Paris is a dream destination for anyone who enjoys shopping. The city is a paradise for fashion lovers, with its chic boutiques, world-renowned department stores, and charming local markets. Whether you’re after luxury items, cutting-edge trends, or unique souvenirs, Paris has something for every taste and budget. As a frequent traveler to this magical city, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing a wide range of shopping experiences.
I’ll take you on a journey through the most worthwhile shopping streets, modern shopping centers, and traditional markets in Paris. From luxurious department stores to quirky street markets, you’ll find a comprehensive overview to help you shop like a local.
1. Modern Shopping Centers in Paris
Paris is home to some of the most iconic modern shopping centers, which offer a variety of goods, from high-end designer brands to unique local finds. Here are four shopping centers I highly recommend:
1.1 Les Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
One of the most famous and visually stunning shopping centers in Paris, Les Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a must-visit for any shopper. Located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, this grand department store has been a Parisian institution since 1893. With its beautiful Belle Époque architecture, including a glass dome and stunning Art Nouveau decorations, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your wallet.
- Store Highlights: The store offers an extensive selection of luxury fashion, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and gourmet food. From Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Gucci and Prada, you’ll find a vast array of top-tier designer brands here. There’s also a wide selection of cosmetics from global and local beauty brands, and the gourmet food hall on the top floor is excellent for picking up high-end French treats.
- Location: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
- My Experience: I’ve been to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann on multiple occasions and every time, I feel like I’m stepping into an elegant fashion dreamland. The atmosphere is both luxurious and welcoming, with personal shoppers available to assist you if you’re looking for something specific. One of my favorite features is the Rooftop Terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and the city—a perfect spot to take a break from shopping.
- Service: The service is impeccable, with staff always ready to assist, but I do recommend getting there early, as it can get quite crowded, especially during sales seasons or around holidays. For those with a foreign passport, there is a Tax Refund Desk where you can reclaim VAT on purchases over a certain amount.
- Pros:
- A wide range of luxury and high-street brands.
- Beautiful, historic building and rooftop views.
- Exclusive VIP services for international shoppers.
- Cons:
- Can get quite crowded, especially in the sale seasons.
- Prices are high, even outside of luxury brands.
- Discounts: They often have seasonal sales (winter and summer), and there are also exclusive offers for members of the Galeries Lafayette loyalty program.
1.2 Le Bon Marché
Another iconic shopping center in Paris is Le Bon Marché, located in the 7th arrondissement. This elegant store is one of the oldest and most prestigious department stores in Paris, founded in 1852. Unlike the larger, more bustling shopping centers, Le Bon Marché offers a quieter, more refined shopping experience. It’s particularly known for its sophisticated assortment of fashion, luxury goods, and gourmet food.
- Store Highlights: Le Bon Marché is famous for its curated selection of high-end brands, including both French and international labels. You can shop for everything from Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga to more niche, avant-garde designers. The La Grande Épicerie food hall is also a must-visit for any food lover, offering everything from fine wines and cheeses to freshly baked pastries and local delicacies.
- Location: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
- My Experience: What I love about Le Bon Marché is its calm, sophisticated atmosphere. The store feels like a boutique, with a carefully chosen selection of goods rather than an overwhelming assortment of everything. I find it less crowded than other stores like Galeries Lafayette, which allows me to shop in peace. The staff here is always friendly and willing to help without being too pushy, creating a truly enjoyable shopping experience. I also love spending time in their book section, which offers a curated selection of both French and international books.
- Service: Excellent, with personal shopping services available upon request. They also have a concierge desk that can help with everything from dining reservations to arranging transportation.
- Pros:
- A quieter, more upscale shopping experience.
- An exceptional selection of French and international brands.
- Amazing gourmet food hall for foodies.
- Cons:
- Not as bustling or energetic as some other shopping centers, which could be a downside if you enjoy a lively atmosphere.
- Prices are on the high end, though they reflect the luxury nature of the store.
- Discounts: Le Bon Marché holds sales events similar to Galeries Lafayette, but their sales are typically more subtle and curated. Also, the store offers special discounts during the winter and summer sales seasons.
1.3 BHV Marais
Located in the trendy Le Marais district, BHV Marais is a large, modern department store that offers a great mix of fashion, home goods, and lifestyle products. It’s the perfect place to shop if you’re looking for a balance between designer labels and affordable everyday items. The store is a local favorite and is slightly less touristy compared to the others.
- Store Highlights: BHV Marais carries a broad selection of products, from clothing and accessories to electronics and DIY tools. It’s also known for its home goods section, which offers unique Parisian décor and furniture pieces. For food lovers, their gourmet food department is excellent, offering everything from cheeses to French pâtisseries.
- Location: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
- My Experience: BHV Marais is an excellent mix of style and practicality. While it carries luxury brands like Louboutin and Givenchy, it also offers more affordable, accessible items. I’ve enjoyed browsing through their diverse home section, picking up unique kitchenware and Parisian décor. The store is spacious and well-organized, which makes it easy to shop for different types of items in one place. The service is friendly, and I never feel rushed when browsing.
