Best Shopping in Paris: From Budget-Friendly to Luxury
Brandon Shaw
Where exactly should you go to find the best deals or that perfect designer piece in Paris? With the insights of our Parisian guides, we’ve rounded up the top shopping destinations in Paris, with something for every style and budget. Plus, we’ve included a few insider tips to help you make the most of your shopping adventure.
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
Contrary to what many believe, shopping in Paris isn’t just about splurging on designer labels. While the city is famous for its chic boutiques and stylish designers, shopping here offers so much more than just clothes. And if you’re only focusing on designer-label clothes, you’re missing out. From the bustling main shopping streets to the stunningly designed galleries, every corner of Paris offers a place for shoppers to explore.
This guide will not only highlight the best fashion spots but will also dive into tips for navigating the summer and winter sales, discovering shopping outlets, and finding the best places for food and antiques. Paris truly is a shopper’s paradise, and we’re here to help you uncover all it has to offer.
Paris didn’t just revolutionize fashion—it transformed the way we shop. 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—one of the many reasons Paris became famous for being romantic.
Paris was also one of the pioneers of big window displays. At one point, shopkeepers were asked to stick candles in their windows to brighten the streets, and soon after, they figured, “Why not toss a few outfits in there too?” And voilà—window shopping was born. Strolling down one of the city’s main shopping streets is an experience in itself, even if you have no intention of buying anything.
Champs D’Élysées
Champs D’Èlysées
Home to the likes of Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, Champs-Élysées has long held the title of Paris’ finest shopping street. It’s busy, it’s iconic, and it’s the perfect place to go if you’re chasing brand names.
Alongside its high-end shops, you’ll also find Zara, Sephora, Nike, and a mix of fast food restaurants and chic cafés. All in all, it’s worth having a stroll down, but it’s not the kind of place where you’ll find one-of-a-kind things—or, have a lot of personal space.
Just a stone’s throw from the bustling Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne feels like its polished, better-dressed cousin. If you’re thinking of shopping here, you might want to channel your inner fashionista. No one’s going to kick you out, but let’s just say the staff’s attention tends to gravitate toward those who look like they’re about to drop some serious euros.
In terms of shops, you’ll find Chanel, Dior, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and so on. Again, you won’t necessarily find exclusive pieces, but it’s worth checking out simply for the beauty of the street. Between stunning storefronts, well-thought-out window displays, and intricate ironwork on the buildings, it may very well be the most luxurious-feeling street on Earth.
After the construction of the Palais de l’Élysée in the 18th century, which later became the official residence of the French President, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré transformed from a quiet, undeveloped street into a hotspot for the elite.
Fast forward to today, and it’s lined with some of the world’s most opulent brands including Hermès, Cartier, Prada, and Louboutin. Make no mistake, this is not for discount shoppers. But hey, window shopping is free, right?
Le Marais (Rue des Francs-Bourgeois & Rue Vieille du Temple)
Looking for high-end boutiques without the flashy logos? Set your sights on the shopping streets of Le Marais.
First, you have Rue des Francs-Bourgeois which has a mix of high-end designer boutiques, independent labels, and renowned French brands. This is where you’ll find pieces that scream classic, sophisticated, and elegant.
Then, just around the corner on Rue Vieille du Temple, the focus shifts to more eclectic and affordable fashion. T
he younger crowd flocks to this street for its distinctive, head-turning pieces, and the prices here are generally more accessible.
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.
See Prices
Likely to Sell Out
Ultimate Palace of Versailles 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.
Well before shopping malls as we know them today started popping up across the globe, Paris was already leading the charge with their shopping galleries. And in classic French fashion, they were, and still are, a thing of beauty.
Galerie Vivienne
The first time I walked into Galerie Vivienne, I turned around and walked right back out. Glimpsing ornate mosaic floors, a towering arched glass ceiling, and impressive motifs, I thought I’d accidentally walked into the backdoor of a palace.
