Shopping In Paris: The Ultimate Guide

As travelers ourselves, we love the excitement of discovering new places and cultures, and shopping is often at the center of those adventures.

One of the most common questions we get from our guests during our popular Paris bike tours is, “Where’s the best place to go shopping in Paris?”

Paris shopping offers a premier experience, from luxury fashion boutiques in the Triangle d’Or to unique finds in lesser-known areas.

So to help you navigate the amazing shopping scene in Paris, we’re excited to share some of our favorite spots so you can truly enjoy everything the city has to offer!

Where to Shop in Paris: Best Things To Buy in Paris

Before we dive into the best neighbourhoods for shopping and the best places for souvenirs in Paris, we first need to say: step away from plastic keychains and polyester berets!

Paris is a shopper’s paradise, filled with charming boutiques and lively markets offering everything from haute couture to chic souvenirs and unique local finds.

Gourmet food shops are also a great place to find high-quality food items, featuring renowned establishments like Fauchon and Maille.

The quality and authenticity of the items you buy makes sure you will bring home a piece of Paris that will last – and French products are known for their excellent craftsmanship.

So first up, here are the best things to buy in Paris, and France in general:

Fashion and Accessories

Silk scarves: Paris is synonymous with chic scarves. Look for iconic French brands or unique prints. A personal favourite is Inoui Editions which often has Paris-inspired designs in all kinds of shapes and fabrics! Rue Saint-Honoré is a key location for finding prestigious designer boutiques, including renowned names like Hermès and Chanel.
Berets: A classic French accessory, available in various styles and colors. An authentic Beret is always made of wool!
Marinière: The iconic striped mariner’s ship is a staple of any French person’s closet. Think Amor Lux, Petit Bateau or Saint James for some French brands!
Perfume: Discover world-renowned French fragrances. Some lesser known names include Annick Goutal, Serge Lutens or L’Artisan Parfumeur!
Leather goods: Invest in high-quality leather bags, wallets, or belts. In the Marais you’ll finds lots of iconic and trendy leather goods from Bobbies or Polène.
Lingerie: French lingerie is renowned for its elegance and comfort. From independent and comfort oriented homeware like Noo Paris or Les Nénés, to upscale styles from Chantal Thomass or Livy.
Cutlery & Kichen Goods: Pick up an iconic Opinel or Laguiole pocket knife, a trusty companion for any impromptu countryside picnics! Or indulge in a pair of infamous Peugeot Salt & Pepper mills.

Food and Gourmet Items

Macarons: Indulge in these delicate French pastries. Beyond the classic Ladurée, you’ll find really original flavours at any Pierre Hermé. The area around Place de la Madeleine is a lively shopping hub for gourmet food items, offering a variety of luxurious boutiques and gourmet shops.
Cheese: Bring home a selection of French cheeses. Most countries allow you to bring home hard dough (”Pâte dure”) cheeses as long as they are vacuum sealed (”Sous-vide”). Make sure you check your country’s restrictions before bringing back the whole cheese shop!
Wine: Discover a variety of French wines to enjoy. A Parisian “Cave” is the best place for advice on both classic and natural wines. Most are held by passionate wine connoisseurs who will share their favourites!
Chocolate: Savor the rich taste of French chocolate. The must-try at the moment is from Alain Ducasse but we also love Le Chocolat des Français with its fun illustrated wrappings!
Honey: French honey is known for its exceptional flavor. Try a Lavender honey and you’ll think you’ve suddenly been transported to Provence!
Jams and preserves: Enjoy the taste of France with delicious jams and preserves. We go pretty rustic with this one, with the classic Bonne Maman, found in most French supermarkets. If you want to go high-end, La Grande Epicerie will have a decent selection!
Herbs and spices: Enhance your cooking with authentic French herbs and spices. If there is one you have to take home, it’s the iconic Herbes de Provence!

Home Decor

French porcelain: Discover elegant and timeless pieces. Limoges is known for its china production, so may you find the name on newer or vintage piece, you’ve most likely found a lovely item!
Linen: Experience the luxury of French linens, most of it produced directly in France. From tablecloths to aprons to bedding, linen is the staple of any French home. Landline by Republique has a great selection of French grown linens and more clothes!
Art prints: Bring a touch of Paris to your home with beautiful prints. For the more experimental styles, head to Galerie Arts Factory or Artazar. For some elegant higher-end supplies and posters, Marin Montagut is the place to go! Art galleries are also a great place to find unique artworks for home decor.
Vintage items: Explore flea markets for one-of-a-kind treasures. The most reknown in Paris is the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, open Friday through Monday.