- Service: The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, particularly in the fashion and home sections. One of the benefits of shopping here is that you can receive assistance with product recommendations and custom orders.
- Pros:
- A great mix of high-end and affordable goods.
- Excellent home goods section with unique Parisian items.
- Located in the stylish Le Marais district, perfect for exploring.
- Cons:
- It can get a little crowded, especially during the weekends.
- It’s not as luxurious as the other department stores in Paris.
- Discounts: BHV Marais offers discounts during the annual sales, and they also have a loyalty card program that rewards frequent shoppers with special offers.
1.4 La Vallée Village
Located just outside of Paris, La Vallée Village is an outlet shopping mall that offers discounted designer brands. If you’re looking for luxury items at a lower price, this is the place to go. The mall is located in Serris, about 40 minutes by car or shuttle from central Paris.
- Store Highlights: La Vallée Village is home to outlets of high-end designers like Chloé, Givenchy, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren. The mall has a relaxed atmosphere, and while it’s smaller than some of the Parisian department stores, the discounts make it a worthwhile trip.
- Location: 3 Cours de la Garonne, 77700 Serris
- My Experience: I visited La Vallée Village during my last trip to Paris, and I was impressed with the variety of luxury brands at discounted prices. While not as extensive as other shopping centers, the savings on high-end fashion are worth the trip. I was able to score an amazing deal on a Burberry trench coat, which would’ve been well beyond my budget in Paris.
- Service: The service was attentive and courteous, and the staff in each store was very knowledgeable. There are also shuttle buses available from central Paris, which makes it convenient to visit.
- Pros:
- Great discounts on luxury designer brands.
- Relaxed, outdoor shopping atmosphere.
- Convenient shuttle bus service from Paris.
- Cons:
- It’s an outlet mall, so the selection can be limited.
- Located outside Paris, so it’s less convenient if you’re only in the city for a short time.
- Discounts: You’ll find significant discounts (up to 50% off) on previous season’s collections. Additionally, they offer seasonal sales and promotions.
2. Traditional Markets for Unique Souvenirs
While Paris is known for its modern shopping centers, it also has some fantastic traditional markets where you can pick up unique, locally made items.
2.1 Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
For those seeking vintage items, antiques, and quirky souvenirs, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the largest flea markets in the world. Located in the 18th arrondissement, just a short metro ride from central Paris, this market is a treasure trove of unique goods.
- Market Highlights: The market is famous for its antique furniture, vintage clothing, secondhand books, old vinyl records, and a variety of art. It’s also a great place to find one-of-a-kind jewelry, home decor, and other quirky souvenirs.
- Location: 140 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen
- My Experience: I spent an entire afternoon here and could have easily spent more. There’s a wonderful mix of luxury antiques and affordable vintage items. It’s easy to get lost in the winding alleys, and I was thrilled to find a beautiful vintage map of Paris that I still have framed in my living room.
- Service: The vendors are generally friendly and open to bargaining. I recommend asking for the price first and negotiating if you’re buying multiple items.
- Pros:
- A wide range of unique antiques, vintage clothing, and souvenirs.
- Great for those who love to hunt for rare and quirky finds.
- The market is huge, with over 2,000 stalls to explore.
- Cons:
- The market can be overwhelming, and the items can be pricey, especially antiques.
- It’s very crowded on weekends, so it’s better to visit early on weekdays.
2.2 Marché Bastille
Another great traditional market is Marché Bastille, a food market located near the Place de la Bastille. While not a shopping market in the traditional sense, this open-air market is ideal for purchasing high-quality, fresh ingredients, local products, and artisan goods.
- Market Highlights: The market is full of fresh produce, cheese, meats, and baked goods. It’s the perfect place to grab a delicious French baguette, some pâté, fresh fruit, and artisanal cheese to take home.
- Location: Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris
- My Experience: I visit Marché Bastille every time I’m in Paris, and I always leave with a bag full of delicious local products. The vendors are friendly and offer free samples, so you can taste before you buy. It’s a fantastic spot to pick up souvenirs for food lovers—like French honey, olive oils, and artisanal jams.
- Service: The market is run by local vendors, and they are always happy to chat and help you find what you’re looking for. It’s not as commercialized as other markets, which makes it feel more authentic.
- Pros:
- Authentic local products and delicious fresh goods.
- Great for foodies and those wanting to bring home unique flavors.
- A charming and non-touristy market experience.
- Cons:
- It’s a food market, so it may not be ideal for those looking for other types of souvenirs.
- The market is only open on certain days, so check the schedule before you go.
Paris offers an amazing variety of shopping experiences, whether you’re seeking high-end fashion, quirky vintage finds, or unique local products. The modern shopping centers like Les Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, and BHV Marais offer incredible variety and luxury, while traditional markets like Marché aux Puces and Marché Bastille give you the chance to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and local goods.
No matter what you’re looking to buy, Paris is a shopper’s paradise, and these shopping streets, malls, and markets are sure to offer something special. So grab your shopping bags and explore everything the City of Light has to offer—whether it’s the latest designer trends or a charming vintage treasure!
