweatshirts, lots of denim and worn-in backpacks. There’s a small ready-to-wear range, too.

After more solid recommendations?

50 unmissable attractions in Paris

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Whether you’re mad about museums, live music or shopping, our ultimate run-down of the city’s most charming spots should have you hooked.

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The 20 best places for shopping in Paris

By Monica de La Villardière

Spending the day shopping in Paris isn’t an experience reserved for A-listers. What could be more enticing than a weekend’s stroll around the city, with multiple purchasing pit stops? If you’re planning a visit, you might be looking forward to great meals, remarkable sightseeing, and of course, a mandatory stop (or two) at one of the best shops in Paris. From the world’s most tempting boutiques to sophisticated department stores, Paris has it all.

Locals in Paris are professionally adept at knowing when and where to “faire les boutiques” (preferably during the famous “soldes” if possible). Parisians also tend to pledge fervent loyalty to their favourite “grand magasin” or department store. Are you a classic Left Bank Le Bon Marche lover or a Right Bank devotee to the historic, newly revamped Samaritaine? Perhaps you’ll love the urban-cool selection and modern layout at the Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysees. Get up-to-date now and plan the most scenic and efficient shopping route. While you’re at it, take a look at our edit of the very best hotels in Paris for your trip, scan this list of the top cafés in Paris and book into one of these incredible Parisian restaurants you shouldn’t miss.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Renowned literary history meets some of the world’s best art, decor, antiques and fashion in this beloved Left Bank neighbourhood. A wander up the rue Bonaparte from the Seine will have any interior-lover drooling. Stop for a coffee at Café de Flore (it would be rude not to) before heading to landmark fashion institutions and curiosity-compelling new additions.

1. Le Bon Marche & Grande Epicerie

The Crown jewel of the St Germain shopping experience, Le Bon Marche is the one-stop-shop for everything and anything you could be after – at least as far as local Left Bank shoppers are concerned. From a meticulously selected array of high and contemporary fashion for women and men to a well-curated bookshop, a homeware section and floors devoted to cosmetics and things for kids, to the ultra-tempting Grande Epicerie fine food hall, Le Bon Marche is an institution. The famous escalators’ fairy light decor and windows during the holiday season are not to be missed.

Address: 24 rue de Sèvres 75006

2. Marin Montagut

Steps from the Luxembourg Gardens you’ll find illustrator, collector and all-round aesthete Marin Montagut’s cabinet of curiosities at his delightful Madame boutique. Both unique and uniquely Parisian, this treasure trove is a world unto itself, featuring walls of “secret books”, decorative plates, old-style pharmacy jars, embroidered cushions and smile-inducing stationery among other unusual objects, each of which tells a story.

Address: 48 rue Madame 75006

3. Collector Square

A temple for vintage-lovers, this European leader for sales of second-hand luxury bags, watches, jewellery, art and collector’s items has its showroom on Boulevard Raspail. Make an appointment with one of Collector Square’s vintage specialists or horologists to see an impressive array of vintage Hermès and Chanel bags, Cartier watches, rare jewellery pieces and sculptures.

Address: 36 Boulevard Raspail 75007

4. Smallable

Since 2008, Smallable has made a name for itself as Paris’s coolest family store, locally at its rue du Cherche-Midi locations (a large kids showroom sits across the road from the stylish women’s multi-brand boutique), and internationally on its beloved website for stylish in-the-know parents. Find a funky selection of children's and women’s clothing brands, homeware, accessories and toys to secure your place in your little ones good books when you get home.

Address: Concept Store, 81 rue du Cherche-Midi, Women’s Store, 82 rue du Cherche-Midi

1st & 2nd arrondissements

Walk through the famous colonnades of rue de Rivoli which runs from the Place de la Concorde along the Tuileries and Louvre. But don’t be let down by the many tourist trinket shops. World-class shopping destinations are just around the corner – if you know where to look.

5. Librairie Delamain

While Shakespeare and Company is the bookstore that comes to mind when thinking of bookstores in Paris, Librairie Delamin is the oldest in Paris. The business dates all the way back to 1708, and the current shop has been the base since 1906. Sat in between the cafés and stalls of Rue Saint-Honoré, come here to clamber up wooden ladders to browse the ancient shelves.

Address: 155 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France

6. Librairie Galignani

Word has it this venerable English-language bookstore is the oldest of its kind in Europe, founded in 1801 by the Venetian Giovanni Gagliani, a member of an illustrious publishing family whose work was first printed in 1520. The interiors are befitting of such a history, with tall mahogany bookshelves and wheeled ladders to help you reach the highest shelves. Find a range of English and French literature as well as a great selection of history, fashion, design and travel books, also in both languages.

Address: 224 rue de Rivoli 75001

7. White Bird

Paris’ home for jewellery lovers is curated by connoisseur Stephanie Rogers, who casts her net wide. Rogers’ selection includes many of the world’s best-loved contemporary artisans and designers, including Paris talents like Charlotte Chesnais and Vilter along with international design stars Sophie Buhai, Alighieri and Elhanati on display amongst bird cages and modern glass-cube cases.

Address: 38 rue du Mont Thabor 75001

8. La Samaritaine

After a 16-year wait, Parisians finally saw this 19th-century department store reopen its doors last Spring –a much-anticipated event. French luxury conglomerate LVMH is to thank for the original Art Nouveau building’s renovation, which was painstakingly restored while a new contemporary wing was built from scratch. Today the Belle-Epoque destination boasts seven floors of eclectic fashion products, jewellery and the largest department store beauty selection in Europe .

Address: 9 rue de la Monnaie 75001

This ultra-luxe Place Vendome shirtmaker has been in business since 1838, officially making it the oldest shirt shop in Paris. Reputed worldwide for its exceptional craftsmanship, illustrious customers through the ages have included many a royal, nobleman and president, but arguably some of the best Charvet-wearers to date are the elegant ladies who know how to sport a men’s shirt just so . Fine tie and slipper collectors are also welcome.

Address: 28 Place Vendôme 75001

10. La Nouvelle Chambre Claire

Technically, this shop’s latest iteration can be found in the 5th, but it is walking distance from the 1st. La Nouvelle Chambre Claire, a bookstore and photography gallery, places emphasis on creators and authors. They have been compiling amazing photography books and showcase beautiful work done by photographers around the world since 1980. As well as selling standard photography books, they offer limited edition releases and books signed by photographers.

Address: 3 Rue d'Arras, 75005 Paris, France

Olivia Morelli

Jessica Puckett

Lanie Goodman

The historic Marais, stretching the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of the Right Bank and is one of Paris’ best areas for shopping and has many shops open Sunday – a rare feat in France. Stroll the rue des Francs Bourgeois, rue de Saintonge, rue Vieille du Temple, and rue de Turenne, each packed with appealing boutiques, before heading over to Boulevard Beaumarchais to visit famed concept store, Merci.

You’ll know you’ve arrived at this iconic concept store when you see its beloved red Fiat parked in the courtyard on your way in. Showcasing current trends through real-life settings and installations, Merci offers everything from vintage furniture to modern fashion accessories, all chosen for their function as well as appearance. Be sure to visit the used book cafe on the ground floor for coffee and inspiration when you need a rest.

Address: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais

12. Officine Universelle Buly

After a century of sleep, master perfumer Jean-Vincent Buly’s apothecary concept has been beautifully brought back to life, with products drawing on innovative modern cosmetic techniques from around the world. Respect for the French beauty heritage can be felt through the old-world pharmacy interiors, all glass cabinets and marble countertops, herbal tinctures, and beautifully scented moisturisers and soaps in painted porcelain bottles, all of which have earned Buly a cult following.

Address: 45 rue de Saintonge 75003 (open Sundays); 19 rue Vieille du Temple 75004 ; 6 rue Bonaparte 75006

13. Castor Fleuriste

Fashion’s favourite florist Louis-Geraud Castor is so in-demand that you need a password to access his website. But don’t be intimidated – his minimal Marais shop, hidden away in a courtyard, is well worth a visit for its seasonal, graphic and poetic bouquets.

Address: 14 rue Debelleyme 75003

9th and 10th arrondissements

Extending from the glorious Palais Garnier opera house to the foot of Montmartre, the 9th arrondissement has long been known for its Belle Epoque department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps and its grand Haussmann boulevards. But don’t miss the charming smaller streets of the Saint Georges neighbourhood, with its village feel, or the Canal Saint Martin District of the ultra-hip neighbouring 10th arrondissement just to the East, where quaint footbridges, international cuisine and quirky, independent boutiques abound.

14. Dealeuse

Interior decorator Alix Roblot is a lover of vintage objects, old stones and lamps. In her boutique and showroom Dealeuse, you’ll find a mix of antiques, designer pieces and vintage gems which she reconstructs to ultra-modern effect. Alix’s keen eye is immediately apparent – you’ll find yourself wanting to recreate her nonchalant elegance in your own space stat.

Address: 7 rue de Vintimille, 75009

15. De Beaulieu

Worthy of a contemporary art gallery status, this plant and decor shop proposes unexpected blooms and careful curation of vases. Founder Pierre Banchereau favours old-school flower arrangements – he named the shop after his grandparents – modernised in contemporary vases.

Address: 30 rue Henry Monnier (bouquets); 19 rue Victor Masse (plants and objects)

16. Centre Commercial

From the founders of ethical shoe brand Veja, this concept store sees itself less as a shopping destination than a movement, favouring menswear, womenswear and children’s pieces with one thing in common: transparency of production. Find an array of organic cotton and hand-stitched goodies at its minimalist rue de Marseille location.

Address: 2 rue de Marseille 75010

17. Bonjour Jacob

If your idea of a great morning means tucking into a cup of artisanal coffee and a rare magazine – both perfectly tailored to your tastes – don’t miss this modern take on the literary cafe, where you’ll find publications from all over the world, accompanied by a selection of vinyl and pastries. Bonjour Jacob also doubles as an exhibition space, with colourful artwork lining its walls.

Address: 38 rue Yves Toudic 75010

18. Thanx God I’m a VIP

Everyone is welcome at this hilariously named popular vintage clothing market. Founder Sylvie Chateigner has a keen eye for designer pieces, and unearths rare, premium finds, both classic and contemporary. You’ll certainly feel like a VIP in your iconic new Prada, Mugler and Hermes pieces.

Address: 12 rue de Lancry 75010

Golden Triangle

Known as the cradle of French luxury, this emblematic neighbourhood is outlined by Avenue George V, Champs-Elysées and Avenue Montagne, which meet in a neat triangle spanning a four-square-kilometre territory of the 8th arrondissement. Home to all the French Couture greats: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Balenciaga, this area has also seen the opening of a more urban, youth-focused take on French luxury at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysees.

If you only enter one luxury boutique on your trip, make it the recently-restored wood-panelled Hermes shop on Avenue George V, with its unmistakable gilded lettering. Inside, you’ll find three floors of the ultimate French heritage brand’s unmissable objects, maroquinerie, shoes, jewellery and pret-a-porter, with each floor boasting its particular style and atmosphere. Die-hard Hermes fans will also enjoy a peek ‘round the rue de Sevres and rue du Faubourg Saint Honore locations, if only for the decor and architecture…

Address: 42 Avenue George V, 75008

20. Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées

Ever since mega-retailer Galeries Lafayette reclaimed this Art Deco landmark (formerly the Virgin Megastore) on the world’s most famous avenue, Parisians have been divided, debating its merits or lack thereof. The store creates a unique retail experience, mixing goods from multiple categories including emerging and a handful of accessible designers for men and women rather than partitioning pieces into dedicated corners, which is intended to create a more fluid shopping experience. Some say this is what modern bricks and mortar shopping should look like — others find it impossible to navigate. Either way, it's worth checking out.

Address: 60 Avenue des Champs-Elysées

THE 10 BEST Places to Go Shopping in Paris

Shopping in paris.

• Gift & Specialty Shops
• Art Galleries
• Shopping Tours
• Flea & Street Markets
• Fashion Shows & Tours
• Antique Stores
• Shopping Malls
• Department Stores
• Farmers Markets
• Factory Outlets
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 6th Arr. - Luxembourg
• Opéra / Bourse
• 4th Arr. - Hôtel-de-Ville
• Good for a Rainy Day
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• Good for Couples
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• Honeymoon spot
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

2. Shakespeare And Company

Recommended Shopping & Fashion Experiences (42)

3. Bastille Market

4. Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

5. Mouffetard Market

6. Rue Cler

7. Marché Aligre

8. Galerie Vivienne

9. Dalí Paris

10. Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

11. Printemps

12. Marché Maubert

13. Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges

14. Marché Monge

15. Laurence Esnol Gallery

16. Samaritaine

17. Marché Saint Quentin

18. Rue Poncelet Market

19. Marché de Saxe-Breteuil

20. Marche Buci

21. Rue de Levis

22. Pigment Gallery

23. Daguerre Maree

24. Galerie Univer / Colette Colla

25. Marché aux fleurs - Ile de la Cité

26. Le BHV Marais

27. French Arts Factory

28. Le Village Suisse

29. L'ile Aux Images

30. La Grande Epicerie de Paris Rive Gauche

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Shopping in Paris

The 7 Best Places for Shopping in Paris

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

For reasons that elude most of us, Parisians tend to make impeccable fashion sense look like a walk in the park. Even on modest budgets , they generally seem to just know how to pull it all together and create enviable and seemingly effortless looks. Call it "je ne sais quoi," if you must. 

It's no surprise that the French capital has held onto its reign as the global center of all things style-related. After museums and monuments , shopping alone attracts millions of visitors every year. 

While the city is studded with fabulous boutiques and stores, these seven ultra-popular shopping districts in Paris are gold mines for discount-hunters, designer divas, window shoppers, and fashion victims alike.

There's room for all budgets, too—so looking snappy doesn't have to rhyme with going broke. Make sure you take home a little  "je ne sais quoi" by clicking through our picks for the top centers of style in the French capital.

Louvre and Tuileries District

• Best for:   Crème de la crème  designer fashion, chic home furnishings, quality cosmetics
• Getting there:  Metro Concorde, Tuileries (Line 1), Pyramides (Line 7, 14)
• Main streets:  Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue de la Paix, Place Vendome

The Faubourg Saint-Honoré district is the pulse of Paris design and fashion. Part of the Louvre-Tuileries neighborhood, the Saint-Honoré fashion district is studded with flagship shops from classic designers like Versace, Hermes, and Saint Laurent but also houses resolutely trendy boutiques and concept stores. 

Also, make sure to check out the elegant boutiques lining the arcades (covered galleries) of the Palais Royal : from luxury perfumer Serge Lutens to upscale vintage shops, jewelry, and art, shopping in the Palais Royal's chic nooks is worlds away from the hustle-and-bustle of central Paris and offers a dose of authentic old-world chic. 

The Faubourg Honoré is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the grandeur of the  Opera Garnier  and the Belle-Epoque  Paris department stores  dominating Boulevard Haussmann, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps (click through to next page for more on these treasure troves). 

Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards

• Best for:  Getting lost in Paris' prestigious—and dizzying—Belle-Epoque department stores ( grands magasins )
• Getting there:  Metro Havre-Caumartin (Line 3 or 9), Opera (Lines 3, 7, 8), RER Auber(Line A)
• Main streets:  Boulevard Haussmann; Place de la Madeleine

The old Parisian department stores are famous for being worlds unto themselves.  Galeries Lafayette  and Printemps department stores dominate Boulevard Haussmann with real Belle Epoque grandeur, concentrating top designer collections for men and women, gourmet food shopping, home design, jewelry, and even hardware into a labyrinth of consumer delights. Of course, these "grands magasins" are decked out in the winter months with lights and elaborate decorations for the holiday season, so don't miss checking them out then. 

Covered Passageways ("Les Arcades")

Also make sure to check out the old-world elegance (and high-quality boutiques) of the old covered "arcades" (passageways) in the area, including the Galerie Vivienne, which houses luxury boutiques from top designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, as well as rare bookshops, old-fashioned artisan toy shops, and gifts. (Metro: Bourse or Palais-Royal Musee du Louvre)

Other "arcades" worth exploring nearby include the Passage Jouffroy, with its throwback-style shops, and the Passage du Grand Cerf (Metro: Etienne Marcel), well-known for its intricate antiques and fine old jewelry. Stop at the latter before exploring Rue Etienne Marcel and its trendy boutiques from designers including Kenzo and Thierry Mugler. 

• Best for:  Eclectic and high-fashion, high-quality chains, vintage stores, artisan and handcrafted jewelry, antiques and fine art galleries, cosmetics, and perfumeries.
• Getting there:  Metro Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Hotel de Ville (Line 1, 11)
• Main streets:  Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Place des Vosges, Rue de Turenne, Rue des Rosiers

The historic  Marais quarter  is the prime stomping ground for shoppers with an eye for the unique and finely-crafted, not to mention antique and fine art lovers. Try antiques or fine-arts shopping on the Place des Vosges, jewelry, fragrance, and cosmetics shopping at boutiques like Diptyque and MAC on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, or plunder fashionable but accessible chains such as COS on Rue des Rosiers. 

If you're a fan of excellent teas , chocolate, and other gourmet goods, the Marais is also an excellent area for foodie shopping. For high-quality French tea, head to Mariage Frères (and its adjoining tearoom) on Rue du Bourg-Tibourg, or Kusmi Tea on Rue des Rosiers. Meanwhile, Josephine Vannier (4 rue du pas de la Mule) is listed in our guide to the best chocolate makers in Paris . 

For a great concept shop in the general vicinity, Merci is one of the trendiest places in town to shop for men's and women's designer fashion, home decor, accessories and books, and more. The tearoom and cinema-inspired adjoining restaurant next door are perfect spots to perch, see, and be seen, too. 

Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées

• Best for:  Designer shopping, trendy chain stores, Sunday shopping
• Getting there:  Metro Alma Marceau (Line 9), Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1 and 9), George V (Line 1), RER A (Charles de Gaulle-Etoile)

Avenue Montaigne and  Avenue des Champs-Elysées  form one of the city's most coveted fashion junctures. Avenue Montaigne is fast outstripping Saint Honoré in the arena of chic-cachet, with legendary designers like Chanel and Dior lining the street with flagship boutiques. The Champs-Elysées, for its part, features luxury names (Louis Vuitton) while also being a major spot for shopping in trendy global chains like Zara. Meanwhile, to keep the kids happy, the Disney Store dominates the "Champs" with fun window displays and enough toys to colonize the moon. 

St-Germain-des-Prés

• Best for:  Chic, classic design, books, and home furnishings
• Getting there:  Metro Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4), Sèvres-Babylone (Line 10)
• Main streets:  Blvd. St.-Germain, Rue St. André-des-Arts, Rue de Sèvres

Once synonymous with the famous intellectuals who haunted local cafés, St.-Germain-des-Prés has acquired several shades of chic and is now a preferred spot of BCBG's (yuppies). Sonia Rykiel and Paco Rabanne have boutiques here:

Try Rue Saint-Andre des Arts for rare books, unique regional gifts, and vintage threads. 

Meanwhile, the Bon Marché is the consummate left-bank address for local department store shopping for classic chic. If you're a foodie or searching for gourmet goods to take home, make sure to whirl through the enormous food hall there, too. 

Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli

• Best for:  Major chain shops and trendy boutiques
• Getting there:  Metro Chatelet-Les Halles (Line 4, RER A,B)
• Main streets:  Rue de Rivoli, Rue Pierre-Lescot, Rue Etienne Marcel, Rue de Turbigo

Once the locus of "the guts of Paris"—an enormous outdoor food market, the area around Châtelet-Les Halles was transformed into a central shopping area in the 20th century. At metro Les Halles is a monstrous underground mall, "Le Forum des Halles," where global chain stores reign.

Running east to west from the Marais to the Louvre, Rue de Rivoli is much the same. Great deals can be made on this long shopping artery in the city center, even outside the Paris sales season. Chains such as H&M and Zara dominate the area, but closer to the Louvre, you'll find many antique shops and art galleries for those looking for special pieces to bring back home. 

Meanwhile, quirky contemporary boutiques abound in the adjoining (and much trendier)  Rue Montorgueil  area, including Barbara Bui and young cutting-edge designers.

Dig Around at a Paris Flea Market

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

• Best for:  Antiques and oddball items, discounted and vintage clothes and shoes
• Getting there:  Metro Porte de Clingancourt (Line 4) or Garibaldi (Line 13)

The Saint-Ouen flea market (or "puces"—literally, "fleas") is the city's largest and dates to the 19th century. Located at the northern tip of Paris,  les puces  are an essential shopping stop. Come here for a few hours to browse the antique furniture, odd objects, or vintage clothes. There are also many other flea markets around the city, and they're pretty much all worth spending an afternoon exploring.

You may not come away with a masterpiece painting (as once was the case), but a find you are likely to make. A word of advice, however: weekdays are preferable to avoid the inevitable crowds. Also make sure to watch out for pickpockets . 

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A Guide to Paris Arrondissements: Map & Getting Around

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The Top 10 Things to Do in Paris's Saint-Germain-des-Prés District

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For You to Explore

• Best Paris Shopping Districts

14 Top Paris Shopping Districts & Streets

Long known as the fashion capital of the world, Paris offers something for every shopper, regardless of your style, budget, and interests.  That's why so many millions of visitors come here each year to shop.

Beyond chic clothing boutiques, you'll find art galleries, home furnishing emporiums, books of all vintages, antiques, jewelry, and everything else you might desire. 

To be sure, you can easily spend your time and money at the most famous Paris shopping districts and emporiums:   the legendary department stores known as the grands magasins , the flagship showrooms along Avenue Montaigne and the "Golden Triangle" of luxury couture such as Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton, the global brands up and down Champs-Élysées . 

You might easily spend a day or more in the immense glass-domed Galeries Lafayette  department store browsing the Valentino, Chloé, Gucci, and countless designer boutiques, picking out the perfect Longchamp or Chanel bag, and choosing a captivating Guerlain or Dior fragrance even if you weren't planning to buy any - because who can resist the scent of French perfume? 

But beyond these iconic Paris clothing stores and boutiques, the city offers plenty more areas where you can indulge your passion for Parisian style while seeking out chic French labels such as Maje, Sandro, Louboutin , and Zadig & Voltaire, trendy but (for now) unknown indie designers, fun and affordable European brands such as Camaïeu and Zara, and even discount and cheap prices on coveted items.

