Guide shopping: Where to shop in Paris like a local

Did you know that France has one of the most important commercial markets in the world? Well, yes, and if you’re planning your trip to this country, you must experience it. Remember that Paris is recognized as the capital of fashion and is presented as an ideal destination for shopping lovers of any kind. So, if you’re an enthusiast fashionista looking for the best boutiques, outlets, and second-hand markets; or a hunter of antiques, jewelry, perfumes, and pieces of art, save this travel guide on your favorites. Because here you will discover with us where to shop in Paris and the best shopping districts around the city.

Major shopping districts in Paris

Champs-Élysées

This is one of the most recognized shopping destinations in the world, the Boulevard des Champs-Élysées. There, you will find a wide variety of luxury stores and international brands, as well as cafes and restaurants to take a break from the euphoria of shopping. You can also enjoy the most impressive views of the Arc de Triomphe and tour part of one of the most famous tourist destinations in Paris. 

On this boulevard, you will find stores such as Adidas, Apple, Paris Saint Germain store, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Disney, Hugo Boss, and many others. Making it the ideal place to learn about new fashion trends and purchase the most exclusive products from your favorite brands. To get there you must go to the 8th arrondissement, using metro lines 1, 2, and 6 to the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station.

Le Marais

This is one of the most avant-garde neighborhoods in the city, since its pedestrian-only streets have become a special area for hunting the best sales in Paris. Because there you can find different clothing stores with a lot of styles such as The Kooples, bag & luggage stores like Kate Lee, and modern clothing like COS, among other major international brands. 

The good thing about this location where to shop in Paris, is that there are countless stores for any type of budget, and you can find anything on its streets. So to get to this neighborhood located between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, use the subway station called the Saint-Paul on line 1. Or you can get off at the Chemin Vert or Bastille stations (line 8) which leaves you a short distance from the neighborhood.

Saint-Germain-des-Pres

This is a bohemian neighborhood known for its classic elegance and its luxury boutiques such as Sonia Rykiel and Hermés, which coexist with antique stores and iconic cafes in the same streets. On the main street of Boulevard Saint-Germain you can find stores like Boss Store, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci; but there are other more affordable stores such as Rue Jacob, Rue du Bac, Rue de Seine, and Rue Visconti. You can also eat at the Marché Couvert Saint-Germain, a market with a wide range of cheeses, meats, macarons, Provençal desserts, choux, pastries, and Italian ice creams. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is in the 6th arrondissement, and you can get there by taking the subway to the station of the same name on line 4. Or taking lines 10 and 12 to the nearby Sèvres station. Babylon; or if you prefer the bus you can use lines 39, 63, and 70.

Rue de Rivoli

On the other hand, if you want to visit the Louvre museum and then do some shopping around the area, Rue de Rivoli is the ideal place for you. This is a 3 km street in the center of Paris, which is very famous for the big brands it houses, in addition to the most popular chains such as Zara, Etam, Sephora, Gap, among others. There is also one of the most important bazaars in the city, called Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, where you can find 5 floors with everything you can imagine. 

This street is located in the 1st arrondissement and extends from the Louvre to Place de la Bastille. So to be able to get there through the bus you can use lines 21, 72, and 95; or via the subway to the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre station with lines 1 and 7.

Grands Boulevards & Passage des Panoramas

The Grands Boulevards is a Parisian neighborhood very close to the Opera Garnier, and consists of many avenues famous for their department stores such as Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, as well as the main theaters and nightclubs of the city. But, one of the most important points of this area, and the reason that you should schedule it in your shopping itinerary, is the Passage des Panoramas, one of the oldest covered galleries in the city. In fact, these are the locals' favorite passageways, because if it rains you can walk and shop through them while connecting with different streets in the area without getting wet. 

In this area, you can find small food stores, crafts, antiques, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, among others. It’s a good option to look for souvenirs, especially in the Stern engraving shop that dates back to 1840 and has maps, wood-carved seals, and other very interesting things. You have to go to the 2nd arrondissement, taking the subway to the Grands Boulevards station using lines 8 and 9; or through bus lines 20, 39, and 48.

Boulevard Haussmann

Another emblematic place to hunt for the best sales in Paris is the Boulevard Haussmann, especially during the Christmas season. It’s 2 km from Avenue de Friedland (near the Champs Elysées) to Boulevard Montmartre (near the Grévin museum). And there you can find different places like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps with a wide selection of products, from fashion to home decoration. 

This boulevard is located between the 8th and 9th arrondissement, and you can get there from the Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette subway station (lines 7 and 9). Or also from the Riicheliey - Drouot station using lines 8 and 9.

Types of stores in Paris

If you are wondering where to shop in Paris, you should know that the city has a large number of stores that fit any budget. For example:

Luxury boutiques

This is one of the biggest attractions of France, because almost all the biggest brands in the world have invested 100% in this country. That’s why we can find stores like Chanel and Dior, offering personalized experiences such as style advice and access to exclusive pieces. Furthermore, one of the best-kept secrets of true fashionistas looking for deals and sales in Paris is that the sales periods begin in winter on January 2, and the summer sales on the last Wednesday of June. So take note to buy as much as you can from these exclusive brands in these seasons.

