Paris Shopping
When one thinks of Paris, some of the first names that come to mind include Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. It’s no surprise, therefore, that shopping in Paris is a full-blown event, with lavish boutiques large and small, suitable for every budget.
Budget Buys: Parisian flea markets are not just for the bargain hunters, but also for those who love the thrill of the chase. Several spots in Paris hold full-blown flea markets, complete with antiques, crafts and trinkets. The Saint-Ouen Flea Market is the largest in Paris, and perhaps the most famous. Unlike many other shopping areas in the city, the Saint-Ouen Flea Market is welcoming to both visitors and locals, as there are plenty of bargains to be found but also many colorful sights and sounds. There the lucky few may find French treasures such as old Louis Vuitton luggage or well-preserved jewelry.
One of the best parts about shopping in Paris is not the clothes — it’s the food. The city is full of charming open markets to pick up delightful fixings for a picnic in the Louxembourg gardens or in the privacy of your hotel room. Paris is full of tiny, specialized shops selling wide ranges of cheese, wine, chocolate or most any other food you can think of. The most fun part of food shopping in Paris, however, is visiting the open markets, where you can mingle with fellow foodies and see all of the sounds and colors of the food and people come together outdoors. The most famous is on Rue Mouffetard, where the open market is at the bottom of the street. The stands are closed on Mondays and close daily during lunchtime.
Value Shopping: If your idea of a shopping trip involves some reasonably priced goods at stores that you recognize, Paris has plenty of options for you. Once reserved for the truly affluent shopper, the Champs-Elysée now features chain stores including Gap, Zara and Adidas, sure to make any tourist feel right at home. The famous street still includes some high-end boutiques including Gucci and a museum-like Louis Vuitton store that features some mind-boggling products such as a logo-laden bicycle carrier case and office desk.
For more of a one-stop shopping experience, Paris’s department stores can be a fun experience. The Boulevard Haussman is a center for the largest department stores, Galaries Lafayette and Printemps. Many of the clothing brands are fairly high-end, but the stores on this street offer all sorts of goodies, from house wares to accessories to beauty products.
High-end Haunts: For those who come to Paris to truly indulge, there are several spots where the city’s fashion icons set up shop. The Faubourg Saint-Honoré boasts stores including Hermés and the famous Parisian boutique Colette, which gathers the most prestigious designer labels under one roof. Strolling down this street you’ll find the true grande dames of Paris, with their impeccable outfits and unmistakably Parisian poise.
If clothing doesn’t tickle your fancy, make your way to the Marais to browse some fine art among the area’s charming alleys. The Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, has plenty of fine art galleries and antiques shops. There’s plenty of exploring to do in the young and modern Rue de Rosiers, Paris’s historic Jewish quarter that’s steadily becoming a hot spot for hip fashion and home furnishings.