So here's the problem: with so much choice, where do you start?   Especially if you're here for just a short visit, how do you make the best use of your time?

We've narrowed down the choices to 14 shopping areas across Paris to give you a head start on finding the best fit for your interests. They include the city's famous luxury districts, budget-friendly options you might not find on your own, areas where you're likely to spot emerging designers and trends, flea markets, and even a couple of fascinating historical areas for one-of-a-kind finds. 

By all means shop in the famous places - they've earned their fame.  But if you have time and enjoy the experience of discovery, also explore a lesser-known Paris boutique, unique specialty shop, or jewelry maker's atelier and their surrounding neighborhoods, especially if your idea of "travel" means veering off the usual tourist path. 

Article Contents:  Champs Elysees & Golden Triangle   -  Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, Rue Saint-Honoré -  La Vallée Village   -  Galeries Lafayette, Au Printemps, Rue de l'Opéra   -  Palais Royal Arcades   -   Covered Passages   -  Les Halles Kitchenware Stores   -  Marais   -  Saint-Martin   -  Les Puces Flea Market   -  Montmartre   -  Bastille   -  Village Saint-Paul   -  Saint-Germain des Pres

Top photo: Chanel showroom on Avenue Montaigne in Paris's Golden Triangle

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1. Champs Élysées & the Golden Triangle Shopping Tips

What you'll find:  Luxury designer boutiques and haute couture showrooms; on Champs-Élysées, also look for car showrooms and global chains .

Located between the Arc de Triomphe and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Metro Station, the commercial portion of Champs Élysées stretches for almost a mile through the swanky 8th arrondissement and is the most famous shopping avenue in Paris - a must-see destination for visitors from around the world.

With its broad sidewalks punctuated by outdoor cafes and rows of tall horse chestnut trees, Champs Elysees easily accommodates the masses of shoppers who flock here for the excellent selection of global brands:   Tiffany, Abercrombie & Fitch, the always-packed Disney Store, Cartier, Gap, Sephora, the Adidas Paris flagship store, French electronics store Fnac, Zara, Petit Bateau baby clothing boutique, and at the corner of Avenue George V, the spectacular Louis Vuitton flagship store where you can line up with other shoppers until it's your turn to be admitted.

If you're on the north side of the avenue, you can spot several entrances to surprisingly large hidden Paris shopping malls carved out of interior courtyards.

Les Arcades des Champs Elysees (at #78) is a particularly splendid historical covered passage with an Art Nouveau glass roof, lovely light fixtures and lanterns created by the famed jewelry designer and glass artist René Lalique, and 40 boutiques. 

Craving an American-style frappuccino?  Les Arcades is where you'll find Starbucks.

What to skip:  The Galeries Lafayette on Champs Elysees; instead, head to their far more magnificent flagship location (don't worry, we cover it further on in this article) on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement.

That's where you can see a spectacular stained glass dome, rooftop terrace with Eiffel Tower views, food hall, and almost every designer boutique you can imagine.

Find out more about shopping at Paris's other historical covered passages

For the crème de la crème of couture near Champs Elysees, turn onto Avenue Montaigne, part of the "Golden Triangle"  along with Avenue George V and Rue Francois 1er, and you'll suddenly be in more rarefied territory among the world's most famous fashion houses. 

Hermès, Saint Laurent, Ferragamo, Courrèges, Givenchy, Kenyo, Balmain, Prada, Gucci, Bulgari, Dior, Chanel, Valentine, and many, many more Grands Couturiers have created their flagship stores, haute couture showrooms, and by-invitation-only salons along this lovely enclave of shaded streets and pale marble mansions.

As you may guess from the unsmiling guards at most of the doors, you must have an appointment to enter many of these shrines to high fashion.  And even if you have one, there's no guarantee you'll go home with a Birkin bag or other coveted treasures.  Fortunately, window shopping is free, and quite superb in this neighborhood.

Bargain hunter's tip:   Return for the famous winter and summer sales when even the Golden Triangle boutiques mark down luxury goods as much as 70% off to make room for the new season.

How to Tour Champs-Elysees

City Highlights Bike Tour - Explore famous Paris streets and attractions, including Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, and the Eiffel Tower, and learn about the highlights of the city's history including the Second World War and French Revolution on this fascinating guided bike ride around the city.  Find out more

Vintage Citroën 2CV Tour for Two - Cruise down Champ Elysees in a cool classic Deux Chaveaux (Citroën 2CV) with a private driver at the wheel. With a private driver/guide at the wheel, you'll see all the most famous sights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.  Find out more

More to See & Do on Champs-Elysees

The renowned Lido de Paris cabaret offers dinner, Champagne, and burlesque every evening.  Find out more about Lido de Paris shows and make your reservations

Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Toyota, and Peugeot have fantastic showrooms where you can drool over fashions in car design; BMW is on a nearby side street. 

Near the Arc,  Publicis Drugstore's dazzling glass building contains an array of dining, entertainment, and shopping venues plus a cinema, quirky pop-up boutiques, and a riff on an American-style pharmacy/concept store where you can stock up on perfumes, French cosmetics, books, and other eclectic items.

Best time to stroll down Champs-Elysees:  Car-Free Day on the first Sunday of each month, when cars are banned from the streets of central Paris.  More info

Where to Eat on Champs-Elysees & in the Golden Triangle

Head to Le Fouquet or the brasseries in Le Drugstore for an upscale meal, Paul for a café crème and croissant, any of the sidewalk cafes for ice cream or a drink, Ladurée for a specialty macaroon. 

In the Golden Triangle:  Join the line outside Le Relais de l'Entrecôte (15 Rue Marbeuf) for steak-frites and a glass (or two) of their organic French wine.

Closest metro stations:   Georges V, Alma-Marceau, Franklin D Roosevelt, Charles de Gaulle/Étoile

2.  Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Rue Saint-Honoré, & Place Vendôme - Where to Shop for French Luxury Design

What you'll find:  Prestigious luxury designers, fabulous and fabulously expensive jewelry, specialty boutiques devoted fine leather gloves, designer bags, lust-worthy shoes - plus some of the best gourmet food shops in Paris as well as renowned 5-star hotels

Long considered the epicenter of French luxury design on the Right Bank, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré boasts over 40 designer boutiques and showrooms .  (In case you're wondering, "faubourg" designates areas once outside the city before Paris annexed them in 1701.)

Although you'll see some overlap between Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré (or FSH , as many Parisians call it) and the Golden Triangle - for example, Hermès  and Chanel have boutiques in both places - others such as Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin, Louboutin, and Jun Ashida can be found only in FSH. 

Walk up Rue Royale past even more boutiques including another Chanel, Massimo Dutti, Ralph Lauren to Place de la Madeleine, dominated by the majestic Madeleine Church and its elaborate Corinthian Greek columns, originally a temple built by Napoleon to celebrate his army (and himself).  Filled with magnificent art, the church hosts popular classical music concerts several times a week. 

Walk around the square to sample its gourmet shops including Maille  for fancy mustards, Mariage Frères for specialty teas, Fauchon for fois gras and caviar, and Patrick Roger for specialty chocolates, and then head back to FSH.

Once you cross Rue Royale, you're just one block away from the 1st arrondissement , the historic center of Paris, where the street name changes to Rue Saint Honoré.  Look for jewelry stores, upper-drawer home decor displays, and gourmet chocolates mixed in with enough designer showrooms to make fashionistas swoon. 

You're also in Coco Chanel's storied neighborhood.  Detour at Rue Cambon to see her original boutique and couture salon (#31) and her apartment above (although she spent her nights in her private suite at the Ritz Hotel in nearby Place Vendôme).  While you're there, check out Zadig & Voltaire's new flagship store , part fashion and part art, at 2 Rue Cambon.

Place Vendôme, easily spotted by the soaring obelisk erected by Napoleon to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, is a large open square surrounded by stately 18th century arcaded mansions with showrooms for many of the world's most famous jewelers on their ground floors and coveted apartments on upper levels. 

Amid all the splendor of Place Vendôme, the dazzling 5-star palace hotel Ritz Paris offers 21st century luxury.  Follow Coco Chanel's example and pamper yourself with a stay, or savor a drink at the hotel's famous Bar Hemingway.

Chauffeured limos angling for curbside parking as other traffic speeds by distracts from Place Vendôme's beauty during the day but come evening, it is easily one of the loveliest squares in Paris, especially from mid-November through early January when dozens of dazzling lighted Christmas trees transform it into a sparkling jewel.

Will you discover an exciting new Paris boutique showcasing emerging (and affordable) designers in this neighborhood?   No, that's unlikely - high rents mean only well-established luxury brands can afford to be here.  But even if the price tags are beyond your budget, window shopping is superb - and free.

Rue Saint Honoré continues east with more designer boutiques including Max Mara, Michael Kors, Longchamp, Fendi, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Theory until finally ending at Avenue de l'Opéra with a flourish of touristy ice cream shops and a Starbucks - which is actually perfect, because after all that shopping, you will welcome a sugar and caffeine energy boost.

How to Experience Paris Fashion & Gourmet Treats on the Right Bank : Tours for Fashion, Shopping, Food, & Wine

• French Fashion History Walking Tour - As you stroll the streets of the Rue Saint-Honoré luxury fashion district, your guide will entertain you with famous stories about Paris fashion history including Coco Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and Louis Vuitton
• Small Group After-Hours Visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum - This VIP after-hours tour lets you explore the historical fashion house and studio of France's great couturier, Yves Saint Laurent, as well as learn about the process of creating an haute couture collection and see displays of his work from the museum's trove of 5,000 of his creations
• Chocolate Walking Tour - The glamorous fashion district around Madeleine Church and Rue Saint Honoré boasts numerous gourmet chocolatiers - and you'll visit 5 of them on this popular tour and sample their mouth-watering creations while you learn about French chocolates

3.  La Vallée Village - Where to Find Designer Fashion Discount Outlets

Where do Paris fashionistas shop for their Karl Lagerfeld little black dresses, their Gucci loafers, and their Zadig & Voltaire biker jackets? 

Not always in the expensive retail enclaves you might imagine. 

Instead, they bypass the pricey designer boutiques along Rue Saint Honoré or in the Golden Triangle and head straight to La Vallée Village, a sprawling discount designer fashion outlet mall just beyond the city outskirts - and you can too.

You won't find the most exclusive brands such as Hèrmes or Chanel here, but with 110+ shops filled with other sought-after French, European, and American designers - Givenchy, Isabel Marant, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, The Kooples, Burberry, Valentine, Ferragamo, Armani - you will find plenty to love. 

How much can you save?   It varies, and some items may only be available in a few sizes - but savings typically range from 20-30% up to well over 50% (we've spotted 70% reductions on a few items). You can usually find a few items with discounts on top of the regular marked down prices.  And don't forget about the annual summer and winter sales , when almost every boutique offers additional discounts for the sweetest deals of all.

La Vallée Village shops are open 7 days/week from 10am to 7pm (8pm in summer), and you can get there easily from Paris. 

How to Get to La Vallée Village by Train

Hop on the RER A train in Paris heading toward Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy-Parcs-Disney, and get off at the Val d'Europe station.  When you walk out of the station, turn right and walk through the large Val d'Europe shopping (you'll see a large map in case you're in doubt).  Walk all the way through it to reach the Vallée Village discount area. 

La Vallée Village Trips from Paris

4.  galeries lafayette, au printemps, & shopping along rue de l'opéra .

Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps Haussmann, two legendary 19th century Belle Epoch Paris department stores or grands magasins , sit next to each other on Boulevard Haussmann and cover several city blocks just north of the Paris Opera House, Palais Garnier.

Both stores are packed with in-store boutiques featuring most of the same luxury designers you'll see in the Golden Triangle and along FSH/Rue Saint-Honoré, plus more affordable mid-range designers.  You'll also find many more affordable mid-range designers.  

But beyond shopping, there's much to admire in the ornate architecture and design of these shrines to retail:  their colored glass domes, grand staircases, and artistic details.  Galeries Lafayette sports a huge central atrium and renowned Art Nouveau staircase.  For an unforgettable experience plus fantastic panoramic views, take the elevator up to the 3rd floor and stroll across the glass walk spanning the atrium.

If you're in Paris in November, December, or early January, join the crowds admiring the elaborate holiday displays and animations in the stores' huge display windows and the huge Christmas tree suspended from the top of Galeries Lafayette's glass-dome.

More stores and boutiques line the broad avenues and smaller streets surrounding the department stores.   Avenue de l'Opéra offers an especially rich selection of shoes, bags, books, clothing, fashion accessories, chocolates, tea, bakeries, and gourmet foods on offer.  Although price ranges vary, many of the stores are surprisingly affordable.  

Camaïeu , for example, offers cute and trendy nicely-made clothing at relatively cheap prices - most of the separates cost less than 30 Euros.  If you're a fan of super-comfy Mephisto shoes, look for their shop at #12, on the corner of Rue Saint Anne, where you can sometimes happen upon a sale.  Shop in the large Monoprix (roughly similar to Target in the U.S.) near the end of the street for shampoo, small household items, and snacks - you'll find an excellent selection of French yogurts, chocolate bars, and fruit juices.

As a bonus, most stores in this area are open for shopping on Sundays.

Find the best places to stay in this lively shopping area

Where to Eat:  Galeries Lafayette and Printemps

• Galeries Lafayette - In the summer, the rooftop terrace can't be beat for its views across Paris - have drinks, or a light meal.  During other months, follow the crowds into Lafayette Maison and Gourmet across the street from the main store, and indulge in the take-away or eat-in specialties from around the world.
• Printemps - You'll find wonderful choices of food halls, gourmet items, and dining areas on the 7th and 8th floors of the Men's Store.  In the summer, dine on the Men's Store's 9th floor rooftop terrace and enjoy the sweeping views.  Or admire the incredible glass dome over Brasserie Printemps on the 6th floor of the Women's Store.
• Le Royal Opéra (#19 Avenue de l'Opéra) - A typical casual brasserie - good food for modest prices.  Go for a burger and fries or steak-frites with a glass of red wine.
• Paul (#25 Avenue de l'Opéra) - Buy a croissant and coffee to go in the front, or walk past the tantalizing display of confections to the small seating area in the back, or go upstairs.  Order a salad, sandwich, or quiche, a glass of wine, and a small fruit tart with espresso.

More Paris Shopping

Galeries lafayette and printemps flagship locations.

• Galeries Lafayette - 40 Blvd Haussmann; Metro: Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette
• Au Printemps - 64 Blvd Haussmann; Havre-Caumartin

More to know:  Galeries Lafayette will usually give non-EU residents a 10% discount, provided you have your passport with you, and they will also process a VAT refund if you meet the 175.01€ minimum purchase in a single store in a single day requirement - easy to do if you're buying luxury items.  But be aware:  the refund is not available on some designer brands such as Tiffany.

5.  Palais Royal Arcades:  Discover the Specialty Boutiques & Galleries

Across Rue de Rivoli from the Louvre but hidden from sight behind a  17th century palace, now office space for the Ministry of Culture, is an almost-secret oasis missed by most Paris visitors:  an inner courtyard filled with a whimsical sculpture display by Daniel Buren, a central passage with a large fountain filled with huge shiny chrome balls, rows of carefully shaped trees, and the serenely elegant Palais Royal Garden ( Jardin Palais Royal ) surrounded by covered arcades.  

Tucked away behind the arcades are boutiques, restaurants (including 2-Michelin star Le Grand Véfour ) , and theaters frequented by stylish Parisians since the early 18th century.

Aside from a couple of designers such as Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs, most of the 40 or so boutiques focus on specialty items: antique silk kimonos, vintage Chanel and other clothing at Didier Ludot, antique coins and medals, perfume, hand-carved canes, exquisite jewelry, beautifully crafted handmade leather bags.  This is where you'll find some of the most exclusive shops in Paris for one-of-a-kind treasures.

Needless to say, prices reflect the quality and rarity of most items on display here, but if the cost doesn't make you flinch, this is a wonderful place to buy unique and precious gifts for others or for yourself.  Otherwise, enjoy window shopping and perhaps a meal in one of more casual restaurants, or just claim a spot on a bench and relax in the sun.

How to Visit Palais Royal Garden & Boutiques: Hours & Location

Palais Royal Garden opens at 7am from April 1 through September 30, and 7:30 from October 1 through March 31.  Closing time ranges from 8:30pm in the winter to as late as 11pm during the summer. 

Entrance is free. 

Look for almost-hidden entrances to the garden along Rue de Montpensier, Rue de Valois, and Rue de Beaujolais.  There is also one on Place Colette near Le Nemours cafe on Rue Saint Honoré.

Find more places to shop & things to do & see in the 1st srrondissement near the Louvre

6.  Historical Covered Passages

To experience some of the most charming remnants of the 19th century as well as one of the best but lesser-known shopping locations for unique gifts and artisan creations, spend an hour or even a day exploring Paris's covered passages.

Originally built to give shoppers a dry, safe, well-lighted place to walk, the passages are basically private lanes built between exisiting buildings and usually passing a cut-through between two major streets.  They feature soaring glass roof, shops, bistros, and sometimes theaters along both sides, and in the most luxurious examples, sumptuous decor. 

Of the 21 or so covered passages still remaining, a few have closed but most continue to thrive. 

Galerie Vero Dodat, Galerie VIvienne, Passage du Choiseul, Galerie de La Madeleine, Cour de Commerce Saint-André (which actually has medieval roots), Passage des Panoramas, Passage du Grand Cerf, and Passage Jouffroy stand out for their light-filled ambiance, lavish decorations and embellishments, appealing cafes, and unique boutiques spanning the spectrum from affordable to the high end of luxury.

You'll find most of the best covered passages in the city's 1st, 2nd and 9th arrondissements, with a couple more in the 6th and 8th.

Find out more about where to find covered passages in Paris, and the best ways to visit

6.  Shopping for French Kitchenware around Les Halles

Although the large centuries-old wholesale food market at Les Halles in the eastern end of the 1st arrondissement was demolished in 1971 to make way for an underground shopping mall, remnants of the area's food culture remain. 

If you love kitchenware in its many forms - copper pots, fancy cake baking tins, wooden spoons, Opinel knives, French wine openers, authentic macaroon baking pans, Le Creuset and Staub enameled cookware - head straight to Dehillerin (18 Rue Coquillière, 1st).  Be prepared for 2-3 hours to pass in a heartbeat as you explore all the narrow aisles in the store's two packed floors. 

You'll also find wonderful places to eat along Rue Coquillière plus more shops selling tableware items.  Other major food streets in the area include Rue Montmartre (1st) and market street Rue Montorgueil (1st).

More Food & Wine Experiences near Les Halles

Paris Wine & Cheese Lunch - Whether you're new to French wine or a connoisseur, you'll learn something new at this lunch with wine, cheese, and charcuterie (smoked ham and sausages).  You'll taste wines from 5 different regions of France, learn how to read a French wine label, and how to pair wine with food from a sommelier at a popular wine bar near Les Halles and the Louvre.  Find out more

French Wine Experience & Tasting - Taste 3 different wines, tour the wine cellars of former French kings next to the Louvre, and learn about French grapes and wine regions from a sommelier.  Find out more

More French Food Tasting Adventures

7.  shopping in the marais - fashion, food, design.

The Marais neighborhood's small cobbled streets and lanes attract fashionistas, home decor connoisseurs, and gourmands from around the world. 

Stroll along the narrow streets, and you'll find the boutiques of famous French and other European trend-setters such as Isabel Marant, Maje, Sandro, Zadig & Voltaire, Antoine & Lili, Claudie Pierlot, Lemaire, the small shops of up-and-coming designers , master chocolatiers and gourmet food purveyors, concept stores, and "stock" (discount) outlets,

The Marais covers parts of two arrondissements (districts):  the 3rd, known as the Upper Marais, and the 4th, the Lower Marais.  

As a generalization, better known brands and fashion houses cluster in the 4th, while younger French designers, smaller design studios and art galleries dot the 3rd, although you'll find plenty of exceptions such as Jean-Paul Gaultier's fashion atelier (325 Rue Saint-Martin) near the top of the Upper Marais.

Pick almost any spot in this picturesque neighborhood to begin your shopping excursion , and you really can't go wrong. 

But here are a few suggestions about where to start: Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Rue du Temple, Rue Ferdinand Duval, Rue des Rosiers, Rue du Parc Royal and Rue Elzevir near the Picasso Museum, Rue Vieille du Temple. 

Don't miss the antique, design, and luxury fashion shops under the arcades surrounding Place des Vosges, or the highly esteemed concept store Merci (111 Boulevard Beaumarchais) where you'll find a beautifully curated selection from home goods to fashion to books displayed on multiple floors.

Recommended Marais Shopping & Food Tours

• Walking Food Tour with Cheese, Wine, and Delicacies in Le Marais - This tour takes you past lively boutique-filled streets and quiet almost-hidden passages as you savor the best treats in the neighborhood.  Along the way, you'll sample fresh pastries, chocolates, cheese and wine, and a lot more as you learn about French culinary art.  Find out more
• Eat, Drink & Explore Medieval Neighborhood Le Marais - On this small group walking and tasting tour, you'll sample some of the best specialities in the Marais while exploring and learning about this gay-friendly district, its wonderful Jewish-influenced eateries, and its medieval architecture.  Find out more 
• Marais Pastry & Chocolate Tour - You'll explore small streets and hidden nooks of the Marais while learning about the neighborhood, visiting chocolate shops and bakeries, and enjoying tasting some samples.   Find out more

8.  Canal Saint-Martin:  Trendy Boutiques, Concept Stores, & Pop-Ups

One of the best places right now in Paris to shop for emerging trends and new designers is along Canal Saint Martin  in a swath between Place de la République and Gare de l'Ést and bordered by Boulevard de Magenta.  

This rapidly gentrifying, rapidly changing area in the 11th arrondissement offers relatively cheap rents (which doesn't mean they're actually cheap, just more affordable than the 1st, 8th, or even the 18th), lots of youthful energy, and a creative spirit you'll see reflected in the street art, small cafes and bars, and tiny boutiques, galleries, pop-ups, and concept stores showcasing emerging designers and artists. 

Good streets to explore include Rue des Vinaigriers, Rue de Lancy, Rue Beaurepaire - although with The Kooples, Maje, agnès b., Les Petites boutiques popping up along Rue de Marseille, the neighborhood is no longer off the radar of established designers.

