Paris, the City of Lights, is also a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re a fashionista seeking the latest trends or a gourmand looking for delicious treats, the city offers an abundance of options. From bustling department stores to spacious shopping malls, Paris has it all.
The Heart of Shopping: Westfield Forum des Halles
Nestled in the vibrant Les Halles district, Westfield Forum des Halles is the largest shopping mall in central Paris. This bustling hub boasts over 150 stores, showcasing renowned fashion brands such as Calzedonia, Celio, Claudie Pierlot, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Etam, H&M, Jonak, Lacoste, Levi’s, Mango, Naf Naf, Petit Bateau, Pimkie, Princesse Tam Tam, Promod, Sandro, Victoria’s Secret, and Zara. The iconic canopy above the mall, a modern marvel, adds to the allure of this central Parisian destination.
Explore the lively Les Halles neighborhood, just steps away from iconic landmarks like the Centre Pompidou, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Le Marais. The area is a true embodiment of the city’s energy, with the mall serving as a vibrant gathering point. The recent renovation project has breathed new life into this historic district, transforming it into the beating heart of Paris.
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 8:30 pm; Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm.
Getting There: Paris Metro: Châtelet-Les Halles.
A Shopper’s Guide to Paris’s Best Shopping Malls
Shopping, alongside sightseeing, is a top draw for visitors to Paris, the world’s most visited city. Paris offers a diverse range of shopping experiences, from upscale boutiques in renowned fashion districts to the countless stores scattered throughout the city.
Parisians, too, enjoy the convenience and modernity of shopping malls. Forum des Halles, Beaugrenelle, Les Quatre Temps, and Val d’Europe are some of the most prominent malls in the city. These shopping centers offer a wide variety of stores, affordable prices, and a good selection of restaurants.
Accessibility: Most Paris shopping malls are open on Saturdays and Sundays, making it convenient to shop during your visit.
Shopping Malls Near Iconic Landmarks
Several shopping malls are conveniently located near some of Paris’s most famous attractions, making them perfect for combining shopping with sightseeing. Westfield Forum des Halles, Beaugrenelle, and Champs-Elysées Shopping Malls offer this unique combination of convenience and enjoyment.
For those seeking a more extensive shopping experience, Les Quatre Temps and Val d’Europe are larger malls situated farther from the city center. These malls are popular with locals and are easily accessible by metro.
Beyond Paris: Shopping Gems in Giverny and Charles de Gaulle Airport
Escape from the bustling city and journey to the charming village of Giverny, renowned for its connection to impressionist painter Claude Monet and his breathtaking gardens. Nearby, you’ll find the Paris Giverny Discount Outlet Shopping Mall, a haven for fashion enthusiasts. With over 80 shops showcasing renowned French and international brands, this outlet offers significant discounts of at least 30% on clothing year-round.
Traveling to Giverny: Take the A13 highway to Vernon and then follow signs for Giverny or take a train to Vernon and then a bus to Giverny Shopping Mall and Gardens. For a seamless experience, consider a day tour from Paris, combining the visit to Giverny Gardens with shopping at the outlet mall.
For travelers arriving at Charles de Gaulle Paris Airport, the biggest airport in the City of Lights, Aéroville Shopping Mall is a convenient and enticing destination. With over 200 stores, a multiplex cinema, and ample parking, Aéroville offers a diverse shopping experience before or after your flight.
Reaching Aéroville: Take bus lines 23, 32, 39, 43, 100, 349, 350, 351, T’Bus, or Filéo from RER B Charles de Gaulle Airport terminal 1 train station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Check the RATP website for detailed information. Aéroville is conveniently located just 500 meters from the Hyatt hotel.
The Global Reach of Westfield: A New Era of Shopping Experiences
In 2019, Westfield, a leading global shopping mall brand, took over two iconic Parisian shopping malls: Le Forum des Halles and Les Quatre Temps in La Défense. Westfield is known for its distinctive brand experience, operating emblematic malls worldwide, including Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City in London, Westfield Century City and Westfield UTC in California, and Westfield World Trade Center in New York City.
Westfield’s presence in continental Europe was solidified with the 2018 acquisition of Westfield by Unibail-Rodamco, the European leader in real estate, forming Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the “first creator and global operator of destination shopping malls.” This partnership brought Westfield’s signature brand to six major shopping malls in the Grand Paris region: Les Quatre Temps, Forum des Halles, Vélizy 2, Parly 2, Carré Sénart, and Rosny 2.
These Westfield shopping malls share a set of defining characteristics. They are strategically located, easily accessible, and boast exceptional architecture and design. The malls offer a wide range of brands, maintain high service standards, and regularly host captivating events, showcasing their commitment to exceptional customer experience.
Westfield’s arrival in Paris marks a new era in the city’s shopping landscape. This global brand understands the evolving expectations of shoppers, who seek more than just shopping; they desire sensory and emotional experiences.
A World of Entertainment: Events at Westfield Malls
Westfield shopping malls are renowned for their engaging events. Internationally acclaimed artists, including Lady Gaga, Rita Ora, Rihanna, and John Legend, have graced the stages of Westfield centers in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The malls have also hosted world or European premieres of blockbuster films, such as The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Iron Man 2, and The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Westfield’s commitment to enriching the shopping experience extends beyond traditional retail, encompassing a diverse range of captivating events.
With the launch of the Westfield brand in Paris, visitors can anticipate an exciting calendar of events, starting with celebratory events and continuing regularly after the launch. Westfield aims to redefine the shopping experience, turning it into a vibrant blend of retail, entertainment, and engagement.
