Shopping Areas in Paris

Shopping in Paris

OK, it’s true that Paris isn’t known as a shopping destination for those who are short of cash. In general, the shops, markets and malls here will offer excellent quality and unrivalled choice but they’ll also typically not be geared up to budget buyers. Of course, good deals can be found, particularly in some of the markets, though you’ll need the advice and guidance of locals to help to sniff those out because many tourists will never see them. Service is typically excellent in most shops and friendly, if anarchic on markets and expect queue jumping unless you’re alert! Haggling is not the norm and is frowned upon, with the sole exception of the flea markets.

The opening hours in Paris can be idiosyncratic. Expect many shops to be closed on Sundays and from 12-2 for lunch. Most credit cards and banking cards will be accepted and cash is always welcomed. Personal checks (cheques) probably won’t be taken, even if drawn on a French bank. French sales tax (TVA) is 20% with some exceptions and you may qualify for TVA-free purchases if you’re from outside the European Union. Be sure you know if ticket prices are tax-included (TTC) or tax to be added (Hors Taxe)

Top 10 Shopping Malls and Chains in Paris

• Galeries Lafayette. A big institution in Paris and a great (not too expensive) department store stuffed full of goodies.
• Le Printemps. It’s worth shopping here in this big store just to take a bistro meal under its listed glass dome!
• Beaugrenelle Mall. Not too far from the Eiffel Tower and offers a big choice of designer brand outlets as well as bars and restaurants. Visiting it has to be on your things to do in Paris list.
• La Vallee Village. Just to show that Parisian shoppers are cost conscious, this is just outside the city but offers last years top fashions and labels at a third off the original prices.
• Les Quatre Temps. This is in the ultra-modern La Defense development just outside the city center but it has a big selection of shops and boutiques and another big plus is that it’s open on Sunday.
• Petit Bateau. If you have your children with you, this chain specializes in small people’s clothing. The designs are trendy, very French, unusual, high quality and affordable.
• Marionnaud. A well-known chain specializing in fragrances for men and women though with emphasis on the latter. The prices are reasonable and you’ll get great service but don’t expect bargains as, paradoxically due to taxation, French perfume is often more expensive in France than it is in other countries.
• Galerie Vivenne. Full of unique designer workshops and outlets. Very chic.
• Palais des Congrès. This small area is full of very up-market boutiques. Really great – even if you’re reduced to window-shopping!
• La Galerie du Carrousel du Louvre. Believe it or not, there is a very good and very attractive shopping mall immediately below the Louvre itself ! Full of goods and designer labels – have fun!

Top Local Products in Paris

• Chocolate. The French are some of the best ‘chocolatiers’ in the world and the best of the best are in Paris. Incredible works are available and remember to forget about your waistline for a little.
• Food. This is a horrible term to describe an art form here. Just try the pies, pastries, charcuterie and so on.
• Wine. True, Paris isn’t known for its vineyards but what it does offer is the best selection of the best wines from all the regions of France.
• Designer clothes. Self-explanatory really but the fashion house outlets here are incredible – though not cheap. Be warned though, ‘larger sizes’ are still not well understood in Paris where women are expected to be petite and men shorter.