9.  Les Puces - The Biggest Flea Market Village in the World

Don't think of the famous Les Puces Paris Flea Market at Saint-Ouen/Clignancourt as just one market - it's more like a large sprawling village where over 3,000 boutiques, shops, and stalls offer literally everything you can imagine plus a lot more.  It's the biggest flea market in the world.  Spend an entire day or even a weekend there, and you'll still barely scratch the surface of what's on offer. 

So what will you find?   An immense selection of mostly French and European furniture from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, antique crystal chandeliers and brass candelabras, vintage clothing and jewelry, sculpture and architectural pieces such as fireplace mantles and entire staircases, larger-than-life-size statuary, vintage plumbing fixtures including brass and porcelain faucets, paintings and posters, knives, frames, silver and kitchenware, books, musical instruments, prints, maps, Asian art objects, porcelain, antique and vintage toys, antique linens and rugs - plus a lot more.

What's good to know:   From a practical perspective, of course any purchases you might make should ideally fit into your suitcase for the trip home.  But if you somehow fall in love with something huge - let's say an oversized 18th century gold-framed mirror, or perhaps a 12 foot tall marble giraffe statue - the flea market's onsite shipping services will crate it up and ship it home to you. 

Les Puces is on the Paris outskirts, easy to reach by metro - but there's also a  cool onsite hotel.

Find out more about shopping at the Paris Flea Market, plus where to stay nearby

Where to find smaller flea markets Paris

10.  Montmartre Shopping Destinations:  Rue des Abbesses & Marché Saint-Pierre District

What you'll find:  West of Sacre Coeur: merging designers, small boutiques with featuring mostly French clothing and accessories , antique shops, art galleries, vintage stores.  East of Sacre Coeur: Marché Saint-Pierre District for dozens of shops offering discount fabrics, linens, boots, clothing

Walk the length of Rue des Abbesses, starting near Cimetière des Montmartre, and you'll pass any number of interesting small shops selling everything from clothing to jewelry to leather, along with probably an even larger number of small cafes, bistros, and food markets.  Along with established Paris designers such as Sandro and Claudie Pierlot, you'll see even more names you don't recognize.

That's because this is the area to explore if you're interested in trendy fashion by new designers.  To find the latest newcomers to the Paris fashion scene, continue down Rue des Abbesses (which turns into Rue d'Orsel) and be sure to detour along the way - Rue Houdon, Rue des Trois Frères, Rue des Martyrs (which extends all the way down to the SoPi, or South of Pigalle, neighborhood in the 9th and is one of the most popular market streets in this part of Paris). 

Once you reach Rue Briquet and Rue Seveste, you're in the Saint-Pierre Market district and will begin to see fabric stores.  To reach the biggest and what many feel is the best of the individual stores, turn left at Rue Seveste, then right at Place Saint-Pierre.  In one short block, you will see Dreyfus - Marché Saint-Pierre, a huge 5-floor fabric emporium with prices ranging from discounted to affordable to cheap. 

Dreyfus is where professional stylists and designers shop.  Look for Hawaiian fabrics and specialty velvets on the ground floor, linen towels, table runners, and napkins on the 1st floor, delicate laces and drapery fabrics on the 2nd, Jouy toiles on the 3rd, and designer fabrics by Pierre Frey, Lacrois, Canovas, and more on the 4th.

Several other stores rival Dreyfus in scale and may offer even lower prices, but none quite match its quality and scope.  Dozens of smaller shops offer more fabrics, trim, drapery and other hardware, clothing, boots, and bags.

11.  Bastille:  Shopping in the Passages & Inner Courtyards

Behind Place de la Bastille in the 11th arrondissement lies a section of Paris favored by  furniture makers and woodworkers  since the 12th century.  Relatively cheap rents (for Paris) have continued to make this area attractive to artisans and craftspeople, independent fashion designers and quirky shops, although rising rents are changing the retail mix.

Rue de Faubourg Saint-Antoine provides the main access to this increasingly trendy area from Place de la Bastille.  In recent years, French and even global chain brands have popped along the first several blocks of this traditionally working class street.  Why, you may wonder, would anyone who doesn't live in the neighborhood come all the way out to East Paris just to visit another Sephora or Undiz lingerie store?

What makes this area interesting, especially if you're the type of shopper who enjoys surprise discoveries, is the maze of ancient passages, back alleys, and interior courtyards.  They may no longer house as many traditional workshops and ateliers - you're now more likely to find digital design studios - but they maintain their status as centers of creativity and commerce.   If you thrive on discovering new and emerging fashion trends, designers, and concepts, and perhaps even seeing artisans at work, these are the places you'll want to explore.

Start by walking east on Rue de Faubourg Saint-Antoine.  In between all the jeans stores, you may spot a few interesting places, including furniture stores and design studios.  At Rue de Charonne, turn right if you want. 

Look for unexpected gateways and small signs for places starting with "Passage" and "Cour" - for example, Cour Saint-Joseph off of Rue de Charonne, Passage du Cheval Blanc, Passage Jossett, Passage Saint-Antoine, Passage de la Main d'Or - and when you see them, explore.  Wander down side streets such as Rue de Charonne, Rue de Montreuil, Rue Saint-Bernard, Rue de Dahomey. 

This part of Paris is evolving all the time so it's hard to predict what you'll find.  Enjoy the adventure!

More Interesting Places to Shop in East Paris

• Rue d'Aligre Flea Market - One of the best smaller Paris flea markets, and only one block from Rue de Faubourg Saint-Antoine.  Walk down Rue de Cotte to Place d'Aligre, and you'll see it.
• Viaduct des Arts - Created from a decommissioned railway viaduct, with 62 beautifully arched spaces containing the workshops, showrooms, galleries, and boutiques of 40+ arts and crafts experts. You'll find fashion, design, decor, jewelry, and art.  More info: Viaduc des Arts website

12.  Village Saint-Paul

Artisans, galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and bistros make Village Saint-Paul one of the most charming places to shop for specialty items in Paris - but it's almost one of the hardest to find. 

This thriving enclave of independent artisans and boutique owners (no global brands or chain stores allow) is tucked away in a quiet corner of the 4th arrondissement's Saint Paul Quartier, originally the site of a women's monastery founded in 630.  

Like the rest of the Marais, the Village has protected heritage status which helps preserve its medieval atmosphere . 

Surrounded entirely by street-facing buildings, Village Saint Paul is accessed through narrow passages that you might easily miss.  However, once you enter the "village," you'll find a maze of interconnected courtyards and passages so tranquil that you may forget you're in Paris. 

Each boutique, workshop, and gallery offers unique items, and while prices for the most precious objects and art reflect the high quality, others are surprisingly affordable.  

Selections change frequently, so you never know what you will find - but if you're in this part of the Marais, don't miss the chance to explore.

How to Find Village Saint-Paul

Village Saint-Paul occupies the inner courtyards of a block surrounded by Rue Saint-Paul, Rue Charlemagne, Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul, and Rue de l'Ave Maria.  Entrances on Rue Saint-Paul and Rue Charlemagne are the easiest to spot - look for small signs saying "Passage Village Saint-Paul ."

More to See near Village Saint-Paul

• King Philippe-August's wall and rampart - Built between 1180 and 1210 by King Philippe-August to protect the French capital when he left the country to fight in the Third Crusade, little remains of the wall today - but you can see the longest portion still standing, including part of a tower along Rue Des Jardins Saint Paul at the back of a ball field
• Eglise Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, a 17th century church with a magnificent interior that's well worth visiting, backs onto Rue Charlemagne.  Although you can reach by cutting though a couple of narrow passages, the sanest approach to walk up to Rue de Rivoli and go in through the main entrance.  It's also a spectacular setting for occasional classical concerts - check our concert schedule to find dates.
• A chunk of the old Bastille Prison - If you're a historian or even have just a casual interest in the history of the French Revolution, you may have heard that the 14th century fortress that housed the infamous Bastille prison was totally destroyed in the aftermath.  That's not 100% accurate.  Construction workers discovered part of the base of one of its eight towers while excavating for the Paris Metro's Line 1.  They moved it to Square Henri Galli, a tiny green space overlooking the Seine about a block from Village Saint Paul.  If you're walking in that direction, stop by to see it.

What Else to Do in Village Saint-Paul

Visit the Museum of Magic ( Musée de la Magie , 1 Rue Saint-Paul), located in what the arched cellars of a 16th century inn (according to rumors, a former residence of the Marquis de Sade). 

You'll find it filled with the props of magic and illusionist shows including posters, costumes, automations such as a coin-operated fortune teller, distorting mirrors, crystal balls, skeletons, and even an Egyptian-style sarcophagus.  Guided tours end with a magic show.

The museum is a big favorite of Parisian children, but it's also interesting for all ages.

Location:  11 Rue Saint Paul, 4th Open: Usually Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday from 2pm-7pm, plus a few additional days and hours - so check the Museum of Magic's website before you go

13.  Saint-Germain Galleries, Boutiques, & Antiques

Almost the entire Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood in Paris's 6th arrondissement presents tantalizing shopping opportunities, especially if you buy at the high end of the price spectrum. 

You can easily spend a day or more visiting all the chic fashion boutiques around Saint-Sulpice Church , along Rue Bonaparte/Rue des Rennes , and Rue de Saint-Père where Vanessa Bruno, Barbara Bui, Saint Laurent, and numerous gourmet chocolate boutiques compete for shoppers' attention.

But if you want to zero in on something unique and special to this neighborhood, head to the area hugging the Seine River between École des Beaux Arts (School of Fine Arts) and Rue des Grands Augustins where dozens, possibly hundreds of antique stores, art galleries, rare book dealers, and design studios cluster along narrow streets lined with 16th and 17th century buildings. 

Prices in most places range from high to astronomical, but if your budget can accommodate the splurge, this is where to find something  rare and wonderful.

Frugal Shopper's Tip:   If you'd like to bring home a piece of art from Paris but can't afford an original Chagall sketch or signed Picasso lithograph, look through the bins of unframed prints by unknown artists in Saint Germain art galleries, particularly those near Beaux Arts and along the quai next to the Seine.  You may find something you love for less than you'd expect.

14.  Bonus Areas for Shopping in Paris

• Rue Saint-Dominique between Avenue Bosquet and Blvd de la Tour-Maubourg, 7th arr, metro: La Tour-Maubourg - Nice selection of boutiques featuring mostly French designer labels, ranging from affordable to very expensive
• Place des Victoires, between 1st and 2nd arr - Elegant luxury and high-end designer boutiques, with interesting small shops on the side streets, especially those north of the square
• Île Saint Louis -  Interesting and eclectic mix of art galleries, gift shops, chocolate and gourmet food shops, clothing boutiques, and antique dealers along this tiny island's main street, Rue Saint-Louis en Île
• Rue de Rivoli, between the Place de la Concorde and Louvre-Rivoli metro stations - Everything from souvenirs to global chains to high-end fashion and art
• Bercy Village - Former wine market, with 42 storehouses re-purposed as boutiques, restaurants, and cinemas.  Next to the Seine River in the 12th arr, nearest metros: Cour Saint Émilion, Bercy

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Paris - Shopping

10 Shops You Absolutely Must Visit in Paris

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1. hermès rue du faubourg saint-honoré.

Photo by Paris Selct on Wikimedia Ccommons

practical information:

Hermès – 24 rue du faubourg saint-honoré 75008 paris, metro station: madeleine or concorde, opening hours: monday – friday 10:30am//7pm, saturday 10:30am//6:30pm, sunday 11am//6pm, 2. patrick roger chocolate shop.

Life-size chocolate Orangutan by Patrick Roger – Sourced from Wikimedia Commons

patrick roger – 91 Rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris

Metro station: rennes or saint-placide, opening hours: monday – saturday 10:30am//1:30pm and 2pm//7:30pm, 3. deyrolle.

Photo by Marc Dantan – Sourced from Deyrolle official website

deyrolle – 46 rue du bac 75007 paris

Metro station: rue du bac, opening hours: monday – saturday 10am//7pm, 4. galeries lafayette haussmann.

Photo by Benh Lieu Song- Sourced from Wikimedia Commons

galeries lafayette – 40 boulevard haussmann 75009 paris

Metro station: grands boulevards or chausée d’antin lafayette, opening hours: monday – saturday 9:30am//8:30pm, open sunday 11am//7pm.

merci – 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris

Metro station: saint-sebastien froissart, opening hours: monday – saturday 10am//8pm, 6. the broken arm.

Photo courtesy of the Broken Arm, uploaded by them

the broken arm – 12 Rue Perrée, 75003 Paris

Metro station: temple, opening hours: tuesday – saturday 11am//7pm, 7. l’appartement sézane.

Photo courtesy of Sézane – Sourced from their offcial website

l’appartement sézane – 1 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 75002 Paris

Metro station: grands boulevards, opening hours: tuesday – saturday 11am//8pm, 8. la grande epicerie, la grande epicerie – 38 rue de sevres 75007 paris, metro station: sevres-babylone or varenne, opening hours: monday – saturday 8:30am//9pm, open sunday 10am//8pm, 9. shakespeare and company.

Photo by ShadowGate on Wikimedia Commons

shakespeare and company bookstore – 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

Metro station: saint-michel, opening hours: monday – saturday 10am//10pm, open sunday 12:30pm//8pm.

Photo courtesy of Fleux – Sourced from their website

fleux – 52 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004

Paris metro station: châtelet, opening hours: tuesday – sunday 10:30am//8:45pm, open monday 11am//8pm.

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Jordan has been writing a Paris blog for two years and became a Discover Walks writer in early 2018. While most of our Paris writers are born and raised Parisians, Jordan is not. She is a Californian who moved to Paris in 2013. We like her different point of view when she writes - of course our tour guides are a great source of tips and inspiration in her articles. We hope you enjoy all of them.

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10 Independent Parisian Shops and Boutiques to Explore

22 February, 2023

From historic ateliers and vintage boutiques to specialist food stores, Paris is a shopper’s dream. Here, we bring you 10 must-visit magasins to explore

I n In a league of its own when it comes to shopping, Paris is not exactly lacking in interesting addresses. But therein lies the problem. When there’s a beautiful store around every corner, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you (it’s a hard job etc) and picked out 10 of the city’s must-visit independent shops and boutiques.

From a vintage emporium and a historic chocolate maker to a vegan concept store, every one of these establishments offers something a little bit special.

10 of the best independent shops to discover in Paris

Stohrer. | Photo credit: Alexandre Guirkinger, Martin Bruno

Les Merveilles de Babellou

Tucked away in the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market, just north of Paris’ 18th arrondissement, this vintage emporium contains the most beautifully curated collection of iconic French fashion. From Chanel handbags to Hermès scarves and Christian Dior shoes, all the most coveted pieces can be found here. Opened in 2008 by Isabelle Klein, known for her forensic fashion knowledge, this is the kind of place where you go for that one special item to keep forever. So, prices don’t come cheap, but everything comes fully authenticated. Also, something of a rarity in the fashion world, the staff are both helpful and friendly. Check the opening times before travelling: they vary throughout the week.

The oldest patisserie in Paris, Stohrer was founded in 1730 by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, and continues to wow customers with the best of classic French pastry today. Located on the famous foodie street, Rue Montorgueil, which is home to all manner of irresistible edibles, both the shopfront and elegant interior are listed as a historical monument. Together, it all adds up to a dreamy setting in which to pick up your elevenses. Everything is also made on site – and the rum babas, which were devised by Nicolas Stohrer himself, are the stuff of legend.

Guerrirsol.

This small chain of second-hand shops won’t win any awards for being the chicest in Paris, but could well scoop the prize for the best bargains. Brimming with every conceivable item of clothing, rails require a deep dive, but there are gems to be found. Spread over three floors, the store near Rue de Rivoli is one of the best-curated. It also has a section for premium items, going for around £13 each at the time of writing, but prices start from next to nothing. You have to steal yourself a bit, as the smell is definitely eau de charity shop, but there’s nowhere better for vintage treasure-hunting at vintage prices.

8 Blvd de Sébastopol, 75004

The Red Wheelbarrow

This beautiful bookshop is packed to the rafters (literally) with a wide selection of English-language works including classic and contemporary literature, poetry, history and politics. It also has a neighbouring children’s store, The Red Balloon, with books in both English and French. At the heart of it all is the charismatic owner, Penelope Fletcher, who is sometimes described as “the book whisperer” because of her uncanny ability to recommend just the right thing for every customer. Found within a leaf’s fall of the lovely Jardin du Luxembourg, the main store also hosts book signings, poetry readings and author talks.

9 Rue de Médicis, 75006

Run by a collective of 220 creators, this small group of stores provides a showcase for their work, ranging from jewellery and gifts to interior decor. As such, there is no better place to get a feel for the current creative zeitgeist. Look out especially for the origami-esque creations of Avec du Papier, the plant terrariums of Niwa and the steampunk-style embroidered insects of Atelier Noboru. The stores are staffed by the artists themselves and there’s something for all budgets, with the colourful hair clips starting from around £2. The outlet in Rue Popincourt is a perennial favourite.

24 Rue Popincourt, 75011

À la Mère de Famille. | Photo credit: Alexandre Guirkinger

À la Mère de Famille

When it comes to chocolate, À la Mère de Famille is the original, and arguably the best in the business, having opened back in 1761. Today, although there are several outposts across town, the flagship store in the 9th arrondissement remains an institution. Untouched since the late-19th century, the shop is straight out of another age – its elegant green-and-gold facade is listed as a historical monument. Using traditional, time-tested recipes, the team produces the finest chocolate candies, spreads and confectionery, among other delights, all beautifully wrapped in the company’s distinctive brown-and-orange packaging.

Herboristerie de la Place Clichy

One of the oldest herbalists in Paris, this ancient apothecary was founded in 1880 – and has hardly changed since. The shop’s facade is a portal to another century and, inside, the wooden shelves are piled high with all manner of lotions and potions. Everything about this store feels totally out of time: you go in and talk to the herbalist about whatever your ailment may be and they duly rustle up a remedy from one of the shelves before handwriting the instructions on the label. The service can sometimes seem a little stern but that’s all part of the experience.

Aujourd’hui Demain

The first vegan concept store in the city, Aujourd’hui Demain combines a food shop, fashion area, beauty section and restaurant/coffee bar all in one place. While there are several decent vegan shops now in Paris, this one is doing something a bit different, with its combined offering spread over 150sq m. In short, it’s nice to be able to get your groceries, buy a new pair of boots and have a delicious vegan dinner all in the same place. Open since 2017, the store is located in a cool, buzzy neighbourhood and attracts a diverse crowd. Regular events include screenings, tastings and pop-ups.

L’Aparté

Festooned with flowers made from the most delicate paper, L’Aparté is like a glorious garden in the middle of Paris. From gorgeous garlands of camellia-clad fairy lights to decorative strings of dangling leaves and vases of voluminous floral blooms, each piece is handcrafted, so therefore unique, and every one is finished to a “haute-couture” standard. Co-founded by François Louis Périssé and Isabelle Chupin, the store takes floral art to a whole new level – and all against the beautiful backdrop of the 19th-century shopping arcade Galerie Vivienne, which is well worth a visit in its own right.

L’Étiquette

This quirky little wine boutique, on the Île Saint-Louis in the heart of Paris, specialises in organic, natural and biodynamic wines – including those without added sulphites. Open since 2012, it stocks an eclectic selection of some 300 products, with an emphasis on independent winemakers that respect the environment. At the helm is the effervescent Hervé Lethielleux, whose hilarious videos about the world of wine – recorded in English – have garnered something of a cult following. The shop hosts regular wine-tasting events, too – also available in English – but this is definitely a place for those in the know rather than hordes of tourists.

+33 1 44 07 99 27

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12 Luxury Shopping Streets Best to Visit Right Now in Paris

Whether for Fashion Week, the haute couture shows, the winter holidays or a last-minute vacation , you may be heading to Paris soon. And you may, at some point, be in the mood to shop. So, in this post COVID-19 world, where is the best luxury shopping in Paris? Our ace correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has rounded up insider tips for our guide to the 12 best   luxury shopping streets, new and iconic boutiques and stores, and other must-visit retail in Paris right now.

insider tips on the best luxury shopping in Paris

Ah, Paris. The city of love and the city of romance. The city of delicious food, incomparable art, and – sometimes – inexplicable (but still romantic) melancholy. And also, yes – an indéniable fashion capital of the world.

And so, if you have an upcoming trip planned – say, for the holidays – we assume you will want to do a little shopping.

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Well, lucky for you, Paris has no shortage of places for you to shop – you’ll find haute couture, massive flagships, and department stores that are truly incomparable.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, we understand. Our suggestion is to take it slow – choose one neighborhood, or arrondissement, and spend the whole day there – taking lots of breaks (of course) for patisserie. Something to note is that many shops appear more than once (and sometimes in every neighborhood), which should take a bit of the pressure off of you.

We also suggest starting with the biggest and most iconic shopping spots – you can always venture beyond, to explore Paris’s many other hidden (or not-so-hidden) gems if you have the energy.

Here’s where to start your luxury shopping extravaganza.

Where is the best luxury shopping right now in Paris?

1. the champs-élysées and triangle d’or.

This is the iconic Paris street (even inspiring the famous song ), and therefore your first stop. Located in the 8 th Arrondissement , you’ll find the avenue stretches about a mile long, all the way from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de La Concorde – so you’ll be able to do some excellent sightseeing on your way.

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You may find yourself stunned by the street’s sheer number of offerings. First stop is the famous Louis Vuitton flagship store , whose art deco façade has been listed as a historical landmark since 1914. At the time of the store’s opening, it was the largest Louis Vuitton store in the world.

As you continue onward, you’ll find flagships for Hugo Boss , Lacoste , Dior , Cartier, and so, so many more.

Triangle d’Or

And anything you don’t see on The Champs-Élysées, you’ll find as part of the Triangle d’Or (or Golden Triangle) – a trio of streets that split off directly from the famed avenue. Head down Avenue Montaigne, Avenue Georges V and Rue Francois 1er to find every other major brand and flagship, including  Saint Laurent , Chanel , Gucci , Prada , Valentino , Hermès , and so many more. You will also notice some duplicates – a few brands appear both on the Champs-Élysées and also as part of the triangle.

Make sure to take it slow – you don’t want to tire yourself out yet, and you’ll unfortunately be battling through massive crowds. Give yourself plenty of time, and plan to take breaks – such as for coffee and a macaron at the equally-iconic Ladurée .