It’s that beautiful. Plus, as it’s just a few blocks from the Louvre, there’s really no excuse not to head inside for a quick peek. Perhaps you’ll walk away with a piece of boutique designer fashion, or maybe Le Valentin Vivienne will lure you in for a cup of tea and a macaron.
It’s hard to put into words just how grand and spacious Galeries Lafayette is. Forty-three meters (141 feet) above the ground soars its magnificent glass dome, with ten circular floors layered below. Throughout, 3,500 brands are featured, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, as well as exclusive collaborations and pop-up shops from up-and-coming designers.
This magnificent building, however, has humble beginnings. Once a small sewing supplies store, Galeries Lafayette was transformed in 1912 by cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, who dreamed of creating a luxurious bazaar to captivate Parisian society. Their dream became reality, and today, it stands as a beacon of Art Nouveau elegance.
Local tip: If you visit Paris during Christmas time, don’t miss the Galeries Lafayette window displays, which have become a serious Parisian Christmas tradition.
Happen to be visiting Paris in July or January? You’ve arrived just in time for France’s famous “soldes d’été” (summer sales) or “soldes d’hiver” (winter sales). To understand just how intertwined with French culture these sales are, we have to go back to 1996 when laws were put in place to standardize and control the timing of sales—basically to protect small businesses from getting outcompeted by big businesses.
These sales periods last around four weeks and you’ll find substantial discounts on everything from luxury designer pieces to high-street fashion, home goods, electronics, and more. As the weeks go by, discounts increase and increase, and near the end of the month, it’s common to find items 75% off.
Paris Outlets
Eager to get in a seriously good shopping day? Hop on the RER A train from central Paris toward Marne-La-Vallée Chessy and around 40 minutes later, disembark at Centre Commercial Val d’Europe. With 160 stores, you can browse everything from designer threads to everyday outfits, grab a bite to eat, or even catch a movie. And if you’re here with the family, there’s something for everyone, so you won’t have to negotiate shopping priorities.
While you’re in the area, it’s also well worth popping over to La Vallée Village. This outdoor shopping village focuses on designer brands, so while there will be discounts, prices will still be fairly high.
Both shopping centers are open seven days a week. One other cool fact about these outlets: they’re located about five minutes from Disneyland Paris and were developed in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company.
Paris is practically a playground for antique lovers. With generations of expertise and a sharp eye for the good stuff, these dealers know their craft like the back of their hand. Plus, there’s a strong code of honor here—you’re not going to get sold a “vintage” toaster from 2010. The city’s packed with shops to explore, but I’ve narrowed it down to a few personal favorites to make your treasure hunt a little easier.
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
Flea market lovers, grab your reusable bags, toss on your detective hat, and get ready to navigate the largest antique market in the world. I’m talking about the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen market (sometimes referred to as just ‘Les Puces’, which literally translates to “The Fleas”), where over 3,000 traders come to sell their treasures every weekend.
This is your place to find antique furniture, vintage clothing, classic books, art deco pieces, and centuries-old artwork. The market is open on weekends and Mondays, but I’d recommend going on Saturday or Sunday as some of the dealers choose to remain closed on Mondays.
The market is located near the Porte de Clignancourt metro station, which is relatively easy to get to from anywhere in Paris. Just toss it into your Google Maps, select transit, and you’ll find plenty of options to get there. However, keep in mind that the area immediately surrounding the flea market is less affluent and you’ll want to keep a close eye on your belongings while shopping and on public transport.
While Les Puces is mostly a weekend affair, Le Village Saint-Paul is open every day, offering a much more relaxed antique shopping experience. Prices here might be a bit steeper than at the flea markets, but you’re paying for carefully curated treasures. When the shop owner says you’re looking at a Louis XVI mirror or a Sèvres dish, you can believe them.
What really sets this place apart for me is its charm. Once part of the Abbey of Saint-Paul, it’s full of hidden courtyards, narrow paths, and tucked-away shops that feel frozen in time.
