All-Time Best
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
The crown jewel of Parisian department stores, featuring a breathtaking Art Nouveau glass dome, over 3,000 brands across fashion, beauty, and home goods. The flagship store offers personal shopping services and a rooftop with panoramic views of Paris.
Highlights
- Iconic Art Nouveau dome
- 3,000+ brands
- Free fashion shows
- Tax-free shopping
Le Bon Marche
Le Bon Marche
The world's first department store, founded in 1852, offers a refined shopping experience with curated designer collections, an exceptional shoe department, and La Grande Epicerie gourmet food hall next door.
Highlights
- World's first department store
- Curated luxury brands
- La Grande Epicerie food hall
- Left Bank elegance
Avenue des Champs-Elysees
Avenue des Champs-Elysees
The most famous avenue in the world stretches from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Home to flagship stores of global brands including Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Sephora, and Apple.
Highlights
- Louis Vuitton flagship
- Iconic tree-lined boulevard
- Open late
- Tourist tax refund
Le Marais Boutiques
Le Marais Boutiques
The historic Marais district offers an eclectic mix of vintage shops, independent designers, concept stores, and trendy boutiques. Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and surrounding streets are shopping paradise for unique finds.
Highlights
- Open on Sundays
- Vintage and designer mix
- Concept stores
- Historic architecture
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
The world's largest antique market spans 7 hectares with over 2,000 dealers across 15 markets. Find everything from vintage furniture and antique jewelry to rare vinyl records and art deco treasures.
Highlights
- 2,000+ dealers
- World's largest flea market
- Antiques and vintage
- Bargaining welcome
Printemps Haussmann
Printemps Haussmann
A historic department store with stunning Art Nouveau architecture featuring stained glass cupolas. Six buildings house women's, men's, beauty, and home collections plus a rooftop brasserie with Eiffel Tower views.
Highlights
- Art Nouveau architecture
- 9 floors of fashion
- Rooftop restaurant
- Beauty specialists
Rue de Rivoli
Rue de Rivoli
A major shopping artery running parallel to the Seine from the Marais to the Louvre. Features a mix of international chains, French boutiques, souvenir shops, and access to historic covered passages and arcades.
Highlights
- Central location
- Mix of price points
- Near major attractions
- Historic covered arcades
Merci Concept Store
Merci Concept Store
A beloved three-floor concept store in the Marais featuring curated fashion, home goods, books, and a flower shop. All profits go to a children's charity in Madagascar, and the in-house cafe is perfect for a shopping break.
Highlights
- Charitable cause
- Curated design
- Three floors
- Literary cafe
Place Vendome
Place Vendome
The epitome of Parisian luxury, this elegant octagonal square is home to the world's most prestigious jewelers including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, and Chaumet. The Ritz Paris anchors this historic plaza.
Highlights
- World's finest jewelers
- Historic 17th-century square
- Boucheron flagship
- Ritz Paris
The Broken Arm
The Broken Arm
A cult-favorite concept store that emerged as a spiritual successor to the legendary Colette (closed 2017). Features cutting-edge fashion from avant-garde designers, rare sneakers, art books, and a minimalist cafe popular with fashion insiders.
Highlights
- Colette spiritual successor
- Emerging designers
- Limited edition sneakers
- In-house cafe
Best of 2026
Samaritaine
Samaritaine
Reopened after a stunning 16-year renovation, this Art Nouveau and Art Deco landmark now houses LVMH luxury brands, a Cheval Blanc hotel, and rooftop dining with spectacular Seine views.
Highlights
- Historic restoration
- LVMH brands
- Art Nouveau peacock murals
- Seine views
The Broken Arm
The Broken Arm
A cult-favorite concept store in the Marais offering avant-garde fashion from emerging designers alongside established names. The attached cafe draws a fashion-forward crowd.
Highlights
- Emerging designers
- Fashion-forward curation
- In-house cafe
- Marais location
Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Vivienne
One of Paris's most beautiful covered passages, featuring mosaic floors, glass ceilings, and boutiques including vintage bookshops, wine merchants, and the legendary Jean Paul Gaultier store.
Highlights
- 1823 covered passage
- Mosaic floors
- Rare bookshops
- Legrand wine shop
Winter Sales
Les Soldes at Department Stores
Les Soldes at Department Stores
The famous French winter sales (Les Soldes) run for 4 weeks starting in January. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps offer discounts up to 70% on designer fashion and luxury goods.
Highlights
- Up to 70% off
- Government-regulated dates
- Designer discounts
- Early bird access
Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets
From late November through December, Paris transforms with Christmas markets offering artisanal gifts, regional specialties, and handcrafted decorations. The Champs-Elysees and Tuileries markets are most spectacular.
Highlights
- Tuileries Garden market
- Artisanal gifts
- Vin chaud
- Festive atmosphere
Summer Shopping
Summer Soldes
Summer Soldes
The summer sales begin in late June and offer the best deals on spring/summer collections. Smart shoppers arrive early for the best selection at prestigious department stores and boutiques.
Highlights
- Late June start
- Spring/Summer collections
- 4 weeks of savings
- Additional markdowns weekly
Marche Bastille
Marche Bastille
Paris's largest open-air market runs Thursday and Sunday mornings, offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, vintage clothing, and handmade jewelry. Perfect for summer morning browsing.
Highlights
- Thursday and Sunday
- Largest open-air market
- Artisanal goods
- Local experience
Frequently Asked Questions
France has two government-regulated sale periods called 'Les Soldes'. Winter sales start the second Wednesday of January, and summer sales begin the last Wednesday of June. Each lasts 4 weeks with progressive markdowns reaching up to 70% off. These are the best times to find luxury items at significant discounts.
Non-EU residents spending over 100 euros in a single store can claim a VAT refund of approximately 12% (after processing fees). Ask for a tax-free form at the store, then validate it at the airport's Pablo kiosk before your flight. Major department stores like Galeries Lafayette have dedicated tax refund counters.
Most shops open Monday-Saturday from 10am to 7pm. Department stores often stay open until 8pm or 9pm, and until 9:30pm on Thursdays. Many shops close on Sundays, except in tourist areas like the Champs-Elysees and Le Marais, where shops open Sunday afternoons. The first Sunday of the month sees wider Sunday openings.
The Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the world's largest flea market for antiques and vintage. For pre-owned designer fashion, visit Didier Ludot at Palais Royal, Collector Square, or Vestiaire Collective's showroom. The Marais neighborhood has numerous vintage boutiques along Rue de la Verrerie and surrounding streets.
Classic Parisian souvenirs include French perfume (try Fragonard or Guerlain), macarons from Laduree or Pierre Herme, artisanal soaps from Senteurs de Provence, French linens, and gourmet food items from La Grande Epicerie. For unique finds, explore the covered passages for vintage books and antique prints, or visit Merci for curated French design.