Our insider’s guide to luxury shopping in Paris: Laduree. Courtesy Photo.

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2. st-germain-des-prés.

Located along the Left Bank , St-Germain-des-Prés is one of the quarters that makes up the 6 th Arrondissement . A neighborhood that is storied with Parisian history, you could argue that this is one of the best (or even the best) places to visit in the entire city. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s fully walkable, comprised of quintessentially charming Paris streets – and that it enjoys the exquisite backdrop of the Seine.

Boulevard St. Germain

Before you even begin your shopping (or perhaps when you need to recharge), stop for a coffee or bite to eat at one of the neighborhood’s many legendary cafés , such as Café de Flore . As you sip your espresso, you can think about the fact that the city’s best and most famous writers once haunted the same spot. And if it’s full, you can check out the equally illustrious Les Deux Magots, which is right next door.

Our insider’s guide to luxury shopping in Paris: Cafe de Flore. Courtesy Photo.

Then it’s time to get going.

On the same street as the cafes, you’ll find many – and close to every – of the city’s top brands. You’ll want to pop into Gucci , Armani , Moncler , Etro , Hugo Boss , and the Ralph Lauren flagship store, as well as many other top retailers. You can let us know if shopping feels different with image of the Seine winding around behind you. 

Le Bon Marché

Give yourself some time to wander aimlessly – you don’t want to miss out on that special feeling – and then direct yourself to Le Bon Marché. This high-end department store was the very first in Paris, built in 1852. Today it’s home to many of the world’s best brands, including Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Dior, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton. You’ll also find restaurants, cafes, and even art exhibits. If you’re feeling worn out, you may want to take advantage of the respite of their many beauty and spa offerings.

And p.s, the holidays happen to be a great time to visit – the Christmas decorations will take your breath away.

Before you’re done with the neighborhood, stop by Le Jardin de Luxembourg – one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.

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3. louvre and tuileries.

The name may give you a hint of what you’ll find in the 1 st Arrondissement . But the world’s greatest art museum is not the only thing in this Paris neighborhood (and yes, budget your time accordingly).

Our insider’s guide to luxury shopping in Paris: Louvre. Courtesy Photo.

Before or after your day at the Louvre, you have some serious shopping to do.

Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré

Here you’ll find Givenchy , Burberry , Miu Miu , Hermès . You’ll also find Le Palace de Élysée – or the home of the French president.

Rue Saint Honoré.

Keep walking and the street turns into Rue Saint Honoré, which is home to Versace , Dior , Guerlain , Louboutin , Moynat , as well as many more shops. This is one of the most exclusive shopping streets in Paris – nearly any store you find there will be worth your time.

It’s possible you’ll need more than an afternoon to cover everything that’s here.

Our insider’s guide to luxury shopping in Paris: Rue Saint Honore. Courtesy Photo.

4. Boulevard Haussman

Stretching all the way from the 8 th Arrondissement to the 9 th , this is one of those famous tree-lined Paris boulevards – the kind you’ve certainly seen in cinema. Some consider it the very best place for Paris shopping (which may seem hilarious and/or impossible after seeing the other places on this list – but we’ll tell you more, and you can decide for yourself).

Located along the Boulevard, you’ll find both Galeries Lafayette and Printemps – arguably, the two most famous department stores of Paris. As well as the big brands, these shops are home to the latest and the greatest in fashion (as well as homewares, children’s apparel, menswear and quite literally everything else). Shop names like Icicle , Hogan , Jacquemus , Chaumet , and keep your mind open. These department stores are places of discovery, where you can definitely find exactly what you’re looking for, but where you can also find things you did not even know you wanted (or maybe, things you did not even know existed). They are massive, beautiful buildings , particularly in the case of Galeries Lafayette. But if you find yourself overwhelmed, take comfort in the fact that there are plenty of first-rate French refreshments scattered through the floors.

Our insider’s guide to luxury shopping in Paris: Galleries Lafayette. Courtesy Photo.

And the joy of this 1.5 mile stretch does not have to stop at these iconic shopping centers – make a stop at Comtesse du Barry , a specialty food shop that first opened in 1908. You can find the city’s best caviar and foi gras , as well as prepared foods and gifts.

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5. new samaritaine.

Though technically also located in the 1 st Arrondissement (with the Louvre), La Samaritaine receives its own ranking because it is new and notable in Paris’s shopping landscape . Well, sort of.

The department store first opened in 1869, and quickly became a Paris landmark with its glorious Art Nouveau façade. And then the doors shut in 2005, and for a while – almost two decades – the famous spot faded from the map.

Our insider’s guide to luxury shopping in Paris: La Samaritaine. Courtesy Photo.

But this past June, the department store was reborn as a treasure trove of luxury shopping – and most importantly, its gorgeous design was preserved and restored . As well as top retailers (think Balenciaga, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, and many more), the new Samaritaine also boasts a Luxury Hotel and intriguing eateries like Ernest – a new spot from Michelin-starred chef Naoëlle d’Hainaut.

And so, because La Samaritaine enjoys the unique distinction of being both new and iconic (a rare ability!), it’s a must on your next trip.

Guide on where to go and insider tips for the best luxury shopping experiences in Paris, including new and iconic boutiques and stores.

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Abbie Martin Greenbaum

Abbie Martin Greenbaum is a writer, reader, and pop culture connoisseur, who loves storytelling, coffee, and dessert. Her work has also appeared in Playbill.

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Paris Shopping Guide

Paris is famous for its fashion shops and trends. Where and what can you shop for in Paris? Check our list of the best shopping streets, shopping centers, shops, and markets in Paris.  

Shopping Tips

Paris is the shopping metropolis of France. Here, shopping centers, shopping streets, small boutiques and markets meet for the pleasure of shopping addicts and quality clothing lovers. Fashion is an essential part of the culture in Paris, it's even considered an art. Between freaky ideas, designer fashion, and luxury labels, you can find everything here.

Our first tip is definitely to bring  good shoes, if you will spend few hours shopping in Paris. Indeed, Paris has a very developed metro system but somehow, walking is very pleasant. The streets and even shopping malls are very well-designed, but may make you tired quickly.

Here are some places where you might walk a lot while shopping.

• The Avenue de Champs-Élysées shopping mile, the Les Galeries LaFayette shopping center and the market in Le Marais Quarter are famous.
• Luxury labels have settled in the golden triangle, the area between the streets of Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and Rue François 1, which is the ultimate place for luxury shopping in Paris.
• Close to the center is the Printemps shopping center and Westfield Forum des Halles. Unique fashion is mainly sold in boutiques around Boulevard Saint-Germain and in the Le Marais district.
• The Marché des Enfants Rouges is famous for its stands, cafés, and restaurants. 

Shopping Tours in Paris

Opening hours in paris.

Shops in Paris are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00, Sunday is a holiday. Grocery stores are open on Sundays at certain hours depending on the district. Some smaller shops close for one or two hours at lunchtime. However, the large shopping centers are usually open on Sundays. 

Weekends:  Since the easing of the store-closing law, shops in tourist areas may also open on Sundays. This affects around 3,000 shops in Paris. Especially in the well-known shopping streets such as Champs-Élysées, Rue Saint-Honoré, and in Le Marais. In these places there are many shops open on Sundays. All major shopping centers, including LaFayette, Les Halles and many more, are also open on Sundays.  

Typical Places for Shopping 

An overview of shopping streets, shopping centers, and markets

Paris is filled with good shops all over the city. However, you can distinguish  2 types of shopping places : shopping centers and shopping streets. Both have advantages and inconveniences and appeal to different kinds of people. Do you prefer to have all the shops available in one big center? Or do you like to be in the fresh air and walk-by shops on a street? 

In a shopping center, you know what is inside thanks to the mall plan at the entrance and it can be practical on a  rainy day in Paris . The shopping street are more open for surprises and  help you discover the city at the same time. To get all the good addresses, we prepared two articles for you that guide you through the shopping areas in Paris.

7 Best Shopping Streets in Paris [with Map]

10 best shopping centers in paris, souvenirs from paris.

What can I take home from Paris?

There are as many ideas of presents to bring from Paris as there are shops. Here, we prepared a list of 11 ideas of things to bring home from Paris. Check out typical Parisian clothing, food, special Parisian items and many more ideas that will make you and your loved ones very happy!

What to Buy in Paris: 11 Must-Have Souvenirs and Where to Find Them

Brands to Shop For

What brand to buy in Paris?

Paris is a wonderful paradise of French and international brands. From luxurious to average price, you can find a shop for every desire and every budget in the capital of France. There are some "must-shop in" places only available in Paris or big cities around the world. Let's take you through them.

A Few Shops to Visit in Paris

• Luxury Brands: Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Hermès, Versace, Balmain, Céline, YSL...
• Cosmetics:  Guerlain, Mac Cosmetics, Clarins, Esther Lauder, Chanel, Lancôme, Bourgeois, Vichy, Nuxe...
• Clothing for Women:  The Kooples, Sezane, Maje, Sandro, Comptoire des cotonniers, Isabel Marant...
• Clothing for Men:  Celio, Kenzo, Ami Paris, Armand Thiery, Bexley, Calvin Klein, Chevignon, De Fursac, Hugo Boss...
• Jewelry: Cartier, Chaumet, Tiffany&Co, Myriades, Swarow, Mauboussin, Bulgari, Breguet...
• Accessories: Chloé, Jaquemus, Chanel, Dior, Lancel, Longchamps, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Lancaster...
• Sports: Adidas, Nike, Magasin Fifa...
• Malls: La Fayette, BHV, Le Bon Marché, Le Printemps
• Other Stores: Disney Store, Apple Store, Marks&Spencer, Banana Republic, Ferrari Store

3 Well-Known Places for Shopping

The Largest Shopping Street. The Most Famous Shopping Center. The Most Important Market.

Avenue de Champs-Élysées

The most famous shopping street in Paris and far beyond is the Avenue de Champs-Élysées, with its luxury boutiques, flagship stores, designer labels, and small boutiques along the side streets. More than 300,000 people walk along this magnificent, almost 2-kilometer-long boulevard every day. A must-see, even if you don't plan to buy much, at least the Arc de Triomphe .

• Check the Top-Rated Arc de Triomphe Tickets compared for you here!
• Check our article on things to do on Champs-Élysées Avenue in Paris.

Les Galeries LaFayette Shopping Center 

The Les Galeries LaFayette shopping center has all types of shops, from budget shops to top-of-the-line luxury brands, over a total surface area of 70,000 m². The roof terrace of Galeries LaFayette is famous for its champagne bar called the Ice Cube Bar, which offers a magnificent view of Paris.

Marché des Enfants Rouges

The oldest market in Paris, Marché des Enfants Rouges, "Market of the Red Children", dates back to 1615. The children from the nearby orphanage used to be dressed in red, the color of charity, which gave the market its name. The lively market atmosphere and the numerous gastronomic offerings attract visitors from all over the world. The market is located in the Le Marais neighborhood and it is easy to combine a visit to the market with a visit to some sights.  

What Can I Combine with Shopping?

Paris is a capital city with about 12.5 million citizens. That is why the shopping streets, districts and centers are spread out all over the city and there are numerous pedestrian zones in Paris. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the main sights with a short shopping break.

Such examples are the Avenue de Champs-Élysées, which stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe , and Rue Saint-Honoré, which extends to the Le Marais quarter with the Picasso Museum, as well as Pompidou Center and the National Museum of Modern Art . Additionally, you can visit the Parisian weekly markets.

Places to Shop Near the Sights

• Avenue de Champs-Élysées: The most famous shopping street in Paris is almost 2 kilometers long. Its location in the heart of the city center makes this magnificent boulevard the ideal place for a shopping break during a city break. If you like, you can stroll from the Arc de Triomphe along the Camps-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. Alternatives to international brand name shops can be found in the side streets.
• Le Bon Marché:  Le Bon Marché department store is located just a few minutes' walk from the famous Saint-Germain district. Even though its name means "good business", you will find shops in the upscale range. Saint-Germain, on the other hand, with its boutiques and art galleries was a popular meeting place for artists, writers and politicians at the beginning of the 20th century, that is why it is now known as the intellectual quarter of Paris.  
• Rue de Rivoli: If you want to visit all the shops, you have to spend at least one whole day here. Rue de Rivoli stretches between the old, authentic Le Marais district and the former Palace, which is now the Louvre Museum. It's a good alternative if you want to combine shopping with sightseeing. 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the normal SHOP HOURS IN PARIS?

Shops are open in Paris between 9:00 and 20:00. Supermarkets often open earlier and stay open until 20:30 at the latest. Shopping centers and fashion stores sometimes do not open until 10:00 a.m. It is always advisable to check the exact opening hours of the shops on the Internet.

Can I shop on the weekend?

Since the easing of the store-closing law, shops in tourist areas may also open on Sundays. This affects around 3,000 shops in Paris. Especially in the well-known shopping streets such as the Champs-Élysées, the Rue Saint-Honoré or in Le Marais there are many shops open on Sundays. All major shopping centers, including LaFayette, Les Halles and many more, are also open on Sundays.   

IS PAYMENT BY CARD POSSIBLE EVERYWHERE IN PARIS?

Supermarket chains, shopping centers and shops almost always accept debit and credit cards. Small cafes, restaurants and market stands sometimes do not accept cards. The question of accepting cards before ordering is therefore a recommendation in Paris.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVE QUARTERS WITH Unique FASHION?

Unique fashion is mainly sold in the boutiques around Boulevard Saint-Germain and in the Le Marais district.

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Best Shopping in Paris: From Budget-Friendly to Luxury

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: June 12, 2023

The French have been influencing fashion for centuries and shopping is considered serious business in Paris. Where are the best places to go shopping in the fashion capital of the world? We’ve put together a list of the best shopping in Paris to suit all styles and budgets, plus a few tips on how to make the most of your time.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources, our top Paris tours for a memorable trip, and the best things to do in Paris .

A Guide To Shopping in Paris

Headed to the fashion capital of the world? You’ll want to know all the best places to shop from the main shopping streets of Paris to the architecturally beautiful galleries. However, Paris shopping isn’t only about fashion.

In this guide, we’ll also share tips on shopping the summer and winter sales, finding Paris’ shopping outlets, and where to shop for food and antiques. Paris is a shopper’s heaven! Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Main shopping streets in Paris
• Parisian shopping galleries
• Summer and winter sales
• Paris outlets
• Antique shopping
• Food shopping
• Budget-friendly shopping

Already in Paris?

Not ready to book a tour? See if Paris tours are worth it .

The Main Shopping Streets in Paris

Shopping was practically invented in Paris. It was the first city in Europe to be almost entirely illuminated at night, allowing people to go out to dinner and walk around at night safely under the moonlight—another reason Paris became famous for being romantic.

Paris was also allegedly the first city with large window displays to advertise textiles. At one point, the city asked shop owners to pitch in to illuminate the city by placing candles in their windows. Later, they must have added garments and viola! Window shopping was born.

Champs D’Élysées

Yes, Champs D’Élysées is arguably the most famous shopping street in Paris. It’s a beautiful street and the Arc de Triomphe is a majestic structure, but would I shop on Champs D’Élysées? I’d take my wife to LV if she wanted, but it’s probably not the place for one-of-a-kind things.

There are much nicer and less crowded streets where you’ll find the highest quality brands except with a better shopping experience. It really depends on what you want to do with your trip to Paris. If you want to hit Zara then it’s great.

If you’re looking to purchase expensive goods that you may not be able to find elsewhere on Earth while being served cucumber water and a light snack, I recommend these two other locations. 

Location: Av. des Champs-Élysées

Avenue Montaigne

I truly appreciate buying my wife an expensive purse if it means I get to stroll down Avenue Montaigne and enjoy the shopping experience. It may be the most luxurious-feeling street on Earth. 

It’s a beautiful street lined with incredible architecture. The stores vary from high-end designers we all know to high-end designers only fashionistas are familiar with—it’s a cool experience. 

Location: Avenue Montaigne

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

If you dream of walking through the fanciest streets in Paris and splurging on high-end brands, then Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré is your place!

This street is lined with some of the world’s most famous brands including Hermés, Cartier, Prada, and Louboutin. Make no mistake, this is not for discount shoppers. But even if you’re not ready to drop some serious cash, this street is still worth a stroll.

Besides high-end clothing and jewelry boutiques, Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré is home to renowned art galleries, embassies with beautiful architecture, and even the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the President of the French Republic.

Location: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Our Best Versailles and Paris Louvre Tours

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The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris, which is why it’s on everyone’s bucket list. Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity! Join a passionate guide for a tour of the most famous artwork at the Louvre. Skip-the-line admissions included.

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Skip-the-Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress over the logistics? Meet a local guide in central Paris who will purchase your train tickets and ensure you get off at the right stop. Then enjoy a guided tour of the palace and the unforgettable gardens. Skip-the-line admissions included to the palace and gardens.

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Parisian Shopping Galleries

Parisian architecture is among the most intricate and beautiful in the world. Passing through a Paris shopping gallery is a great way to shop and sightsee at the same time. These galleries scream luxury and, unfortunately, make spending your hard-earned money easier.

Galerie Vivienne

Located a few blocks from the Louvre, Galerie Vivienne is a gorgeous petite gallery with beautiful shops, a café, and incredible architecture. One of our top things to do in Paris , shopping in this gallery is for you if you’re looking for an unknown place to snap a picture or eat breakfast.

You’ll also find great shops with boutique designer fashion. Just a few blocks from the Louvre on the other side of Palais Royal, it’s a great place to come for a post-Louvre snack. Especially, if you walk through Palais Royal on the way!

Address: 5 Rue de lal Banque

Galerie Lafayettes

The historic Galeries Lafayette department store has been a Paris icon since it was established in 1912. If Galerie Vivienne is a petit boutique, then Galeries Lafayette is the opposite.

Composed of three buildings that house over 3,500 brands, one of the original founders of the store declared he dreamed of creating a luxury bazaar, and that’s exactly what he did.

Parisians and tourists alike flock here for the best clothes shopping in Paris. Even if you’re not a big shopper, it’s worth paying a visit.

The store is famous for its dome designed in the Art Nouveau style. On the 7th and final floor of the Coupole building, there’s a large viewing terrace that offers great views of the city.

Pro tip: If you visit Paris during Christmas time , don’t miss the Galeries Lafayette window displays, which have become a serious Parisian Christmas tradition.

Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann

Paris Summer and Winter Sales

Massive sales happen twice a year in France: in July and January. Called les soldes in French, the sales normally last around four weeks and the discounts increase as the weeks pass.

Near the end of the sales, it’s not uncommon to find items as much as 75% off. Even if you’re not set on buying a new outfit while in France, you can still find great non-clothing items during the sales. One of the best things about Paris’  les soldes is that they apply for all kinds of merchandise, including furniture and electronics.

Paris Outlets

Looking for outlet shopping in Paris? About 40 minutes by train outside of the center of Paris, a mecca of shopping stores awaits you. With over 160 stores, Val d’Europe is a massive shopping outlet mall offering boutiques with a wide range of products.

Right behind the Val d’Europe center is La Vallée Village , another outlet center featuring 110 boutiques. The main difference between these two shopping centers is that La Vallée Village focuses on designer brands. So, while there will be discounts, expect prices to be fairly high still.

Both shopping centers are open seven days a week. One other cool fact about these outlets: they’re located about 5 minutes from Disneyland Paris!

Address: Val d’Europe | La Vallée Village

Antique Shopping in Paris

Flea market lovers, rejoice! Paris is home to the largest antique market in the world! Located near the Porte de Clignancourt metro station, the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen market (sometimes referred to as just ‘Les Puces’, which literally translates to “The Fleas”) is home to over 3,000 traders and welcomes an estimated 180,000 visitors per weekend.

This is your place to find antique furniture, toys, art, ceramics, books, and more. The market is open on weekends and Mondays, but we strongly recommend going on Saturday or Sunday, as some of the dealers choose to remain closed on Mondays.

Note that the area immediately surrounding the flea market is a less affluent area of Paris, and probably not one you’ll want to take a romantic stroll through.

If you head to the flea markets, do some research on the most direct way to get there from where you’re staying and (as with anywhere in a big city) keep a close eye on your belongings while shopping.

Location: Les Puces de Saint-Ouen market

Check Out Our Best Day Trips from Paris

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Paris Food Shopping

One of the best things about France is its food, and a trip to Paris would not be complete without seeing or tasting some of the best bites France has to offer.

La Grande Epicerie is a fine food market that oozes Parisian gastronomy, featuring some of the best and most unique foods and alcohols that make for fun gifts to take back home for family and friends. If French food is really your scene, make sure to check out our Le Marais Food Tour. It’s a celebration of food and travel!

Another fun stop is Mariages Frères , a gourmet tea company founded in Paris in 1854. The tea is sold in multiple stores or you can enjoy a cup of tea in one of their five tearooms located in the capital.

Chocolate lovers should make a stop at La Maison du Chocolat , and anyone looking to try Paris’s best macaroons can’t miss one of the Pierre Hermé stores.

Budget-Friendly Shopping in Paris

Everyone enjoys shopping without breaking the bank. For more affordable shopping in Paris, try shopping in the Marais district, spread out over the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Here, you can find many quality clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as bigger brand-name stores.

Another option is Rue de Rivoli. This street is home to dozens of clothing stores. Some you’ll most likely recognize from back homes , such as H&M or Gap, but also others that are only known domestically in France.

If you head down to Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, next to Paris’s City Hall building, you’ll also find another renowned department store called BHV. Enjoy shopping in Paris! Want to explore the City of Lights with people who know all her secrets? Check out our top-rated Paris tours and day trips .

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Paris tours are worth it .

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

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• Shopping In Paris 2024: 28 Products From High-End Fashion To Classic Souvenirs

23 Mar 2023

Home to all the top luxury brands and the chicest fashion in the world, the city of love definitely deserves to be on your bucket list. Shopping in Paris is the most extraordinary experience to have on a Parisian holiday, especially if you’re a Shopaholic. From elegant bags to classy shoes and sassy dresses to gorgeous accessories, you will find everything that’ll make you look your best from head to toe. The city does not offer ordinary shops rather a whole world of your dream brands and favourite items! and the experience is totally lavish. Find out where all you can grab great goods and trendy merchandise to make your friends back home burn with jealousy!