Galleries and covered passages for shopping in Paris

Another type of store is the galleries and covered passages, such as the Galerie Vivienne, which are other of the city's most characteristic shopping experiences. Because their construction dates to the 19th century, and that is why they have very impressive architecture, and they were designed especially for commerce in the city of Paris. So it’s an ideal place to walk and check what the small French shops have to offer in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Department store

Other unique shopping experiences in Paris

On the other hand, shopping experiences in Paris are not only aimed at fashion, household items, etc. There are different types of specialized stores where you can find hidden gems according to your interests. For example:

Shakespeare & Company Bookstore

For all those reading lovers, the iconic Shakespeare & Company second-hand bookstore is a must-see in any Paris travel guide. This is a meeting place for writers and inveterate readers, who want to enjoy a delicious coffee while flipping through the pages of their favorite books… This amazing place is located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, and you can get there via the subway to the Saint - Michel station on line 4.

Jewelry and watches

Where to shop in Paris if you want a good watch or jewelry? Well, in this city you will find a pretty good deal. Because countless jewelry stores sell here the most beautiful pieces in the world, especially in the Place Vendôme neighborhood. This is an area of the city recognized for being one of the greatest exponents of luxury and opulence. And we're sure you'll find huge brands like Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron, as well as some great deals. So, to get there you can go to the Pyramides metro station via lines 7 and 14, or take bus lines 21, 27, and 68.

Gourmet food and markets: Marché Bastille

If you are a foodie wondering what to eat in Paris, or are looking for a special ingredient for your kitchen, you must shop at the Marché Bastille. This is one of the largest markets in Paris, where you can find fresh products, cheeses, breads, and local specialties that you won't find anywhere else. In addition, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Parisian gastronomy and bring home a little piece of the city... To get there to the Bastille metro station through lines 1, 5, and 8; or to the Bréguet - Sabin station from line 5.

Parisian parfumeries

Another thing that any fan of Parisian culture should buy is a good perfume in this city. Because the perfume shops in Paris are true gems, especially the Diptyque boutique located at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain. Or the historic perfumery of Serge Lutens, located in Palais Royal, 142 Galerie de Valois, is the ideal place to discover unique fragrances that you will not find anywhere in the world. So take note of these stores so you can visit it in your trip to France.

Art and antiques

On the other hand, if you are an art collector and are looking for the best sales in Paris, you cannot miss visiting the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Oue. This is a huge flea market offering a variety of antiques, vintage furniture, and works of art, where you can find any treasure. It is located at 140 Rue des Rosiers and you can get there by subway using line 4 to the Porte de Clignancourt station. Or if you prefer to travel by bus you can get there from line 85.

Tips for professional shoppers

Best times to shop in Paris

If you want to go shopping in this city, you should consider that the best times to go shopping in Paris are during the week, in the morning. Because crowds are sparse, you can enjoy a quieter shopping experience, and you'll avoid long lines in each store.

Seasonal sales

This is one of the locals' best kept secrets, because the best discounts usually come at the end of the season in January and at the end of June / beginning of July. During this time, stores offer significant discounts, especially on high-quality brands, which is extremely beneficial if you want one of the clothes from the most famous brands in the world. So plan your trip in advance to take advantage of these opportunities.

Paris Shopping Pass

The Paris Shopping Pass is a card designed to improve the shopping experience in Paris. This card offers a series of benefits and discounts in different shops, attractions, restaurants, and transportation in the city. Also, you can purchase it online or from designated points of sale, and they have different validity periods, so make sure to plan your shopping days very well.

Conclusions on the best sales in Paris

We hope this guide has helped you to understand why this city is an amazing shopping destination that you should visit at least once in your life and where to shop in Paris to get the best deals or an exclusive experience. Paris is an awesome destination where you can find great deals on luxury items, unique products and a large number of quality products of any style and budget. So don’t hesitate to explore the different places that we review and discover the surprises that this city has for you in each of its corners.

FAQs about where to shop in Paris

What are the best shopping districts in Paris?

The best districts for shopping in Paris are Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Rue de Rivoli, Grands Boulevards and Boulevard Haussmann. In them, you will find a large number of luxury stores, artisan stores, large chains, among others. So they are a destination that you should visit if you are looking for specific products at a very good price.

Where can I find luxury boutiques in Paris?

The main luxury boutiques sales in Paris are located on Champs-Élysées, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Place Vendôme, but you can find them in many parts of the city.

Are there recommended vintage stores in Paris?

Yes, in the Le Marais area you will find several vintage stores, such as Kilo Shop and Free'P'Star. But at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market you can also find a large number of antiques, vintage clothing and furniture, as well as works of art.

What is the Paris Shopping Pass?

It’s a Parisian card that offers discounts in shops and restaurants, access to attractions and trips on public transport, and more. It’s ideal for shoppers planning a week of shopping in Paris.