Paris is home to an array of food markets, each offering a distinctive taste of the city’s culture. Some are weekend-only affairs, others are open daily except Monday, and a few welcome visitors every day of the week.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
First, let’s discuss the elephant in the room. The Marché des Enfants Rouges (Market of the Red Children) was named after a 16th-century orphanage in which the children dressed in red uniforms. Today, the orphanage is gone, but the market keeps its name as a nod to its past.
It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 am and continues into the evening, except on Sundays when it closes at 5 pm. Within, you’ll find vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and seafood along with a delectable range of food stands. My recommendation? Grab a ready-to-eat meal, post up at a communal table, and watch the flow of Parisians go about their shopping.
I’ve already raved about Galeries Lafayette, but its food court absolutely deserves its own mention. This luxury food hall spans two floors and is divided into sections dedicated to various cuisines, from French classics like foie gras and macarons to global delights such as sushi and Italian pasta. If you want Michelin-star-worthy dishes without the fuss of dressing in your finest and making reservations months in advance, Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet is the place for you.
Located in the bustling Latin Quarter, just downhill from the Panthéon, sits one of Paris’ oldest and in many people’s opinion, most picturesque markets. Unlike much of the city, the neighborhood wasn’t redesigned during Haussmann’s 19th-century renovation, preserving its medieval layout and charm. Although even with incredible frescoes and timeless cobbled streets, it’s still the food that steals the show.
Small, family-owned stalls fill the square under red canopies, lines of roasting chickens waft irresistible smells, and regional French products are plentiful. While the market itself is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 am to 1 pm, many of the surrounding cafés and permanent food stores are open seven days a week.
Loire Valley Day Trip with Castles & Wine from Paris
Castles, rolling hills, Amazing wine, and Authentic Food are what come to mind when you think of the French countryside and you will find them all in the Loire Valley! Join your fun and expert tour guide in a small group as you travel on a climate-controlled bus from Paris. Your knowledgeable tour guide will unveil the secrets of the French Loire Valley with funny stories throughout your day together.
(5)
Starting at €169
Top Rated Tour
Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting and Lunch
Remember the victories and the losses of the D-Day landings during World War II with this Day Trip from Paris. Your fun and knowledgeable guide will unveil the secrets of this fateful period in history with insightful stories. You will also visit a museum in a real German bunker on Utah Beach. All Admissions & Lunch Included
No, this is not a list of my favorite grocery stores. Ok, it sort of is, but remember, Paris does everything a little (sometimes a lot) better, and its food markets are certainly no exception.
First up we have La Grande Epicerie, a fine food store that oozes upscale Parisian gastronomy. There are two in central Paris, one across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower and one near the Jardin du Luxembourg. Both sell everything from artisanal cheeses and freshly baked breads to gourmet chocolates and small-batch wines. If you’re planning a picnic and need supplies, this is your place.
Another fun stop is Mariage Frères, a gourmet tea company founded in Paris in 1854. The tea is sold in beautifully designed boutique stores and they also have five cozy (and upscale) tearooms scattered around the city. Pair your tea with a pain au chocolat or macaron, and for a moment, you might just forget you’re not royalty.
And for those with a sweet tooth, A la Mère de Famille is a must-visit. This iconic chocolatier has been perfecting its craft since the 1700s and now has multiple locations throughout Paris. Their selection of truffles and chocolates is exceptional, and if you’re in the mood for more sweets, Pierre Hermé offers some of the best macarons in the city.
If French food is really your scene, make sure to check out our Paris food tours. They’re a great way to discover the best of Parisian food alongside an expert and like-minded travelers.
Budget-Friendly Shopping in Paris
Finding iconic French fashion doesn’t have to break the bank. For more affordable shopping in Paris, try 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 home, such as H&M or Gap, but also others that are only known domestically in France.
Or, if you head down to Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, next to Paris’s City Hall building, you’ll find BHV. This department store is great for picking up basics…like if you’re in desperate need of more practical walking shoes. Want to explore the City of Lights with people who know all her secrets? Check out our top-rated Paris tours and day trips.
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.