28 Best Places For Shopping In Paris

So, we say you start planning when to go and leave the rest on us as we’ll help you with where to shop in Paris with this handy Paris shopping guide . Make sure you check out all these hip and happening avenues when you’re walking around the city, as these are known to be some of the best shopping places in Paris with the best merchandise that this city is famous for.

• Boulevard Saint Germain:  Buy Chic Party-Wear Clothes
• Rue Du Commerce:  For High-End Make Up
• Les Halles:  Shop Surfwear
• Le Marais:  For A Vintage Collection
• Triangle D’or:  Shop Famous Brands
• Rue De Rivoli:  For Elegant Wear 
• Saint-Ouen Flea Market:  Attend A Foreign Flea Market
• Boulevard Haussmann:  Buy Home Decor
• Avenue Des Champs Elysées:  For Linen Lovers
• Avenue Des Ternes:  Buy Those Luxe Kitchen Wares
• Hermès:  Get Your Hands On Chic Clothings
• Guerlain:  The Best Place To Buy Perfumes
• Montmartre:  Buy Antiques
• Canal Saint-Martin:  Buy Furniture
• The Golden Triangle:  Find Your Favorite Brands Here
• Galeries Lafayette:  A Dreamy Gallery Of Goods
• Louis Vuitton Maison:  Accomplish Your LV Dream
• Officine Universelle Buly:  Buy Skincare Essentials
• Le Bon Marche:  Biggest Department Store
• Librairie 7L:  Get Hands On Fashion Books
• Shakespeare And Company : Stamped Books
• Chocolate Debauve And Gallais: For French Chocolate
• Picasso Museum Gift Shop: For Picasso Souvenirs
• Mariage Freres: For Tea Souvenirs
• Maille : Mustard Products
• Museum of Decorative Arts: Decor Products
• St. Paul Village: Vintage Jewellery
• Miel Factory: French Honey

1. Boulevard Saint Germain: Buy Chic Party-Wear Clothes

Image Source

Located along the 7th arrondissement in the heart of St-Germain des Prés, the famous Boulevard Saint Germain is where you need to head for the best shopping in Paris . It starts from the Seine River and has all the great home decor shops, fashion boutiques, and gourmet food stores. And just in case you’re strolling here during the summer, don’t fret because the sight of lush green trees and the beautiful Parisian buildings around will add on to your experience. And if you have time left, don’t forget to enjoy any of the awesome Paris cruises on the Seine!

Location: 7th arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris, France What To Buy: High-end party wear, elegant home decor accessories, casual accessories, and more

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2. Rue Du Commerce: For High-End Make Up

There is no dearth of places to shop in Paris , and you’ll realize it the moment you step onto this beautiful shopping street. From popular brand shops to small boutiques, this place has got an excellent array of stores for the best shopping in Paris 2024 . Also, there are a number of cafes and bakeries where you can stop by when you wish to give rest to your feet and a treat to your tummy. So, if you wish to take back home the latest trends in the city, don’t forget to stop at Rue du Commerce.

Location: 15th arrondissement, Rue du Commerce, Paris, France What To Buy: Makeup, skin care products, dresses & more from Monoprix

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3. Les Halles: Shop Surfwear

Transformed from a fruit market to a multi-level underground shopping center over the years, this place has become a hub for all the fashion lovers. If you’re looking for authentic Parisian style, you can plan a visit to this place and head to the small boutiques and trendy brand stores in the center. And when you literally feel like shopping till you drop, sit and relax at one of the open-air cafes. If you are looking for the best places to shop in Paris , this place is a must-visit. 

Location: Les Halles, Paris, France What To Buy: Trendy clothing from Kookai and Princesse Tam Tam, cosmetics from L’Occitane, and surf wear from Quiksilver

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4. Le Marais: For A Vintage Collection

Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is a lively neighborhood for shopping in Paris . Its trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and the classic restaurants around make it a great hangout stop for both men and women alike. While you can shop here on any day of the week, the best time to buy what you desire is a Sunday morning since most of the other places stay closed this day. You’ll also find great deals here on New Year in Paris that will make your shopping experience all the more enjoyable.

Location: 3rd Arrondissement, Paris, France What To Buy: Vintage articles, classic hats and glasses, and more

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5. Triangle D’or:   Shop Famous Brands

Shopping in Paris, France and not visiting the famous Triangle D’or is an absolute sin. Formed by Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue François 1er in the 8th arrondissement, this is the best place to treat the Shopaholic in you. With the top haute couture shops, top-notch fashion brands like Dior & Chanel, and the famous designers around, this place will surely leave you smitten.

Location: 8th arrondissement, Triangle d’Or, Paris, France What To Buy: Designer jewelry from Bulgari, linens from Porthault Linens (Linge de Maison), perfumes from Caron’s shop, bags from Louis Vuitton, and more.

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6. Rue De Rivoli: For Elegant Wear

Situated along the beautiful Tuileries Gardens and the famous Louvre Museum, the Rivoli street is amongst the best shopping places in Paris . With so many stores and boutiques, it’ll be difficult for you to visit every place. So, make sure you follow this Paris shopping guide and visit only the popular stores like BHV first. And when you’re left with enough time, try and explore the nearby streets like Rue de Turenne, Saint-Paul Village & more for some awesome experience of shopping in Paris, France But make sure you have at least 2 days in Paris if you want to be able to explore this shopping avenue to the fullest and with ease.

Location: Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France What To Buy: Elegant fashion wear, chic accessories, and classy shoes

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7. Saint-Ouen Flea Market: Attend A Foreign Flea Market

The Saint-Ouen flea market or Les Puces is Paris’ largest and oldest shopping place. From antique furniture to vintage clothes, you can buy anything here without having to look at the price tags. But if this place doesn’t fall in the vicinity of your hotel, don’t worry. There are also many other flea markets around the city, and all of them are equally worth exploring. If you think affordable shopping in Paris is impossible, then you should come and see this place.

Location: Saint-Ouen, Paris, France What To Buy: Antiques, classic shoes, and vintage clothes

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8. Boulevard Haussmann: Buy Home Decor

All of the best shops in Paris can be found right in the heart of the city, in the popular Boulevard Haussmann. From the famous Galeries Lafayette to the popular Printemps department store, you will come across all the high-end shops here. This is certainly the best place to visit if fashion, home decor accessories, and cosmetics is everything that is on your list.

Location: 8th and 9th Arrondissement, Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France What To Buy: Home decor essentials, high-end cosmetics & toiletries, and luxe fashion wear

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9. Avenue Des Champs Elysées: For Linen Lovers

Definitely, amongst the most famous shopping areas in Paris , this avenue is one place you cannot afford to miss during your holiday in Europe. Apart from looking too pretty and illuminated at night, this place lets you shop all things chic. But beware, it’s considered to be the most expensive shopping street in Paris that might rob you of all your Paris shopping. Be it buying high-end clothing for yourself or toys for your kids, this is where you need to be for an ultimate and true Parisian shopping experience. There is no better place than Champs Elysees for outlet shopping in Paris

Location: Avenue des Champs Elysees, Paris, France What To Buy: High-end linens, chic accessories, cosmetics, and more

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10. Avenue Des Ternes: Buy Those Luxe Kitchen Wares

Unlike the other popular places to shop in Paris , Avenue des Ternes located in the 17th district is a hidden paradise in the city. Books, household appliances, clothing, shoes, bags, and everything that you can think of can be easily found here. So, without giving it a second thought, just pay a visit to this place and we vouch you will not be disappointed. It is one of the best places to enjoy street shopping in Paris and turns all the more delightful and scenic during December in Paris .

Location: 17th Arrondissement, Avenue des Ternes, Paris, France What To Buy: Books, luxe clothing, kitchenware, elegant bags, and more

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11. Hermès: Get Your Hands On Chic Clothings

Image Source The Hermès flagship is part of the Golden Triangle of luxury shopping in Paris, especially after its remodeling two years ago. The shop now covers an area of over three floor levels and possesses 5,900 square feet of unavoidable retail space. The extensive wood-paneled façade as well as the gilded lettering used to make its sign are the first things that lure shopaholics inside with a promise to take them to the wonderland of shopping. With everything from high-end fashion to fusion street wear, this retail outlet is your one-stop destination for Paris fashion.

Location: 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France What To Buy: Fashion apparel, handbags, scarves, accessories

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12. Guerlain: The Best Place To Buy Perfumes

Image Source Thinking perfumes? Get to Guerlain for the most iconic collection of fragrances near the Champs-Elysées. Located in a glitzy Paris shopping street, this outlet is hard to miss. The fancy interior revamped by architect Peter Marino are a major attraction here and reflect the persona of the extensive perfume collection on display. The customer service is friendly and will make sure you walk out with the best fragrances that totally define your personality.

Location: 68 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France What To Buy: Perfumes

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13. Montmartre: Buy Antiques

Image Source Montmartre serves as the bohemian avenue of the down to earth in Paris. It’s a famous shopping street in Paris and is home to some of the best outlets for various kinds of products. Far away from the luxury world of this city, this market sells all that is quirky, vintage, and antique. It’s where the creative and the artists showcase their talent in the streets of Paris with their handmade goods and skills, which is why it’s a great place to visit for those looking for cheap shopping in Paris. Don’t miss De l’Autre Côté de la Butte (furniture), Tempolino (cheap clothes), By Flowers, and Flash Vintage (vintage coats) when you’re here.

Location: 75018 Paris, France What To Buy: Ancient furniture, cheap clothes, flowers, vintage articles

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14. Canal Saint-Martin: Buy Furniture

Image Source This is another chic and bohemian Paris shopping street where the locals can be seen grabbing cool merchandise or sipping coffee in the many outdoor cafes. Its booming restaurant and art scene is the talk of the town and attracts shopaholics, couples, art lovers, and photographers from around Europe. You’ll find everything from small homegrown brands to luxury retail outlets here to satiate your love and lust for shopping. With unique homeware, clothes, accessories, bags, shoes, furniture, to classy men’s shopping in Paris, this place is surely the city’s next great shopping destination. Check out La Trésorerie, Artazart, and Centre Commercial when you’re here.

Location: Canal Saint-Martin, Paris, France What To Buy: Homeware, decor items, clothes, bags, shoes, furniture

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15. The Golden Triangle: Find Your Favorite Brands Here

Thinking where to shop in Paris? Well, one of the most luxurious places to shop in Paris is the Golden Triangle. The avenue is home to top-notch brands like Dior, Louis Vitton, Hermes, Chanel and more. You must have dreamt of shopping at these luxurious brands and the best part is that they all are in one place, Voila! Another dreamy brand has been recently added to the avenue that is Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysees. The Golden Triangle is one of the best shopping areas in Paris.

Location: The Golden Triangle, Paris, France What to buy:  Cosmetics, make up, clothes

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16. Galeries Lafayette: A Dreamy Gallery Of Goods

This is a family-owned retailer shop that has taken all the fame as it established as a flagship store on Champs-Elysees. Built in an area of 70,000 square feet and having four floors, the gallery offers everything from clothes to accessories for both men and women. If you are thinking what to shop in Paris as a tourist and where to do that, then get going to this place.

Location:  Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France What to buy:  Clothes, accessories

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17. Louis Vuitton Maison: Accomplish Your LV Dream

The largest store of Louis Vitton is here in Paris and we can’t wait to shop! Having an Art Deco landmark, the store comprises of five huge floors selling things like handbags, jewellery, leather goods and much more. The building is also beautiful to look at having a dome which is visible from both sides. If you are a Louis Vitton fan, then you just can’t miss out on this shop.

Location: 101 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France What to buy:  Handbags, jewellery, leather goods

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18. Officine Universelle Buly: Buy Skincare Essentials

If you are into hand creams, powders, essential oils and perfumes then this is the best place for you. The shop is located in the famous avenue, Le Marais. It also sells beautifully handcrafted pocket combs, porcelain boxes that have fragrance diffusing stones. So, it is a complete package of beauty and material goods. This place is also surrounded by some of the best bakeries in Paris . 

Location: 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France What to buy:  handcreams, perfumes, essential oils

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19. Le Bon Marche: Biggest Department Store

The oldest department store not only in Paris but in the whole world, Le Bon Marche cannot be skipped while shopping there. It is one of the most iconic and best places to shop in Paris . The store is known for its ambiance and offers all the brands and collections of popular designers. You can not only shop here but also treat your tastebuds at La Grande Epicerie food emporium.

Location: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France What to buy:  Clothes, Accessories

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20. Librairie 7L: Get Hands On Fashion Books

If you are a bookworm plus a fashionista, then Paris has a very beautiful surprise for you. Librairie 7L is not an ordinary library but a home-like collection of books relating to the category of fashion, lifestyle, photography, design, architecture and much more. The store was opened by the very famous designer Karl Lagerfield and all those looking for fashion updates will love this place.

Location: 7 Rue de Lille, 75007 Paris, France What to buy:  Books

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21. Shakespeare And Company : Stamped Books

Shakespeare And Company is among the most loved places for  best shopping in Paris when it comes to heartfelt souvenirs. This is a popular English bookstore in the city. This classic store was once a hangout spot for people like the renowned writer Fitzgerald and famous journalist Hemingway. Books picked from this store make the best souvenirs for book-lovers. Don’t forget to get a stamp of the store done of the book to make it more valuable. There is a free library also where you can sit and read in peace.

Location: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France What to buy: stamped books

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22. Chocolate Debauve And Gallais: For French Chocolate

If you ask, what is Paris famous for shopping, chocolates is going to be one of the top answers. And chocolates have always been the best souviners too .  Chocolate Debauve And Gallais is a popular chocolate store in Paris. They have a wide variety of crafted chocolates. Established in 1817, this is a very old name in the market. 

Location: 30 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris, France What to buy: Crafted chocolates

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23. Picasso Museum Gift Shop: For Picasso Souvenirs

The Picasso National Museum is a famous museum in Paris that is home to the world’s largest collection of Pablo Picasso’s artistic works. The museum has been established in a 17th-century building of Hotel Sale. The Picasso Museum Gift Shop is for anyone who would love to take home a memory of Picasso’s work. This is one of the  best places to shop in Paris.

Location: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France What to buy: Paintings, scarves, cushion covers

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24. Mariage Freres: For Tea Souvenirs

If you ask what to shop in Paris as a tourist apart from the common things, tea is the answer. Mariage Freres is a classic high-end tea shop in the city. Established in 1854, this place has a collection of a variety of unique tea products. The interiors of this store is also impressive with black tins of different flavours of tea neatly arranged on the wall.

Location: 13 Rue des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris, France What to buy: Tea souvenirs

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25. Maille : Mustard Products

Still, wondering w hat to shop in Paris that can be a unique yet special gift for your foodie friends? Take a jar of Maille mustards. This shop offers a variety of flavourful mustard combinations. Take home this fresh ingredient packed in their signature ceramic jar and wrapped in black paper. 

Location: 6 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France What to buy: Mustard products

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26. Museum Of Decorative Arts: Decor Products

The Museum of Decorative Arts is one of the best places for shopping in Paris if you are looking for a wide range of fancy products under one roof. This museum sells unique and beautiful are and home decorative products. They have some of the best things to buy in Paris that can be taken back as souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.

Location: 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France What to buy:

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27. St. Paul Village: Vintage Jewellery

If you are fond of vintage products but do not know  where to shop in Paris, St. Paul Village is the perfect spot. This village has an ancient vibe and features various cobbles streets and courtyards. The shops in St. Paul Village sell various collections of vintage jewellery and other vintage items like lamps, clocks, ceramic dishes, wood boxes and more. This place is also surrounded by some of the best places to visit in Paris . 

Location: Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris, France What to buy: Costume jewellery

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28. Miel Factory: French Honey

Miel Factory is one best places for shopping in Paris for buying some “sweet” gifts for friends and family. This is a shop that sells various kinds of honey and honey products. You get to pick from a variety of unique honey flavoures. If you cannot decide what to buy in Paris as souviniers, French honey is one of the best options. This is loved by all, especially those who are calorie-conscious.

Location: 28 Rue de Sévigné, 75004 Paris, France What to buy: Almond honey and blueberry honey

Further Read: Day Trips From Paris: Head Out To These 8 Places For Invigorating Excursions

With this little Paris shopping guide, you will surely have the most extraordinary experience in the city of love. But to make sure that you also do not miss out on the other major experiences, customize your Paris trip with TravelTriangle ! And if you know of any more awesome shopping places in Paris, let us know in the comments below.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Paris

How is shopping in paris vs london.

Both of these cities are renowned as one of the major fashion capitals and trendsetters across the world. While London offers a lot of high-end brands and big stores located far from each other, the city of Paris offers both chic fashions in boutiques and street trends in one neighbourhood. And as far as the prices are concerned, shopping is certainly a bit cheaper in Paris than in Londo

What are the best things to buy in Paris for souvenirs?

A Béret, scarfs, macaroons, champagne, postcards, miniature Eiffel Towers, and keyrings are some of the best things you can buy as souvenirs in Paris.

How is shopping in Paris vs Rome?

While shopping in Paris often comes along with expensive price tags, shopping in Rome comes for cheap as well, but do not expect a lot of bargains. If Paris is home to all things trendy and French, Rome houses some of the finest Italian styles. All in all, both the cities offer a similar yet different shopping experience.

What street in Paris is famous for shopping?

Out of all others, the Avenue Montaigne side street on the Champs-Elysées Avenue is quite a popular and luxurious shopping street in Paris.

How should I dress in Paris?

There aren’t any restrictions or rules regarding what one can wear in Paris. People can wear everything from jeans, dresses, to casuals while going out in Paris. One should ideally dress according to the weather. While warm clothes with boots and hats are suggested in winters, one is advised to wear light cotton clothes with a jacket or cardigan during the summer months in Paris.

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5 charming boutiques to shop in Paris

Paris is home to some of the worlds best in shopping. The fashion capital boasts the best in everything from designer shops to curio corners, where you can literally shop until you drop.

Don’t waste your time figuring out where the top shops in Paris are, we’ve compiled a little list of some of our favourites in the City of Fashion.

Cire Trudon

If you’re looking for the ideal gift that comes with a little history, try Cire Trudon. This boutique candle shop is so much more than that.

As the oldest candle shop in the world, roots dating to Paris in 1643 Cire Trudon offers the pinnacle of waxworks made from premium ingredients. These unbeatable candles, once the official candles of the kings and queens of France, now make perfect gifts from right in the heart of Paris.

La Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Looking for that most exclusive, refined, personal scent? The perfume from La Maison Francis Kurkdjian is what you need.

Winner of Prix François Coty and honoured with a French knighthood for his lifetime of work in the industry, Francis Kurkdjian makes perfume like no one else in the world. The first to open a Bespoke Fragrance Atelier in Paris, these perfumes are more moods than scents, ideal for capturing that Paris sentiment.

If you love the sharpest cutting edge of French fashion, look no further than Balmain. Located just off the famous Champs Élysées, this is the place to be for anyone with a flare for fashion design.

Since World War II, Balmain has been at the forefront of French design, dressing stars like Ava Gardner and Brigitte Bardot in his signature luxurious pieces. Now, you can come in and get decked out like a star.

If you‘re in the northern part of the well-known trendy quarter, Le Marais, check out Merci. This three-floor designer boutique offers you the best of Paris in everything from fashion and beauty to furniture and home ware.

There’s a refreshingly healthy restaurant that provides views onto an herb garden, but most important is the literary café. Here, pick up a new favourite novel and a coffee in the simple stylishness of this relaxing space—you’ll thank us later.

L’Éclaireur

Of the six boutiques in Paris, don’t miss the one located in the centre of the Marais district.

This international fashion boutique brought its revolutionary design to Paris over 30 years ago, but this mélange of interactive industrial sculpture and exclusive clothing store is a wonder every time you enter. Niches filled with luxury apparel and accessories from top brand names are nearly impossible to resist.

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10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Paris

Where to shop in paris and what to buy.

The best places to go shopping in Paris are also among the world’s best. This city offers an alluring charm that many other cities simply can’t match. Alongside incredible food and world-class landmarks, there are also excellent stores and malls found in almost every Paris ian district. Featuring the latest trends across clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, you won’t have a problem finding something to suit your taste.

Take a stroll through the city streets with a croissant in hand and you’ll come across everything from the biggest names in designer apparel to an endless array of vintage boutiques. With no shortage of options when it comes to shopping in Paris, check out these destinations to find something special to remember your trip by.

Boulevard Saint-Germain

Lavish shopping with the scenery to match.

Boulevard Saint-Germain features shopping opportunities that feel wonderfully befitting for the 7th arrondissement’s opulent landmarks, which include the Eiffel Tower, Champs de Mars, and Musée d'Orsay. Renowned for its collection of fashion giants like Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and Karl Lagerfeld, Boulevard Saint-Germain is also home to stores selling outstanding furniture and culinary treats.

Lined with trees and historic buildings from Pont de Sully to Pont de la Concorde, Boulevard Saint-Germain eventually passes through the Latin Quarter at the western end of the street. Here, you'll find popular bookstores, fashion outlets and charming markets, such as the Mouffetard Market and the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.

Westfield Forum des Halles

One of europe's most impressive shopping centers.

Westfield Forum des Halles is a modern shopping mall located on the same site as the historic Les Halles marketplace, which was demolished in 1971. It was reopened in 2016 with striking contemporary architecture, including a vast canopy that keeps the space covered in natural light throughout the year.

Shopping-wise, you will find everything from flagship fashion stores to independent designers. Westfield Forum des Halles also has a sprawling movie theater, a music academy, and a series of excellent restaurants. A must-visit is Le Champeaux, helmed by 3 Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse. Head along to this modern, yet laidback brasserie to dine in style.

Location: 101 Porte, Rue Berger, 75001 Paris, France

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7.30 pm

Phone: +33 (0)1 44 76 87 08

Batignolles in Paris

Paris Catacombs

Grande Mosquée de Paris

Shops and bars in a trendy neighborhood.

Le Marais is one of Paris' coolest shopping districts. Recognized for its diverse range of art galleries, fashion stores and late-night party venues, you won’t have a problem keeping entertained until the early hours of the morning. Like all the best arrondissements in Paris, Le Marais features a vast selection of places to browse, ranging from large-scale shopping malls to innovative concept outlets.

