Best Shopping In Paris

Shopping in Paris is a cornucopia for the senses but how do you not get overwhelmed? Here’s a guide so you can buy what’s distinctly Parisian, distinctly French, organized so you can focus and not waste time.

I always have a hard time shopping when I’m on vacation because there never seems to be enough time, the non shoppers in my crowd seem to always be tapping their feet. I really like to pursue a store and soak in what’s there.

My advice is to set aside time to shop. If you’re not really a shopper please note that shopping in Paris is like going to a museum, a French culture museum. Things are displayed with care and design and look fantastic. Just window shop if that’s all you have time for but it’s always so wonderful to come home with a little something. I always like to buy things that I will use. Like the dress I bought in Paris on our last trip. Every time I wear it I feel very smart/chic. And it was not expensive.

A Shopping in Paris Overview to help you chart your course:

The Right Bank is where most of the shopping activity takes place.

French Fashion Designers
8e
The center for Paris Couture is in the 8e (8th Arrondissment)
Rue du Faubourg St-Honore (Metro: Condorde)
And Avenue Montaigne (Metro: Alma-Marceau, Franklin-D-Roosevelt)
Near where I got my haircut at John Louis David. It was a fabulous experience and I highly recommend it!!

Specialty Food
8e
The North side of the Place de La Madeline (Metro: Madeline)
High quality sought after groceries and delectable.
Featuring Fauchon and rival Hediard.
We had tea at Fauchon. Very high class, the most wonderful pastries and hot chocolate that I thought I’d die of pleasure.

Paris Vegitable Markets
4e

My best shopping in Paris guide to the select food shops that the locals religiously frequent. So graciously given to me by my Parisian friend.

Inexpensive Souvenirs
1e
Along the Rue de Rivoli, Metro: Concorde

Porcelain and Crystal
10e
Rue de Paradis – company showrooms where you get reduced prices: Baccarat, Porcelainor, Lumicristal
Lumicristal at #22, Metro: Chateau-d’eau, Poissonniere or Gare-de-l’est

Old Postcards, Posters, Prints
4e
Rue des Francs-Bourgeois
L’Image du Grenier sur L’eau
Metro: St Paul

Many Shops in the beautiful early 19th Parisian shopping arcades
2e
Passage des Panoramas (between blv. Montmartre & Rue St-Marc)
Metro: Bourse

Many shops from boutiques to department stores
1e
Forum des Halles, Metro: Les Halles
An modern arcade with above and below ground shopping. Kinda like a mall.

Left Bank

Old Books, Linens, Postcards, China, Musical Instruments
14e
Marche de la Porte de Vanves
Metro: Porte de Vanves
One of the smallest of the flea markets. More relaxed and manageable than the, very popular with tourists, Clignancourt Market. Get there early on Saturday for the best picks. Weekends only. 8:30 am - 1 pm.

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