The 20 best places for shopping in Paris
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.
tbkmedia.de / Alamy Stock PhotoSaint-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
Romain Ricard2. 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
Getty Images1st & 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
JO_Pesendorfer7. 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
BERK OZDEMIR / Alamy Stock Photo8. 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
Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg 19+ / Alamy Stock Photo9. Charvet
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
Getty ImagesLe Marais
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.
11. 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
Clement Vayssieres12. 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
Getty Images9th 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
frederic REGLAIN / Alamy Stock PhotoGolden 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.
19. Hermès
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
Daniel OUDIN / Alamy Stock Photo20. 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