Le BHV Marais is a thriving department store opposite the iconic Hotel de Ville and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Home to over 900 much-loved brands, you can find trendy main street fashion alongside traditional homewares. However, no visit to Le Marais is complete without a visit to Merci – a 3-story boutique offering beautiful fashion and furnishings.

Triangle D’or

High fashion boutiques.

Triangle D’or is perhaps the best place for haute fashion in Paris, with visitors able to explore the famous Champs-Elysees as they spend the day shopping. Also known as the Golden Triangle, this dazzling array of high-end shopping boutiques is bordered by Rue François 1er, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V.

Take a walk beneath the treetops that line these renowned streets to come across a who’s who of international fashion. Alongside flagships stores for extravagant brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel, there's also the likes of Adidas and Levi's occupying lavish storefronts.

Rue St Honoré

Exclusive brands alongside historic landmarks.

Rue St Honoré is where many of Paris’ most fashionable residents go shopping. Set in one of the city's most historic districts, travelers will discover an array of designer brands sitting alongside centuries-old landmarks that recall France's storied history. But before you head off to see the sights, there's no shortage of boutiques to roam.

For some deluxe footwear, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo will surely have the perfect pair. Meanwhile, Rue St Honoré is well-known for its opulent perfume retailers such as Ex Nihilo and Guerlain. When you're finished shopping, take a short walk to world-famous landmarks, including the Louvre, Place Vendome, Palais Garnier, and the Tuileries Gardens.

photo by David Monniaux ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Rue de Rivoli

International high street brands.

Rue de Rivoli offers the best of both worlds when it comes to great Parisian shopping streets, as there are numerous must-see landmarks located just a short distance away. But first, make your way along this renowned boulevard to find great international brands, including Burberry and Urban Outfitters.

As you head east alongside the stunning Tuileries Garden, you'll pass by the world-renowned Arc de Triomphe before spotting the Louvre's iconic glass pyramid. For travelers who want to stock up on some fabulous brands before heading straight for Paris’ most famous landmarks, Rue de Rivoli is a great place to start the day.

Galeries Lafayette

Luxurious and iconic department store.

Galeries Lafayette is a grand shopping experience in every respect. Located on Boulevard Haussmann, this sprawling department store dates back to 1912, specializing in upmarket fashion, homewares and lifestyle brands. Undoubtedly impressive on the outside, the building spans 750,000 sq ft with a 141-ft-tall cupola serving as a centerpiece that can be spotted from across the city.

Set aside the whole morning or afternoon to explore the 3 interconnected art nouveau buildings that make up Galeries Lafayette. There’s designer clothing for both men and women, along with large sections dedicated to cosmetics, electronics, jewelry and more. Plus, a separate building called Lafayette Maison and Gourmet features top restaurants and food stores with delicious international flavors.

Location: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm

Phone: +33 (0)1 42 82 34 56

Le Bon Marché

Elegant and historic store.

Le Bon Marché is the oldest department store in Paris. Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris – home to the 17th-century Luxembourg Gardens – this famous shopping destination was founded in 1838 before undergoing a series of expansive renovations. Today, it has a massive selection of high-end goods across fashion, food, and homewares.

There’s no doubt that Le Bon Marché is one of the most spectacular places to shop in Paris. Having been expanded by Gustave Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower, there are numerous stores and spaces adorned by glass ceilings and art deco escalators. Don't forget to head across the street to visit La Grande Épicerie de Paris, the department store’s culinary landmark.

Location: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 7.45 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7.45 pm

Phone: +33 (0)1 44 39 80 00

photo by hiro449944 ( CC BY 3.0 ) modified

Canal Saint-Martin

Laidback shopping by the canal.

Canal Saint-Martin is an ideal place to shop when you’re looking to get away from crowds in Paris. This relaxed, leafy part of town is undoubtedly trendy as you’ll quickly discover an endless wealth of street art, footpath cafes and chic modern art galleries. Naturally, this means Canal Saint-Martin also has some delightful places to shop.

You’ll find some of the brightest clothes imaginable at independent designer Antoine et Lili, while Le Center Commercial stocks fashion and footwear from some of the world's most stylish brands. If you love books and art prints, head inside Artazart to find something awesome to take home.

Paris outlet stores

Leading brands at low prices.

A range of Paris outlet stores are spread throughout the outskirts of the city, ensuring that visitors can find the latest designer fashion, homewares, and accessories at discounted prices. La Vallée Village is within a 45-minute drive from Paris and features a charming outdoor shopping center complete with cottages and cobblestone alleyways.

Across the city, One Nation is where you can find a host of local and international designers positioned around three contemporary open-air patios. Meanwhile, La Piscine has several branches across Paris, all selling sought-after brands like Frankie Morello and Roberto Cavalli at heavily reduced prices.

photo by vincent lee ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to Buy the Best Edible Souvenirs in Paris — and How to Get Them Home

Don’t buy your cheese, jam, and wine just anywhere. And don’t just shove it in your suitcase. Follow our expert advice, and you’ll arrive home with the best — and most intact — food souvenirs from Paris

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When I travel, shopping for food and tabletop items is a must — spices, sweets, and antiques allow me to savor and relive my experience when I return home. These specific tastes are also how I prefer to share the essence of Paris, my adopted city, with my family back in the States. Once upon a time I’d haul back macarons and Mariage Frères tea, but now they’re sold stateside or are available with the click of a button, so I like to look for tastes of Paris that aren’t as easy to find elsewhere.

Paris has a lot to offer in the way of food souvenirs. Below is a list of items to seek out on your next trip. If you’re short on time, a single trip to La Grande Épicerie , Galeries Lafayette , or even Monoprix for basic items works. However, by heading to these smaller shops, you will have the opportunity to experience the épiceries and institutions that give Paris its charm.

Where to buy pantry staples in Paris

What to look for: Choose herbs and spices that will add typical French flavors to your meal and are only available from protected areas, such as salt from the marshes of Guérande in western France or the Camargue in the south. If you buy piment d’espelette from the Basque region, make sure it is marked AOC, appellation d’origine contrôlée, signifying that it is an official pepper from the region and processed under Espelette’s strict standards. (France loves protecting food and wine traditions.)

Where to go: Compagnie Française des Poivres et des Épices 7 Rue de Furstemberg, 6th arrondissement

A short walk from the Boulevard Saint-Germain will bring you to this charming little spice shop on the Place de Furstemberg. The family-run shop carries several different sugars and dozens of salt and pepper varieties, arranged in little white tin cans and glass cloches to allow you to take in the aromas.

The shop’s Coffret Français gift box, with a blend for traditional chicken and potato roasts, is an ideal souvenir. It also includes salt from the Guérande marshes in the Pays de la Loire region of France, which has been in use for 3,000 years, and herbs de Provence, the iconic aromatic blend of rosemary, oregano, and thyme found all around the south of France. In addition to the coffret, be sure to grab a bottle of piment d’espelette and Peugeot bistro pepper grinders. And if you want something a bit fancier, you can find cast iron, sterling silver, and Lalique crystal grinders.

What to look for:

Tea is ubiquitous; when in France, find a brand that isn’t available where you live, has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, and beautiful packaging for gifting. Mariage Frères, Dammann Frères, Palais des Thés, and Kusmi Tea are all great French brands to seek out.

Where to go: Méert 16 Rue Elzevir, 3rd arrondissement

Méert is a confectionery and tea shop with old-world charm. The brand was founded in 1677 in Lille and the shop evokes this history, with sweets stacked on antique counters and in bonbon jars and painted tea tins lining the wall. Try the Thé de la Comtesse, a green tea with hints of violets and raspberries, or the Thé des Littéraires, a black Ceylon tea with vanilla, lavender, and bergamot and a painting of Marcel Proust on the front.

Méert is also well known for its gaufres, waffles filled with caramel beurre salé, and its signature Madagascar vanilla. But don’t overlook the boxes of caramels or meringue-filled tin cans, which travel well and have a long shelf life.

What to look for: Confiture (preserved fruit) brands like Bonne Maman are available all over the world, so it’s better to seek out something artisanal, like Confiture Parisienne, Alain Milliat, and L’Épicurien. These brands usually use unrefined cane sugar and avoid additives and preservatives.

Where to go: Confiture Parisienne 17 Avenue Daumesnil, 12th arrondissement

This store and workshop is located in the arcades of the Viaduc des Arts, a converted train line that hosts a string of workshops and artisan ateliers. In the shop, you sample from 90 flavors of jams and jellies, while watching the team mix them in giant copper containers behind glass.

The shop’s confiture fraise tomate (strawberry tomato) is a standout. But you also can’t go wrong with varieties like carrot passion fruit vanilla, la confiture de la Tour Eiffel (strawberry and rosemary), orange grapefruit clementine kumquat, or the blanc de blancs Champagne jelly or rosé jelly. And be sure to test out the savory jams for your aperitif hour, such as the chutney d’oignon rose, cornichon chutney, and poivron cetterave chutney.

How to get it home: Confitures are sold in glass jars so put them in a plastic resealable bag and place it snugly in some clothes in your checked luggage.

French mustard

What to look for: If you remember the mustard shortage of 2022 and the mad rationing that followed, then you will understand how integral this condiment is to French cuisine. It’s used in tarts, vinaigrettes, and sauces, and served with steak. Most French mustard producers use Canadian-grown seeds, so for a special souvenir, target mustard that is grown and made in France.

Look out for Moutarde de Meaux Pommery (varieties include flavorings like honey, green peppercorn, gingerbread, truffle, and cognac) or Martin-Pouret (piment d’espelette, Indian spices, bearnaise, honey, and chardonnay). My personal favorite is Edmond Fallot, which has been producing artisanal mustards since 1840 in Beaune, near Dijon, with seeds grown in the region: Its tarragon mustard feels particularly special, but the cassis, green peppercorn, basil, walnut, the classic Dijon, and white wine flavors are all worth trying.

Where to go: G. Detou 58 Rue Tiquetonne, 2nd arrondissement

G. Detou is highly regarded among bakers and chefs. There are two stores adjacent to one another, one focused on sweets and the other on savory goods. While you’re there, you can also grab some vinegars from Martin-Pouret, honey from Le Rucher de l’École, and cacao from Valrhona.

How to get it home: Mustards are sold in glass jars or ceramic pots so wrap cloth around each jar, and put them into checked luggage.

Creme de marron

What to look for: Creme de marron, or chestnut cream, has a roasted, nutty, toffee taste and is a staple in many French pantries. There are a variety of brands, but one by a celebrated pastry chef is guaranteed to be delicious on your own confections.

Where to get it: Sébastien Gaudard 1 rue des Pyramides, 1st arrondissement

Located near the Tuileries, Sébastien Gaudard is a charming pastry and tea room with a vintage aesthetic inside and cafe vibes with chairs and tables outside. Be sure to try the tea, confiture, and honey too.

How to get it home: Creme de marron comes in glass bottles and usually has a shelf life of up to three years. Wrap it in your socks or a T-shirt and put it into your checked luggage.

Where to buy chocolate, sweets, and treats in Paris

Butter biscuits

What to look for: Pur beurre (translation: pure butter) and sables Bretons are classic French biscuits. The former are similar to shortbread and are made with unsalted butter, while the latter, from Brittany, use salt as well as butter. They’re both delicious.

Where to go: Poilâne 8 rue du Cherche-Midi, 6th arrondissement

Poilâne, founded in 1932, knows how to work flour, eggs, and sugar. This is the original location, with a cafe and bakery side by side. While there are other types of biscuits on offer, the Punitions biscuits are trademarked for good reason. They’re made without additives, preservatives, or coloring agents — just eggs, butter, flour, and sugar, baked over a wood fire.

How to get it home: The biscuits are often sold in a box and occasionally you can find them in a tin, making them easy to transport without turning into a bag of crumbs.

What to look for: There is no shortage of chocolate shops in Paris, and many chocolate formats to choose from: You can find delicious chocolate from celebrated names like Alain Ducasse, Pierre Hermé, Jacques Génin, Cyril Lignac, and Pierre Marcolini at namesake shops across the city. Most shops will happily offer a sample and answer your questions, but a box of assorted chocolates is always the best way to enjoy different varieties.

Where to get it: À La Mere de Famille , various locations

À La Mère de Famille is the oldest confectionery in Paris, with 10 locations across the city. The Belle Epoque location on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre in the 9th has been listed as a historic monument, and its interior boasts old-world charm with antique floor tiles and wooden counters lined with glass bonbon jars.

Its caramel beurre salé chocolates are a smooth blend of two sweets. While you’re stocking up on sweets, try the nougat, pure butter biscuits, florentines, mendiants, and chocolate-covered almonds. If deciding on one chocolate is too difficult, go for an assortment in a keepsake tin.

Wine and spirits

What to look for: At small caves à vin, owners and their teams are there to help you find the perfect wine. Be ready with your preferences for white or red, light or full bodied, a bottle for an aperitif or to drink with dinner, and so on.

Where to go: La Cave de Belleville 51 Rue de Belleville, 19th arrondissement

La Cave de Belleville is a wine bar and cellar in the 19th arrondissement in Belleville. There are long tables down the center of the space where you can enjoy wine with plates of charcuterie and cheese. If you aren’t in a hurry, spend some time enjoying a few wines, then purchase your favorite one to bring home. The shop is organized by region, with several experts ready to guide your nose and palate. If spirits are more your thing, Maison du Whisky at Odéon specializes in whiskey and spirits from France and around the world.

How to get it home: Most wine shops have boxes and bubble wrap on hand. If you only purchase one bottle, then surrounding it with bubble wrap and clothes in your checked luggage works fine. For two or more bottles, bubble wrap works, but consider a box or bottle separators.

Cheese, charcuterie, and tins

Cheese and cured meats.

What to look for: It can be useful to ask about a shop’s most popular products to find out where it excels — or for what products it may have won awards. For cheese, you should always ask what is in season, and if you are traveling internationally, stick to hard or semi-soft cheese. Note that the store clerk won’t reliably know what you’ll be permitted to travel with.

Where to go: Maison Plisson 93 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 3rd arrondissement

Maison Plisson in the Marais is part grocery store, part cafe-restaurant on a busy boulevard between Bastille and Republique. It only sells the best products from smaller and underrepresented producers across France. The Prince de Paris is a traditional Parisian ham with no antibiotics, nitrates, or artificial ingredients; it’s also the only style of ham made in Paris. For cheeses that’ll travel well, try the Comté, Camembert, Beaufort, Gruyere, or Emmentaler.

How to get it home: Almost every épicerie will vacuum pack your meat or cheese which can then be stored in your checked luggage, and as it’s quite cold in the luggage area underneath the airplane, that’s a perfect place for it. (Maison Plisson advises that meat and cheese in sous vide packaging is fine for up to eight hours outside of a refrigerator.) However, it’s important to note that certain foods , including some cured meats and unpasteurized cheese, are not allowed into the U.S. and may only be able to be enjoyed if you’re traveling to another destination in the E.U.

What to look for: Foie gras can be controversial, but if this French delicacy doesn’t offend, you will find it available at almost every gourmet food store. Look for brands from Dordogne and Les Landes, and stick to cans and jars as opposed to refrigerated sous vide blocks.

Foie gras is meant to be cut from a block (like cheese) and eaten on toast. Try it with onion or rhubarb chutneys to enhance the flavors.

Where to go: Lafitte 47 rue Cler, 7th arrondissement

Lafitte is a modern shop lined with only two walls of jars and cans of meat. It’s a futuristic, zero-fuss contrast to most historic brands, but it’s been selling canned meats since 1920. It also has a large variety of rillettes, pates, and spreads.

How to get it home: Canned foie gras, pate, and duck confit are allowed into the U.S. as long as they are in a can or jar with the manufacturer ingredients clearly listed.

Canned seafood

What to look for: Canned or jarred seafood is popular in France, in part because of the seafood culture from Normandy and Brittany. Check the packaging to see where exactly the fish is from to make sure you are buying something from the coasts of France (and not Portugal or Spain). In addition to plain tuna, sardines, and mackerel, try varieties that are mixed with lemon, tomatoes, or spices.

Where to get it: La Belle-Iloise , various locations

La Belle-Iloise was founded in 1932 and sells canned tunas, sardines, mackerel, and soups from Quiberon, Brittany. You’ll find the brand in many épiceries in Paris, but it also has its own shops with five locations across Paris. The shop at 53 Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement has the added bonus of being on a picturesque pedestrian street full of other food shops, restaurants, and cafes.

These products make great gifts, especially in boxed sets with charming packaging. The shops also sell jarred seaweed mayonnaise, hummus, seaweed spreads, and everything else you need to host seafaring aperitif hours back home.

How to get it home: Canned seafood is allowed in the U.S., but should be stored in your checked luggage because of the oil or liquids some cans contain may exceed airline limits.

Home goods and cooking tools

Vintage tableware

What to look for: The French are known for their “art de la table,” and you’ll find various types of metal and porcelain tableware ranging from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. Ask a sales associate if you are looking for a specific pattern or brand like Christofle or Gien. However, many small manufacturers copied the big expensive houses, so you’ll find equally beautiful no-name items from houses no longer in existence. Look closely for cracks in glass or porcelain and any rust on metal items that is hard to remove. However, part of the beauty of antique treasures is in their faults.

Use your imagination when shopping for vintage tabletop pieces. Many have multiple uses beyond their original purpose. A Champagne bucket can also be a flower vase, a misshapen cutting board can be wall art, and a crystal sugar bowl can also hold your jewelry.

Where to go: AXS Design 12 rue St Sabin, 11th arrondissement

AXS is an antique shop tucked away in a seemingly private cobblestone courtyard in the 11th arrondissement. The shop has two rooms full of silver-plated cutlery in jars, stacks of ceramic plates on shelves and tables, beveled crystal glassware, folded red and ecru torchons (hard linen kitchen towels), and embroidered tablecloths on hangers.

How to get it home: Silver cutlery can easily be wrapped in tissue paper but the breakables need more care. It’s best to wrap porcelain plates individually, then together in sets of two or four with a piece of cardboard in between each plate. Fill all hollow spaces in items such as glassware, vases, and soup tureens with brown packing paper before wrapping fully in bubble wrap. To ensure your treasures make it home safely, take them in your carry-on luggage. If you get carried away and buy more than airlines will allow, AXS offers shipping services.

What to look for: If you can read French (or use a translation app), then a cookbook is the best way to master tarts, soufflés, and recettes de grand-mere. Keep an eye out for Hachette, a major publisher with cookbooks tackling just about every French culinary topic and ingredient. Not all French language cookbooks are widely available, so visiting a cookbook store as opposed to a general bookstore will give you a bigger selection. Plus, Paris loves themed bookstores.

Where to go: The Librairie Gourmande 92-96 rue Montmartre, 2nd arrondissement

The single-floor Librairie Gourmande is not the fanciest of bookstores, but it’s centrally located and stocks a large collection of French language books devoted to food. Alternatively, book collectors and lovers of food history and art de la table can take a stroll to visit the bouquinistes that have been installed along the quays of the Seine since the 16th century. On the Quai Conti across from the Hôtel des Monnaies you will find a seller that specializes in food literature, vintage cookbooks, and Larousse encyclopedia posters.

French kitchen supplies

What to look for: Aspiring chefs often make pilgrimages to France to attend its famed cooking schools, leaving with tools of the trade used by many Michelin-starred restaurants. Ask sales associates for the stories behind brands, which are often small family-run businesses with decades of history.

Where to go: Landline 107 Avenue Parmentier, 11th arrondissement

Landline is a concept store in the 11th with floor-to-ceiling shelves full of ethically sourced tabletop items, kitchen tools, toys, and paper goods from small companies. Shop for colorful, hand-painted ceramics from Dimanche Vaisselle and Samantha Kerdine, oven mitts made from deadstock fabric, traditional Sarreguemines white porcelain ramekins, and surprisingly useful kitchen tools, like tomato knives, zigzag wine openers, heated ice cream scoopers, and brass pepper mills.

How to get it home: Metal kitchen tools can easily be packed in your carry-on or checked luggage. (Don’t put any of the sharper items in your carry-on or they may be confiscated.) Porcelain items should be wrapped in bubble wrap or tissue paper and kept in a carry-on.

Copper pots

What to look for: Copper pots are an extremely efficient way to evenly spread heat when you cook — not to mention they’re the prettiest cookware to display in a kitchen.

Mauviel 1830 copper pots are the Rolls-Royce of copper cookware, with the price tag to match. It’s best to pick a few pieces on each visit and slowly amass a collection over time. The centuries-old company is well known for its quality and traditional manufacturing techniques, so your pots will likely outlive you. Be sure to ask for a tub of copper cleaner as well; the beauty of copper pots requires a lot of maintenance.

Where to go: E. Dehillerin 18-20 Rue Coquillière, 1st arrondissement

E. Dehillerin has long been an institution for home cooks and chefs, including Julia Child. It’s a treasure trove of supplies, but the narrow aisles and messy layout are part of its charm.

How to get it home: Depending on the size of the pots you purchase, you might consider buying an additional suitcase to transport them or mailing a box of your goods home to lighten your load.

A little bit of everything

A boxed set of parisian flavors.

What to look for: The best boxed gift sets feature products made in Paris and highlight iconic French flavors and ingredients. Some stores and restaurants will put together their bestsellers, and others might give you a pretty box and allow you to assemble your favorites yourself.

Where to go: La Tour d’Argent 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 5th arrondissement

La Tour d’Argent, founded in 1582, is the oldest restaurant in Paris. The associated épicerie is on the ground floor of the iconic restaurant, which boasts one Paris’s best views (and commands the highest price to match).

The shop’s Le Coffret Emblématique gift box offers a taste of what the restaurant is known for, including good wine and duck. If the box is a bit overwhelming you can also purchase honey, tea, sweets, or wine from the épicerie.

You’ll also find memorable boxed gift sets at Maison Plisson, Fauchon, La Maison du Caviar, Ladurée, and Maxim’s.

Ajiri Aki is the author of JOIE: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life and the founder of Madame de la Maison, an antique e-commerce shop. Additional photo credits: Mustard photo by Ajiri Aki; terrine photo by Ajiri Aki; biscuits by Poilâne; bottle of wine by Olga Popova/Shutterstock; cheese by Nat Belkov

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20 must-see sites in and around Paris that aren’t the Louvre or Eiffel Tower

Posted: February 2, 2024 | Last updated: February 2, 2024

Paris is a dream destination for many. Most visitors understandably prioritize the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. However, there is so much more to do in and around the city. Here are 20 amazing places to visit on your next trip.

