Paris, the City of Lights, is also the global capital of style. Beyond its world-famous museums and monuments, shopping is a major draw, attracting millions of visitors each year. Paris boasts a plethora of fabulous boutiques and stores, but these seven ultra-popular shopping districts are particularly captivating, offering something for every budget and taste.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the Parisian fashion scene, where impeccable style is an effortless art.
The Faubourg Saint-Honoré: Where Luxury Reigns Supreme
The Faubourg Saint-Honoré district is the beating heart of Parisian design and fashion. Home to the Louvre-Tuileries neighborhood, this district is a shopping haven, featuring flagship stores from iconic designers like Versace, Hermes, and Saint Laurent.
But the Faubourg Saint-Honoré offers more than just high-end labels. Trendy boutiques and concept stores add a contemporary edge to the mix.
Don’t miss the elegant boutiques lining the arcades (covered galleries) of the Palais Royal, where you’ll find luxury perfumer Serge Lutens, upscale vintage shops, jewelry, and art.
The Palais Royal offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of central Paris, providing a dose of authentic old-world chic.
The Faubourg Saint-Honoré is conveniently located near the magnificent Opera Garnier and the Belle-Epoque department stores lining Boulevard Haussmann, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
Best for: Prestigious and dazzling Belle-Epoque department stores (grands magasins)
Getting there: Metro Havre-Caumartin (Line 3 or 9), Opera (Lines 3, 7, 8), RER Auber (Line A)
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps: A Parisian Shopping Extravaganza
The old Parisian department stores are legendary, each a world unto itself. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps dominate Boulevard Haussmann, exuding real Belle Epoque grandeur.
These grands magasins are a shopper’s dream, offering a labyrinth of consumer delights. Top designer collections for men and women, gourmet food shopping, home design, jewelry, and even hardware are all within reach.
Don’t miss the dazzling holiday decorations that transform these department stores into winter wonderlands during the festive season.
Beyond the grand department stores, old-world elegance awaits in the covered “arcades” (passageways), including the Galerie Vivienne. Luxury boutiques from top designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, rare bookshops, old-fashioned artisan toy shops, and gift shops make this arcade a unique treasure.
Other charming arcades nearby include the Passage Jouffroy, known for its throwback-style shops, and the Passage du Grand Cerf, famed for its intricate antiques and fine old jewelry.
Best for: Eclectic and high-fashion, high-quality chains, vintage stores, artisan and handcrafted jewelry, antiques and fine art galleries, cosmetics, and perfumeries
Getting there: Metro Bourse or Palais-Royal Musee du Louvre
The Marais: Where History and Trendiness Collide
The historic Marais quarter is a haven for those seeking unique and finely-crafted items, particularly antique and fine art lovers.
Browse antiques and fine art on the Place des Vosges, discover jewelry, fragrance, and cosmetics at boutiques like Diptyque and MAC on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, or shop for fashionable yet accessible chains like COS on Rue des Rosiers.
For foodie shoppers, the Marais is a culinary wonderland. Indulge in high-quality French tea at Mariage Frères or Kusmi Tea, or savor exceptional chocolate at Josephine Vannier.
Merci, one of the trendiest concept shops in town, offers designer fashion, home decor, accessories, books, and more. Enjoy a delicious meal or afternoon tea at the tearoom and cinema-inspired restaurant next door.
The Marais is a perfect blend of history and trendy shopping, offering a unique Parisian experience.
Best for: Antiques, fine art, high-quality French tea and chocolate, trendy concept shops, designer fashion, and home decor
Getting there: Metro Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Hotel de Ville (Line 1, 11)
Avenue Montaigne and Avenue des Champs-Élysées: Parisian Chic at its Finest
Avenue Montaigne and Avenue des Champs-Élysées form one of the city’s most coveted fashion destinations.
Avenue Montaigne is quickly becoming the epitome of Parisian chic, with legendary designers like Chanel and Dior lining the street with flagship boutiques.
The Champs-Élysées offers a mix of luxury names, like Louis Vuitton, and trendy global chains, such as Zara.
Disney Store adds a touch of magic with its fun window displays and vast collection of toys.
Best for: Chic, classic design, designer boutiques, luxury brands, and global chain stores
Getting there: Metro Alma Marceau (Line 9), Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1 and 9), George V (Line 1), RER A (Charles de Gaulle-Etoile)
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Parisian Chic with a Literary Twist
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, once synonymous with famous intellectuals, has evolved into a chic destination for BCBG’s (yuppies).
Boutiques from Sonia Rykiel and Paco Rabanne add to the fashionable allure, while Rue Saint-Andre des Arts offers rare books, unique regional gifts, and vintage threads.
The Bon Marché, a classic department store, is a must-visit for left-bank shoppers. Be sure to explore its enormous food hall, a gourmet paradise.
Best for: Chic, classic design, books, and home furnishings
Getting there: Metro Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4)
Châtelet-Les Halles: A Fusion of Old and New
Châtelet-Les Halles, once home to a bustling outdoor food market, has transformed into a major shopping hub.
Le Forum des Halles, a monstrous underground mall, is where global chain stores reign supreme.
Rue de Rivoli, running from the Marais to the Louvre, offers great deals on global chain stores like H&M and Zara, along with antique shops and art galleries.
Rue Montorgueil, a trendier area adjoining Rue de Rivoli, features quirky contemporary boutiques from designers like Barbara Bui and young cutting-edge designers.
Best for: Major chain shops, trendy boutiques, antiques, and oddball items
Getting there: Metro Châtelet-Les Halles (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14)
Saint-Ouen Flea Market: A Treasure Trove of Vintage Finds
The Saint-Ouen flea market, or “puces” (literally, “fleas”), is Paris’s largest and oldest flea market, dating back to the 19th century.
Located at the northern tip of Paris, this essential shopping stop offers a treasure trove of antiques, odd objects, and vintage clothes.
Weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds. Be sure to keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Beyond Saint-Ouen, numerous other flea markets around the city offer a unique shopping experience.
Best for: Antiques, oddball items, discounted and vintage clothes and shoes
Getting there: Metro Porte de Clingancourt (Line 4) or Garibaldi (Line 13)
A Shopping Adventure Awaits
Paris offers a vibrant and diverse shopping scene, catering to every taste and budget. From high-end boutiques and department stores to flea markets and trendy concept shops, a shopping adventure awaits.
Get ready to indulge in the Parisian art of style and discover your own unique treasures.