The Catacombs

If you’re a fan of the darker side of cities and don’t mind a bit of creepiness, you need to check out the catacombs on your next trip to Paris. This maze of underground passageways located in the heart of the city was once used as the burial site for inhabitants. You’ll wander past centuries-old graves and amongst walls of real bones and skulls.

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Musée d’Orsay

The Louvre might be the most visited museum in the world, but it’s not the only one in Paris. If you’re looking for a unique museum, the Musée d’Orsay will surely delight. The art museum consists mostly of 19th-century artifacts. However, the most interesting feature is the location, as it’s housed in an old Beau-Arts railway station.

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Chateau Fontainebleau

This palace is located about an hour by train from Paris. It is the only chateau that can claim to be a continuous residence of French Royalty from the 12th to the 19th centuries. It is also much more impressive inside than Versailles as it wasn’t ransacked during the revolution.

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Sacre-Coeur

The Sacre-Coeur (sacred heart) basilica is located in the 18th arrondissement, often referred to as Montmartre. After a morning of strolling the picturesque neighborhood, take in this impressive site and enjoy views all over Paris. It’s also a fantastic sunset location.

Arc de Triomphe & The Champs-Élysées

You know that giant arch you see a bunch of cars driving around all over Instagram? That’s the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ most iconic sites. To reach the Arc, stroll the Champs-Élysées and enjoy one of the best shopping streets in Paris.

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The Streets of the Marais

The Marais is one of the city's most beautiful and historic parts to stroll. Definitely reserve an entire afternoon to wander this picturesque neighborhood with winding streets and shops waiting to be explored. 

Palace Versailles

We couldn’t make this list and leave out Versailles, one of the most popular day trips from the city! The palace is worth the trip in itself, but so are the ornate gardens and expansive park that borders the estate. You’ll find many picnic-goers and strolling couples around the lake every weekend.

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Moulin Rouge

“Moulin Rouge” translates to red mill, for the windmill that adorns this famous cabaret in the 18th arrondissement. Located in the 18th arrondissement, it’s the perfect place for an evening out. Even better, combine it with the rest of the area and head over after enjoying sunset at the Sacre-Coeur.

Shakespeare and Company Bookshop

The French love a good bookshop, especially Parisians! Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookstore popular among visitors and residents alike. It’s been called one of the most famous bookstores in the world and has housed literary geniuses such as Zadie Smith and Anaïs Nin. Arrive early as people start lining up way before opening.

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Palais Garnier

Also known as the Opéra Garnier, you can buy tickets to watch a performance or visit on another day and take in the decor. The real gold trim and centuries-old murals are sure to delight the eyes!

Cimetière des Chiens

Translated to “Dog Cemetery," this gravesite along the Seine in the Parisien suburbs is considered the first animal graveyard in modern history. 

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Canal Saint-Martin

Located in the 10th arrondissement of the city, the canal (and surrounding area) is popular with residents. It is much less touristy than other areas but home to many superb restaurants and bars, many located along the canal.

Bois (Forest) de Vincennes

Paris isn’t all metro rides and city streets. If you walk far enough, on the outskirts of the metropolis, you’ll find a large forest and park. It actually bleeds into another city of the same name, Vincennes. And it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a bit of greenspace or an urban respite.

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Jardin de Tuileries

These gardens can be found all over Instagram because they’re located just outside the Louvre. However, they’re not actually located in the museum, so we can include them in this list. It’s a great location to enjoy a sunny day in Paris or have a quick drink at one of the many outdoor brasseries.

In French, if you see “chantilly” on a menu, that usually means a drink or dessert comes with whipped cream. And the town of the same name, where this favorite accompaniment comes from, is an easy day trip from Paris. Stroll the charming streets, try chantilly in its birthplace, or go horseback riding!

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Promenade Plantée

This three-mile elevated walkway was the first of its kind in the world. You can walk above the Paris streets from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. It’s an idyllic place to take a walk and breathe in some slightly less polluted air.

This Chinese-style pagoda stands out in the French capital. It was once a private residence built by a Chinese man who was a bit homesick. It is now a museum open for visitors and a representation of cultural exchange between the two countries.

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Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

It's one of the more niche museums in the city, but it's fun if you have time. The Museum of Hunting and Nature is located in the 3rd, not far from the National Archives. If this is a topic that even slightly interests you, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Galerie Vivienne

The well-adorned passageways and covered shopping centers are some of the best places to wander in Paris. Referred to as “galeries” in French, the Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautiful in the city.

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Sainte-Chapelle

This gothic-style royal chapel is a site to be seen but nowhere near as crowded as Notre Dame (when you could visit.) It’s ideally located on the same small island in the city as the more famous cathedral. 

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Paris city breaks

Make your holiday to Paris one to remember with our city trip guide. Discover tips on things to do and see and where to stay and eat.

Paris holidays and city breaks

Things to do in paris.

There’s never a shortage of things to do in Paris. Proud of its enduring revolutionary spirit, the city is dotted with reminders of its long and storied history: Roman ruins, royal palaces and imposing monuments to France’s illustrious writers and artists. Once you’ve ticked culture off your list of Paris activities, there’s still plenty left to do: hit the shops for vintage and designer goods, eat your way around upscale pâtisseries, or hop on a Vélib’ – the local shared bikes – for a cheap and cheerful tour of the city. Don’t forget the capital’s laid-back nightlife: an evening spent in a cosy wine bar or an underground cocktail den has to rate as one of the top things to do in Paris.

Three days in Paris

A 3-day itinerary including ideas, tips and addresses to get the most out of your stay.

Two days in Paris

A 2-day itinerary to help you make the most out of a weekend in Paris.

Romantic things to do in Paris

Romance can get stressful if you don't know where to go. Use this handy guide to help you.

Things to see in Paris

Paris is laid out in 20 arrondissements, each a distinct neighbourhood with its own unique atmosphere and tourist attractions. Home to the delicate portrait of the Mona Lisa, the Louvre museum is a must see in Paris, though it’s just one of many stops on a tour of the most iconic Paris attractions. Paris sightseeing is best done on foot: head across the river to the galleries and cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or north to the Sacré Cœur and its jaw-dropping views over the city. See if you can spot the towers of Notre Dame, or the broad boulevard of the Champs-Elysées leading to the Arc de Triomphe – if you can tear your eyes away, that is, from a certain iron tower.

The Eiffel Tower

Unpopular when first unveiled in 1889, this feat of steel has stood the test of time: you’d be hard-pressed to find a more recognisable symbol of a city. With crowds naturally keen to reach – by lift or leg power – the dizzying heights of its 300 metres, it’s worth planning ahead to visit the Eiffel Tower. Book online to beat the queues, and make sure to avoid peak times; early mornings or late afternoons will have the best golden light for your snaps. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Café Lignac, just a stone’s throw away: the elegant bistro makes a fitting finale.

Le Moulin Rouge

Topped by the sugarwork dome of the Sacré Cœur, the Montmartre neighbourhood was once famed for its artistic community and bohemian lifestyle. Hip boutiques and restaurants now line its charming cobbled streets, but traces of its glamorous, decadent past still endure. Chief among these is the Moulin Rouge , a luxe cabaret showcasing Cancan dancers whose confident swagger and high kicks have changed little since the days of Toulouse-Lautrec. You’ll easily spot it by the red windmill that gives it its name. For a glimpse of the Belle Epoque glitz inside, make sure to book ahead.

Notre-Dame de Paris

In spite of the fire that devastated it in 2019, Notre-Dame cathedral still stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture – and the spiritual heart of the city. It may now be a building site, but it’s still worth circumnavigating its perch on Ile de la Cité, if only for the informative placards giving insight into the herculean restoration underway. If the distant sight of its majestic towers still leaves you pining for holy wonders, head to the glorious Sainte Chapelle nearby, or to Berthillon for a scoop of sorbet – nothing short of miraculously refreshing on a balmy day.

The Louvre museum

Once a medieval fortress, then a Renaissance palace, the Louvre sealed its fate as a cultural treasure (and treasure trove) with the addition of IM Pei’s striking glass pyramids. This sprawling museum is worth more than one return visit, so you can linger over Renaissance masterpieces or ancient Egyptian wonders as the mood takes you. Outside, the Jardin des Tuileries calls for leisurely walks, or pony rides for little ones. Pop in to the Musée de l’Orangerie to gawp at Monet’s vast lily pad paintings, and end your outing at nearby Angelina with a pastry worthy of Marie-Antoinette.

The Paris Catacombs

Channel your inner Goth: for those of a macabre disposition, a visit to the Paris Catacombs makes for a fascinating tour of the city’s underbelly. The labyrinthine ossuary packs in some of the city’s more lurid history, from Merovingian times through to the Revolution, the Résistance and the occasional illegal rave. You’ll find the entrance near the Denfert-Rochereau station in the 14th arrondissement. It’s a bit out of the way of the usual tourist itineraries, but a detour to the nearby Fondation Cartier – a striking glass temple to modern art – certainly makes the trip worthwhile.

Synonymous in the collective imagination with the excesses of life at court, the Palace of Versailles is just as gilded and opulent as its reputation would have you believe. Louis XIV’s residence hosted royal families for just two generations before the revolution struck, but its ostentatious displays of power endure. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, a masterful reflection of the Sun King’s monumental ego, and Marie-Antoinette’s pastoral hamlet on the Trianon estate. Make a day trip of it: the sprawling palace gardens and their spectacular fountains are a joy to explore.

Les Grands Magasins

Though some prefer a more intimate shopping experience, Paris’s grand department stores have lost none of their appeal since they opened in the 19th century. Start at La Samaritaine , newly reopened and worth the visit for its restored art nouveau interiors alone. On the Right Bank, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette offer floors of designer goods, luxe fashion and covetable homeware. The former’s known for its beauty hall; the latter for its Insta-worthy stained-glass dome. On the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché has a seriously good food hall and arguably the best escalators in town.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

It’s hard to miss the Fondation Louis Vuitton ’s sail-like silhouette in the leafy expanse of the Bois de Boulogne. Designed by Frank Gehry, the deconstructivist building plays host to a permanent art collection, twice yearly big-ticket exhibitions and a live music metres. Look out for the bold, cartoon-like creations by Takashi Murakami, which memorably found their way onto a special Louis Vuitton collection. Multi-media commissions are dotted in and around the galleries: wander through Olafur Eliasson’s Inside the Horizon , an ethereal and kaleidoscopic sonic installation.

Where to stay in Paris

With its broad boulevards, cheap metro system and handy landmarks, Paris is a breeze to navigate on foot. When choosing a good area to stay in Paris , consider location as well as budget. The Marais beckons with its markets, cobbled streets and café terraces. Shopaholics would do well to book near Opera, within easy reach of the department stores and the luxury shops of Faubourg St Honoré. Culture vultures could opt for Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where arthouse cinemas, legendary Jazz venues and the bohemian Shakespeare & Co bookshop are just a short stroll away. Charming boutique hotels have cropped up recently near Gare du Nord – worth considering if you’re deciding where to stay in Paris for a weekend.

Where to stay in Paris with kids

Finding a family-friendly stay in Paris can be tricky: the city centre may float your boat, but your little ones will need somewhere to blow off some steam. The quaintly Parisian 19th arrondissement is slightly out of the way, but it’s budget-friendly and has two huge parks with plenty for kids to do. In the 5th arrondissement, pick up street eats on rue Mouffetard, then head to the Jardin des Plantes for a picnic and a stroll around its bijou menagerie. The 12th arrondissement, with its quick train link to Disneyland Paris and the nearby forest of Vincennes, is another good option.

The best areas for sightseeing

Wondering where to stay in Paris with Eiffel Tower views? Luxe hotels near Trocadéro come with postcard-worthy vistas, but hefty price tags. For a lighter-on-the-wallet option, try the sleepy 15th arrondissement. The 1st arrondissement is arguably the best area for sightseeing in Paris : the Louvre, Pompidou Centre and Notre Dame are just a short stroll away. Don’t miss the Palais Royal , with its elegant arcades and 260 monochrome columns. For a more ostentatious glimpse of Paris, the 8th arrondissement’s broad boulevards, Grand Palais and imposing Arc de Triomphe are hard to beat.

Where to stay in Paris on a budget

Predictably, the cheapest areas to stay in Paris are furthest from the city centre, but there’s much to enjoy off the beaten path. North of Montmartre, up-and-coming Saint-Ouen is best known for its charming flea market, but hip eateries and boutique hotels are sprouting up there too. Bohemian Belleville is another neighbourhood that's worth a look. Drop in on La Bellevilloise for free jazz gigs or a lively buffet brunch, climb to the top of bucolic Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or pay your respects to the likes of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde in the Père Lachaise cemetery.

Best places to eat in Paris

Where to eat in Paris

Whether you’re after traditional French food or a romantic restaurant in Paris, it’s worth asking around for tips on where to eat in Paris . There’s always something exciting launching in the capital of gastronomy. New Ménilmontant hotspot Fripon has TV darling Pauline Séné at work in the kitchen: expect delicate small plates and round-the-world flavours. A hop and a skip from Gare du Nord, Les Deux Gares serves dishes as inventive as its tortoiseshell ceiling. If you’re in an old-school mood, La Grande Brasserie near Bastille does starched linen and classic French fare with style.

Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris

With some hundred Michelin-starred restaurants to its name, Paris is one of the best cities in the world for a memorable meal. Do plan ahead if you have a particular spot in mind: the most famous restaurants in Paris are often fully booked weeks if not months ahead. Casual-cool Septime still tops the list of the top restaurants in Paris; make time for its seven-course tasting menu, each paired with something exquisite from the wine list. Colourful cooking is the order of the day at MoSuke . Stop by for fusion flavours drawing from Mali, Senegal and Japan.

The best bakeries in Paris

Best time to visit paris.

Ella Fitzgerald sang of Paris as a timeless town, where each season is blessed with a particular beauty and atmosphere. What could be a better endorsement of Paris weather? There is no bad time to visit: average temperatures in Paris are often mild, though you’ll need a warm cover-up to enjoy the city’s dazzling Christmas lights. An urban beach takes over the banks of the Seine during the sizzling summers. The city’s less crowded then, but some restaurants and shops shut until September. Autumn’s golden leaves and light are a delight; the Paris Fashion Week makes for top-notch people-watching, too. Spring, perhaps, is when Paris is at loveliest: the city’s in bloom and terrace life can start in earnest again.

Paris in spring

Paris's parks, gardens and museums come alive in spring.

Paris in summer

All the best things to do in Paris in summer.

Paris in autumn

See Paris in a different light during the autumn season.

Paris in winter

Hot cocoa and Christmas window displays...there's plenty of reasons to visit Paris in the winter.

Frequently asked questions

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Make your Paris holiday one to remember by booking discounted tickets and tours to the top attractions in Paris including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles and Orsay Museum. You can also get 20% off a Paris open top bus tour with our partner Tootbus .

Is Paris good for solo travellers?

Paris is a safe city to explore as a solo traveller so you can explore and enjoy the city to its fullest. Create your own itinerary for a 2 or 3 Paris city break.

Is there a direct Eurostar train to Paris?

Yes, you can travel direct on a London to Paris train in just 2 hours and 16 mins.

Can I purchase a multi-day pass for public transport in Paris?

Yes, you can. Enjoy unlimited travel in Paris on all public transport networks by purchasing the Paris Visite travel pass which is valid for either 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days. The pass allows you to travel anywhere in Paris (zones 1-3) and the Île-de-France region (airport connections, Disneyland Paris® and Château de Versailles).

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Why you should visit Provins, the UNESCO World Heritage Site 90 minutes from Paris

Jun 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Wander the medieval ramparts of Provins, an unmissable stop for history lovers © Lev Levin / Shutterstock

The fortified medieval town of Provins, just 92 km (57 mi) south-east of Paris , has barely changed since the 17th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a million tourists visit every year to admire the town which was, in the 10th century, the third most important in the kingdom of France after Paris and Rouen.

Still partially surrounded by its 25 m (82ft)-high ramparts and moat, it was developed by the powerful Counts of Champagne as a major trading post between northern Europe and the Mediterranean. It became so important it had its own currency, the Provins “denier” or penny, and it was thronged with merchants from all corners of the globe during their annual trade fairs. Provins is also the proud home of the Rosa gallica (or rose of Provins), parent to most European rose cultivars.

When should I go to Provins?

If crowds don’t worry you, then come during the Medieval Festival  that takes place the second weekend of June (though this year it's on June 1st and 2nd because of the Paris Olympics), the biggest such event in France. Troubadours, acrobats and crowd entertainers fill the streets lined with 350 craftspeople peddling their wares. There’s also dancing, music, games, jousting, street performances and the traditional medieval ball, a concert and a Sunday parade with 700 people in medieval costume. You must book a ticket and you'll get a discount if you come in medieval costume!

Other festivals include the one-day Harvest Festival (“Fête de la Moisson”), which is always held on the last weekend of August; note that this year it’s been canceled as it clashes with the Olympic Games. Provins also holds a medieval Christmas market on December 14th and 15th.

If you want to see the Rosa gallica flowering, visit from mid-May to June – you’ll see the blooms in the Provins Rose Garden and foaming over private walls and fences.

If you’re traveling with children (or even not!) and want to soak in the medieval atmosphere at one of the historical shows, plan your trip between the end of March and the end of October. These shows take place in most weather conditions; if there's wind or heavy rain the falconry show might be canceled, but even in inclement weather the knights will joust.

Provins' historical sites are open all year (afternoons only during winter weekdays, all day at the weekends), as is the town's medieval-themed  escape game .

Read more:  7 easy day trips from Paris we love

How long should I spend in Provins?

You'll need two days to be comfortable, but a day-trip will still give you a taster. Explore the town's ramparts, admire the picturesque half-timbered houses along the Voulzie River (an area almost entirely ignored by most tourists), eat at France’s oldest restaurant (it’s been serving meals continuously – except during Covid - since 1270!), learn how to make authentic medieval biscuits at a cooking class, or relax at the spectacular bar in the cellar storeroom at the Hotel Aux Vieux Remparts .

Is it easy to get to and around Provins?

There are 16 trains a day from Paris Gare de l’Est to Provins; the journey takes about an hour and a half and costs €5 one way.

The town of 12,000 residents has two distinct areas: the “Châtel” on the promontory in the northwest corner (where the ramparts and many of the medieval monuments are), and the “Val” that dribbles southeast down the hill, where the Provinois (city locals) reside, work and shop.

It’s a pleasant 2km walk from the train station in Val to the tourist office in the Châtel along the rue des Marais by the Voulzie river through the bustling town center - the last bit is uphill. You can also hop on a bus, but it leaves 20 minutes after the train has arrived so it’s just as quick to walk. If you come by car, park it for free by the tourist office: you’ll not be needing it for the rest of your stay.

Pick up a map from the tourist office and follow one of three suggested sightseeing walks; they largely follow the same itinerary. If you follow the orange Count Thibaud or blue Rose Road tour, pause at 12 rue de Jouy at the Tabliers Gourmands for a refreshment or some biscuits made from authentic medieval recipes – this is also where you can take that medieval cooking class we mentioned. The blue tour detours to the Rose Garden, while the purple Rampart Tour takes you around the ramparts instead. The orange itinerary is the shortest (1.5 hours) and the purple one is the longest (up to 3.5 hours).

Some of the streets – notably the rue Saint Thibault – are steep and cobbled, so wear flat shoes. If you intend to visit the underground galleries, bring a warm jacket as the temperature hovers at about 12°C (53°F) all year around.

Read more:  How to get around France: from cycling to traversing by train

How to spend a perfect day in Provins

Your first port of call should be the thirteenth-century Grange aux Dîmes or Tithe Barn on the rue Saint Jean, where you’ll learn about the famous Provins trade fairs that took place here throughout the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Be sure to use the lively and informative audio-guide, or you’ll just be looking at pretty scenes dominated by life-sized wax figures.

At the end of the street, turn right into the Place du Châtel, a plaza lined with some remarkable stone and timber-framed buildings and a number of restaurants. Closest to you, at the western end, note the well with its wrought iron cage and large Exchange Cross: this is where the Counts of Champagne posted their public notices.

At the eastern end take the street furthest right, the rue de l’Ormerie, towards the emblem of Provins: the 12th-century Tour César , the only known octagonal castle built on a square base. Download a free audio-guide on your smartphone (in French only for the moment, but the English one should be available soon) for the full experience, but if you skip it, you'll still have fun clambering to the top for a marvelous view of the town and surrounding countryside. And if the kids are feeling active, the grass banks at the base of the keep are fantastic to roll down!

Then slip around the uncompleted, cathedral-like 12th-century Saint Quiriace collegiate church and down the tiny rue d’Enfer to find yourself at the bottom of the rue Saint Thibault. Here you can either visit the underground galleries (guided tours only: book at the tourist office) or head towards the Place St Ayoul, where the very first Provins fairs were held. The intriguing black sections on the St Ayoul church portal were made by sculptor Georges Jeanclos in 1985.

If you want some peace and quiet, slip into the neighboring Saint Ayoul priory , which was sold to the state at the end of the 18th century for various police and army functions (including housing the cavalry!). The defense ministry handed it back to the culture ministry in 1938, who then restored it, uncovering some lovely, dainty frescoes. The modern stained glass windows are by German-French artist Udo Zembok.

If you’ve come by train then do this itinerary backwards, starting with the priory and walking slowly uphill.

Read more:   8 best things to do in France

My favorite thing to do in Provins

I have taken elderly parents, friends and children to Provins countless times and a firm favorite has always been the “ Eagles of the Ramparts ” (or Aigles de Provins) show, which explores the history of falconry and leaves even the smallest child wide-eyed in wonder at both the horses and the majestic, swooping eagles, vultures and other birds of prey; they can go and see these animals close-up at the aviary after the show.

Older kids will also love the  Legend of the Knights but head's up: the thundering horses, shouting and sounds of clashing weapons frightened my children when they were little.

How much money do I need for Provins?

The quick answer? Quite a bit. If you want to attend the two shows above and see at least four of the five major sites, you’ll spend €43 per adult.

The Provins Pass (€17 per adult, €10.50 for children from 4-12 ) allows you to visit five attractions: the Tour César, the Tithe Barn, the underground galleries, the Saint-Ayoul Priory and the Museum . If your family consists of two adults with two to five children, then buy the family ticket for €50. If you only have time to visit three of the five attractions, then individual tickets may be a good bet. They clock in at €5 per adult and €3 per child (€2.50 for the museum), except the tickets to the Underground Galleries, which cost €6 per adult and €4 per child.

My favorite shows mentioned above each cost €13 per adult and €9 per child (4-12 years old), and there are reduced prices for students, adults over the age of 65, the disabled and journalists.

Surprisingly, given the number of visitors, the choice of accommodation in Provins is a bit limited. There are four hotels ranging in price from €80-€204 and they don’t all include breakfast; you'll also find half a dozen guest houses including the extraordinary Stella Cadente , where each room is dedicated to a children’s tale.

The bus (3207 or 3209 or Express50) from the train station to Le Châtel costs €2.15 per person.

Meals and coffee will be cheaper in the Val, where tourists are fewer than in the Châtel. Expect to pay around €90 for lunch for two at the Bistrot des Remparts or the Hostellerie de la Croix d’Or . The latter serves traditional French food, but they will make you something vegetarian if you ask nicely. Cheaper options (about €50 for two) are available if not very locally flavored, like the Trattoria du Val and La P’tite Savoie, both straight down the hill from the Place du Châtel.

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The 17 Best Museums in Paris

By Lindsey Tramuta and Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

The Louvre has been thrust into the limelight in recent years, not due to renovation but thanks to Beyoncé and Jay-Z and the casts of such Netflix shows as Lupin and Emily in Paris . But even without its small screen boost, the museum has long been a traveler’s biggest draw—it has the largest collection of art in the world, spanning 10,000 years of history. You absolutely must visit at least once in your life—but don’t stop there. Paris is blessed with a plethora of marquee art and cultural institutions that showcase centuries of sculpture, painting, illustration, and photography. Stand rapt before Monet’s Water Lilies at L’Orangerie, take in avant-garde contemporary works in the Pinault Collection at the Bourse de Commerce, or spend the afternoon reflecting on the ties between humans and wildlife at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Read on to find our editors’ picks for the best museums in Paris.

Read our full Paris travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature Arrow

It doesn’t often make the top ten list for travelers, but it should: the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (the Hunting and Nature Museum) has occupied a hotel particulier since 1967. Since then, it has showcased the collection of François Sommer, a leading hunter and friend of André Malraux, a novelist and former French minister of cultural affairs who inaugurated the museum. The collection examines the relationship between humans and the living world through the lens and historical traditions of hunting. Visitors are invited to consider how the human perception of wildlife has evolved over time. After a two-year renovation, the museum reopened in 2021 with additional exhibition space. Given the intimate nature of the space, you could conceivably visit the permanent collection within an hour but we recommend allowing for more time—you'll want to linger quite a while in the trophy room.

Institut du Monde Arabe Arrow

The Institut du Monde Arabe opened in 1987 but its iconic building, designed by Jean Nouvel, looks as fresh and contemporary as ever. The light dances in and around the building, thanks to the distinctive pattern of 240 mashrabiyas—half of which have photosensitive apertures that open up to 18 times a day. There are multiple dining options within the museum, from self-service to fine dining (both located on the ninth floor, with spectacular views out over the city). The museum sees a mix of visitors—those who are interested in the Arab world, obviously, from the merely curious to experts, and those who are visiting for the famous building design. The museum is so light-filled and airy that you rarely feel that the spaces are crowded, and the glimpses of the the Seine and the Left Bank offer a beautiful counterpoint to the work within. Everyone should take the time to walk around the museum's exterior to fully appreciate the innovative and captivating façade.

Petit Palais Arrow

As its name suggests, the Petit Palais is the little sister of the Grand Palais, but don't be fooled: the building is still plenty stately. Designed by Charles Girault for the World’s Fair of 1900, the building became a museum in 1902. Its architectural grandeur was meant to pay tribute to the arts and the city of Paris, initially housing decorative murals and sculptures. Since there is free entry to the permanent collection, many visitors simply come to take in the quiet and sunshine in the garden.

Centre Pompidou Arrow

When the Centre Pompidou, known by locals as  Beaubourg ,  opened in 1977, it was a radical (and controversial) design for a museum—all industrial pipes and open glass views of Paris. Forty-plus years later it's the undisputed grande dame of Paris's contemporary art world. Within the massive 100,000-piece collection that stretches back to 1905, you’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot and note that if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and children’s gallery is free. 

Matt Ortile

Jessica Puckett

Todd Plummer

Musée du Louvre Arrow

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction—it is still the most-visited museum in the world, welcoming 8.9 million visitors in 2023. The former royal palace is now the magnificent home of some of the world's most iconic artworks (ever heard of the Mona Lisa?). Don't freak out, but walking through the halls where Louis XIV once strolled (he lived here before moving to Versailles), surrounded by the most famous art on earth can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, there are some 35,000 artworks and artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century housed within its walls. As a result, it could take a lifetime to see and experience it all so don’t try (the museum sells multi-day passes so you can spread out your visit). 

Hôtel de la Marine Arrow

This recent addition to the capital’s cultural offering is unlike any other in the city, largely by dint of its heritage and size. Perched over the Place de la Concorde, the museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts—and what later became the country’s naval headquarters for 200 years. Given that it is only a year old, it remains moderately trafficked but the word is out. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, its new incarnation as an immersive museum experience allows visitors to explore the 18th century apartments of the Garde-Meuble intendants, recreated and restored to their original layout and design, as well as the structure’s grand reception halls filled with period furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Key to the visit is the audio guide, which leans theatrical. You could speed through the audio guide in an hour, get a view of the Place de la Concorde from the covered balcony, and take in the jaw-dropping Cabinet des Glaces, a mirror-walled boudoir not unlike the hall of mirrors in Versailles, covered in paintings.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Arrow

As one of few privately owned and funded art spaces in Paris (owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault), the Fondation Louis Vuitton arrived with a bang when it opened to the public in 2014. Star Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the building, which looks like a magical sailboat afloat on a man-made lake in the Bois de Boulogne. Thanks to the spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, the museum is bustling at all times, despite its location in the far reaches of the 16th Arrondissement.

Musée Picasso Paris Arrow

The Hôtel Salé alone is reason to visit, but of course the real draw is Picasso's oeuvre, more popular than ever following a much-hyped 2014 reopening. And since the museum is centrally located in the bustling Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining. While there are other single-artist museums in Paris, the combination of Picasso's fame and the beauty of the setting make this one of the very best. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance to visit the museum. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Grand Palais Arrow

As associated with years of Chanel runway shows being held in the nave of this stately Beaux-Arts space as it is with the art exhibitions it houses, the Grand Palais is an emblem of French grandeur and architectural process. The grand dame of buildings, originally built for the World’s Fair of 1900, has been closed for refurbishments since 2021 and will reopen partially for the 2024 Summer Olympics before its grand reopening in 2025. The Grand Palais Ephémère, a 100,000-square-foot temporary space on the Champ de Mars, hosts the artistic, cultural, fashion, and art events that would typically be held in the Grand Palais.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs Arrow

Occupying the west wing of the Louvre—though not part of the Louvre—the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is the definition of grand. And, as the home to one of the world’s largest collections of decorative arts and design, including fashion, it has to be. It’s also the city’s second oldest museum, after the Louvre, making the historic building itself and its stunning, vaulted central atrium, part of the draw. It doesn’t command the same visitorship as its grand neighbor or the Musée d’Orsay (Les Arts Décoratifs drew in less than 700,000 visitors in 2023) but remains a favorite among design and fashion aficionados.

The Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection Arrow

One of the most long awaited temples to modern art in Paris (twenty years in the making) sits prominently between the Seine River and Les Halles in the 130-year-old Bourse de Commerce building, once a grain and commodities exchange a stone’s throw from the Louvre . The Pinault Collection, named for the 5,000 piece private collection of contemporary greats from arts patron and billionaire François Pinault (founder of Kering), occupies a striking, domed building painstakingly restored by the award-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando over the course of a decade. One stunning, winding staircase brings visitors up to additional gallery spaces while another leads to the Halle Aux Grains restaurant on the third floor, run by beloved restaurateurs Michel and Sébastien Bras (and yes, ancient grains get a spotlight on the menu). Advanced booking recommended. 

Musée d'Orsay Arrow

A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus at the Musée d’Orsay, the second-most-visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre, of course). At every turn, you'll be delighted to recognize yet another piece from pop culture or that art history class you took. There is no room not worth exploring here, so let yourself just wander among masterworks by names like Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. Pre-booking online is recommended for priority access within 30 minutes of the reserved time.  

The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum Arrow

To understand present day Paris, it’s worth stepping into the past at the Musée Carnavalet, the museum of Parisian history located in the heart of the Marais. Vestiges from  old  Paris, from furnishings to signage and storefronts, objects (from stained glass to a 6,000 year old canoe discovered in the Seine), artwork and cultural artifacts, take up two grand 17th century buildings that underwent a five-year renovation, reopening in spring 2021. Among the most important features in the museum’s new iteration: greater accessibility for reduced mobility visitors, improved navigability through each space, and a more robust collection—more than half of the pieces on display in the permanent collection were kept in storage prior to the redesign. Tickets to the permanent collection are free and do not require advanced booking. 

Musée Rodin Arrow

Auguste Rodin lived in the Hôtel Biron in the later stage of his life, where the gardens inspired some of his work. The former home opened as a museum to the public in 1919, almost 200 years after it was built for a wealthy financier. The high ceilings of the intimate rooms allow visitors to see Rodin's sculptures and drawings up close, while the large gardens showcase his most famous bronze sculptures, like "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

Palais de Tokyo Arrow

The Palais de Tokyo is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe. Opened in 2002, its mission is to celebrate living artists across multiple disciplines. As part of the renovation of the building, the 1937 structure was stripped back to the original concrete, giving it a raw and unfinished feeling that is distinctly different from the typical white-room museum layout. Visitors should start their exploration in the subterranean levels, where art such as large-scale graffiti works are on display, and end with a drink or dinner either at Monsieur Bleu or Bambini, the more festive spot from the Paris Society Group.

Musée de l'Orangerie Arrow

If you’ve strolled through the Tuileries gardens, you’ve seen L’Orangerie right on the edge, which is visible from the Place de la Concorde and set up in a former greenhouse. The more intimate scale belies the astonishing art housed within. Among the most well-known works are Monet’s "Nymphéas," the water lily paintings he donated to the state in 1918. Also on display: a strong selection of Post-Impressionist works, including Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso.

Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain Arrow

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel in 1994, Fondation Cartier is an ultra-modern museum and cultural center for contemporary art, and the gardens—here, called Theatrum Botanicum—are treated as an art installation of their own. Before the opening of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, this was the top destination for contemporary art in Paris. Given the less-than-central location, the average visitor to Paris may overlook it; those initiated in contemporary art, however, won’t leave Paris without stopping here.

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This Summer in Paris: More ‘Open’ Signs, Thanks to the Olympics

With millions of visitors expected in the city, restaurant and shop owners are hoping they made the right decision to forgo their cherished annual vacations.

By Lindsey Tramuta

Anyone who’s visited Paris in late July and August knows the word “fermé.” It adorns the darkened windows of chic indie boutiques and cozy bistros whose owners, along with other locals, have fled the city on their annual vacations.

This summer, with Paris expected to draw nearly 15 million visitors between July 26 and Sept. 8 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, that ritual is anything but certain. Many shopkeepers, bakers, restaurateurs and tour guides — citing patriotism as well as profit — say they’re planning to stay open.

It’s a decision that comes with unpredictability. The 2012 London Olympics have cast a long shadow in Paris. Before those Games, warnings of overcrowded roads, congested transit and security concerns emptied out much of the popular city center and the West End, causing a tourism slump in those areas. Small-business owners in Paris are hoping history does not repeat itself.

The French capital is in a better position than the British capital was, insisted Pierre Rabadan, Paris’s deputy mayor for sports . Most of the events in London were held in one section of the city, he said, while in Paris, they’re taking place all over. “So when businesses have asked if they should stay open,” he explained, “we tell them we’re trying to create the conditions for this to be a real opportunity and for the city to function normally.”

With streets restricted, Metro stations closed and public transportation likely to be jammed, “normally” might be a stretch. But if you’re traveling to Paris for the Olympics or Paralympics, you will most likely find more dining and shopping options than you would otherwise see at that time of year. Here’s what to expect.

Preparations and a few disruptions

“If you want to have your ‘Emily in Paris’ trip to Paris this summer, you absolutely can,” said Olivia Grégoire, France’s minister in charge of tourism . Most popular attractions will remain open as normal, but a few closures could complicate plans.

The Place de la Concorde was set to be blocked off, even to pedestrians and cyclists, as of June 1, and three nearby Metro stations will close until Sept. 21.

The Eiffel Tower will remain open except for the eve and day of the opening ceremony, on July 26. The region’s airspace will also be closed for six hours before and during that event. And because the opening ceremony is set to take place on the Seine, river cruises, among the city’s most popular sightseeing experiences, will stop seven days before the ceremony and resume on July 27 at noon.

Owners of businesses that focus on tours and cultural experiences are banking on early-summer visitors to soften the blow that might come from a drop-off during the Games, after the Paris Tourist Office reported that participation in cultural activities was down 15 percent during the London Olympics.

Fat Tire Tours , a leading bike tour company, will run special Olympics-themed tours in early summer, then pivot to bike rentals during the Games to compensate for an expected drop in tour bookings.

Jane Bertch, a co-owner of La Cuisine Paris cooking school, which offers English-language classes in a location near City Hall, said she had noticed a sharp drop in bookings for late summer, but will “run as many classes as possible.”

Rising to the challenge

The Olympic crowds will bring appetites for Paris’s renowned cuisine, but for months, restaurateurs worried that restrictions on motorized vehicles in security zones around the city’s 25 competition venues could curtail deliveries. City officials have calmed some of those nerves.

“We don’t want restaurants to close during this monumental event because they’re worried about deliveries,” said Grégoire Ambroselli, a co-founder of the food logistics start-up Choco , during an Olympics-related conference in March.

Now, armed with more clarity on how to adapt to delivery challenges, most restaurants and bakeries report they will stay open during the Games, with one big caveat: Many plan to take a break between the closing ceremony, on Aug. 11, and the start of the Paralympics, on Aug. 28.

Maslow , a soaring, centrally located vegetarian restaurant facing the Seine, wouldn’t dream of closing, given its proximity to the Olympic action. But that decision comes with some unease. “We’re staying positive because the energy will be incredible, but we’re a bit worried about how hard it will be for our staff to get to work,” said the executive chef, Mehdi Favri, who is also a co-owner.

Commuting has ranked high among businesses’ concerns. However, locals have faced similar hurdles getting to work before. In 2019, trains across France and public transport in Paris were severely disrupted for nearly two months during a nationwide pension reform strike, forcing workers to walk or cycle long distances.

André Terrail, the owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d’Argent , which overlooks the Seine, doesn’t think the Olympic commutes will be quite that complex but admits such challenges, in general, are the price of doing business in Paris. “It’s going to be complicated. We’re all going to be running around. But it’s also going to be amazing,” he said. “If other host cities have found solutions, so will we.”

Etheliya Hananova, a co-owner and sommelier at the contemporary French restaurant Comice , is perhaps the most enthusiastic about the summer ahead — enough to remain open seven days a week for three weeks through Aug. 10. “It’s one of the biggest events in the history of Paris. We’re here to be part of the welcoming committee,” she said.

The scaling-back of the opening ceremony on the Seine has given the antique booksellers, or “bouquinistes,” that line its banks a reprieve, and many plan to stay open. Shoppers will also be able to browse in department stores such as Galeries Lafayette , Printemps and Le Bon Marché . For those seeking something unconventional, the St.-Ouen flea market will sprawl out as usual, offering antiques, vintage clothing and more.

Outside the tourist areas, popular restaurants and bars like Holybelly , Folderol , Kubri , Abricot Le Mary Celeste and Fulgurances aim to draw visitors seeking a break from the crowds. “We’ve decided to open more — six days a week,” said Rebecca Asthalter, a co-owner of Fulgurances . Likewise, independent boutiques such as Landline , which sells home goods in a residential neighborhood east of the Bastille, are hoping travelers branch out to calmer parts of the city.

Back in the thick of the action, Marin Montagut, an artist and illustrator who sells hand-painted table accessories, stationery, silk scarves and candles from an apothecary-style boutique near the Luxembourg Gardens, is planning a Paris-inspired display of his wares. “I’m looking at this like it’s the World’s Fair. I want to honor the city and be open to all,” he said. “If I’m not optimistic during this period, when will I be?”

Amy Virshup contributed reporting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Inside the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

News and Analysis

Seeking to undermine the Paris Olympics, Russian propagandists  are spoofing broadcasters and mimicking French and U.S. intelligence agencies to stoke fear about security at the Games.

Ahead of the Olympics, the global agency tasked with policing doping in sports is facing a growing crisis  as it fends off allegations it helped cover up the positive tests of elite Chinese swimmers .

Undocumented workers played a larger and more dangerous role  in delivering the Games than the Macron administration acknowledges.

A Guide to the Games

More ‘Open’ Signs: With millions of visitors expected in Paris, many shopkeepers, bakers and restaurateurs are forgoing their annual summer vacations .

A New Gastronomic Course: In the Olympic dining hall near Paris, carbon imprint will outweigh cassoulet as chefs consider the environmental impact of French cuisine. There won’t even be French fries .

Escaping the Games: Even if you’re visiting France for the Games, you may want to take a cultural break like a local. Here are some suggestions .

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The best tsa-approved products for seamless traveling, from locks to bags.

Sail through checkpoints with aplomb with these packable powerhouses, including a stylish pet carrier, a compact stroller, toiletry must-haves and more.

By Alesandra Dubin

Alesandra Dubin

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The modern age of jet travel can be so undignified — with all of the restricted liquids and backed-up security checkpoints and none of the smart-looking suits and in-flight carving stations of the PanAm golden years. These days, the key to making it work is amassing niche expertise about TSA minutiae, having TSA PreCheck, and stocking up on the right gear.

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Related: The Best Travel Hacks From Flight Attendants and Hollywood’s Fashion Insiders

Everlane Renew Transit Weekender

Meghan Markle is among the cadre of celebs who appreciate the sleek, quiet luxury of Everlane’s logo-free and eco-friendly travel bags. This TSA-approved weekender is tricked out with features, including a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, an exterior zip pocket, and a trolly handle sleeve that also doubles as a pocket. Carry it as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or in hand. This bag is made from 100 percent recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles.

Stanley Legendary 1.5-Quart Bottle

Pro tip: TSA permits liquids over three ounces as long as they are in their frozen state — and remain fully frozen through the checkpoint. So freeze your water in the internet’s favorite water bottle du jour , hydrate as it melts, and reuse the vessel over and over again at your destination. This cool Stanley in neon hues has double-wall vacuum insulation, a twist-and-pour stopper for a smooth pour and an insulated lid that doubles as a cup.

Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets

Need to stretch your carry-on-only wardrobe as far as possible? Plan to launder some of your staple pieces and re-wear them. Make it easy with these eco-friendly and TSA-compliant laundry detergent sheets by Kind , which take up close to no space (and produce no landfill waste). The pack of premeasured, pre-cut sheets easily drops into a backpack or even a purse. 

Cadence The Honeycomb Set of 7 Flex Capsules

TSA’s liquids restrictions, combined with exorbitant costs and notorious mishandling associated with checking luggage, necessitate the need for a good system for packing toiletries. Cadence’s aesthetically appealing travel capsules are made for performance, with super-tight locking lids and magnetic sides that connect like a honeycomb. Customizable top tiles let you view what’s inside at a glance. 

Lysol to Go Wipes

The pandemic may officially be over but there’s always a buffet of germs swirling around airports and airplanes just waiting to get you sick and derail your travel plans. Safeguard against it with these TSA-complaint wipes that kill 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, including eright cold and flu viruses. Pro tip: Take one out of the resealable pack when you get on the plane and wipe down your tray table, armrests and other high-touch surfaces. 

BAGSMART Clear Toiletry Bag, 2 Pack

TSA’s 3-1-1 rule requires travelers only bring liquids, gels, creams, aerosols and pasts must be in a 3.4-oz. container or smaller, and that all of those products should fit in one clear quart-sized bag. Bagsmart’s clear zippered toiletry bags meet all of these guidelines — and we like that this two-pack is affordable and comes in a variety of colors.

Tumi TSA Luggage Locks

Keep your stuff secure on your journey —and increase your peace of mind — by locking it up. But, to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you reclaim your checked bags, make sure you use a TSA-approved style. The agency recognizes and approves this style of lock , so agents can open them as needed without cutting the lock or damaging your bags in the process. Solidly made and built to last, these luggage locks come in a pack of three colors for easy identification. 

HiBar Shampoo and Conditioner Set

Sure, TSA puts a max on liquids. But if your shampoo and conditioner aren’t in liquid form, you can sidestep the issue entirely. Carry them in solid form with this shampoo and conditioner bar set by HiBar, formulated with rice water and vitamin B for volumizing and adding texture. Eco-friendly and travel-ready, these products are plastic-free , right down to the shipping materials. (Grab the coordinating pouch for efficient travel.)

Apple AirTag

Whether you’re checking luggage or bringing a carry-on , TSA has to screen it — and that means plenty of opportunities for loss or other mismanagement. Keep tabs on all of your stuff by outfitting every piece with its own GPS tracker in the form of an AirTag , which is on sale for 14 percent off (or get 20 percent off when you buy the four-pack ). Then follow it throughout the journey using the Find My app.

Wild One Pet Carrier

Wild One’s TSA-compliant pet carrier is stylish and understated, available in black or chic tan and limited edition colors (like this k. The inside is roomy, and the breathable mesh walls allow two-way communication with your little buddy. The carrier also folds out to become a travel mat for dogs to lounge on in the airport — and wherever else your travels take you.

Munchkin Sparrow Ultra-Compact Stroller

If you know, you know: Traveling with all the gear needed for littles can be a whole to-do. Make it easier by keeping a compact stroller with you at all times in the cabin. Munchkin’s Sparrow ultra-compact folding stroller folds down to fit in tight spaces, including overhead bins, ensuring hassle-free travel through TSA checkpoints and beyond. When folded down, it measures just 15 inches on its longest side and weighs under 13 pounds.

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