Let’s get onto the best shops and neighbourhoods for shopping in Paris!

Best Shopping in Paris: The Most Iconic Department Stores on Rue de Rivoli

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

A staple in Paris, Galeries Lafayette has been in this location since the late XIXth century.

This is the biggest department store in Europe. Don’t miss the view of their gorgeous Art Nouveau glass dome from below, or the 360-degree city views from the Galeries Lafayette rooftop!

Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Le Bon Marché & La Grande Epicerie

The oldest department store in Paris, their Saint-Germain-des-Prés flagship store, is filled with luxury and lesser-known designers.

The Epicerie next door offers a variety of foods to sample (from truffles to pastries!) and is a great spot to grab some gifts.

Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres & 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

Best Shopping in Paris: The Best Consignment Stores & Thrift Shopping in Paris

Thrift and Vintage Shopping in Paris

Thrift and consignment shopping in Paris is a rite of passage for the chic and sartorial!

From charming vintage finds to designer second-hand gems, consignment stores in Paris can lead you to that one-of-a-kind steals you didn’t even know you were looking for.

It’s also a fantastic way to embrace sustainable fashion while indulging in a stylish, budget-friendly shopping experience.

Here are some of our top recommendations:

Bobby – 89 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris
Closet 2 Closet – 6 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris
Citizen Concept Store – 22 rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
Gaijin Paris – 20 Rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris
Les Chineuses Chics – 22 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris
Chercheminippes – 114 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris
Celia Darling – 5 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris
Thanx God I’m a VIP – 12 Rue de Lancry, 75010 Paris
Frivoli – 26 Rue Beaurepaire, 75010 Paris
La Frange à l’Envers – 81 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
Vintage Clothing Paris – 10 Rue de Crussol, 75011 Paris
Les Robes Infidèles – 49 Rue de la Cour des Noues, 75020 Paris

Popular Second-Hand and Thrift Stores in Paris

Kilo Shop: A vast selection of vintage clothing where you pay by weight—perfect for those who love a quirky mix!
Guerrisol: Known for its low prices, this chain caters to bargain hunters looking for everything from retro clothing to accessories.
Le Relais: Specialising in trendy second-hand clothes, this store merges style with sustainability in a chic environment.

Best Shopping in Paris: Where to Buy French Souvenirs

Here are some of the best neighborhoods, markets and stalls to find classic French items and souvenirs:

Neighborhoods:

Les Bouquinistes: These charming riverside stalls are a true Parisian delight, offering a curated selection of vintage books, postcards, and art, perfect for finding that one-of-a-kind souvenir that captures the spirit of the city.
Canal Saint-Martin: This picturesque waterway is lined with unique boutiques, arty bookshops, and specialty stores, making it a perfect place to pick up anything from art prints to coffee beans.
Le Marais: This trendy and historic neighborhood is home to many independent boutiques, concept stores, and artisan shops. You’ll find a mix of modern and traditional items here.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: This Left Bank neighborhood is known for its literary and artistic heritage. You’ll find upscale boutiques and antique shops here.
Montmartre: This bohemian neighborhood is known for its artists and its charming atmosphere. You’ll find slightly more touristy souvenirs and art here, but all filled with Parisian charm!
Place de la Madeleine: This attractive shopping area is surrounded by elegant shops, cafes, and gourmet food shops, making it a vital stop for both shopping enthusiasts and those interested in Parisian culture.

Markets:

Rue Cler: This 7th arrondissement market street is known as one of the best in Paris. Locals come to this ‘shopping street’ for specialty foods, pastry shops, wine, fresh produce and more. Plus, it’s right next to our Paris tour base!
Paris Flea Market (Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen): This massive flea market is a treasure trove of vintage and antique items. Be prepared to spend some time browsing!
Marché des Enfants Rouges: This covered market is a great place to find fresh produce, gourmet food items, and sit down for lunch at one of the amazing food stalls. Les Enfants du Marché is one of our favourites, just beware it fills up fast (no reservations!) so come early!
Marché Baudoyer: This market is known for its high-quality food products, including cheese, wine, and pastries.
Rue Mouffetard Market: In the heart of the Latin Quarter, located a stone’s throw away from the Pantheon, this charming local market has high-quality food products and is lined with some lovely shops for souvenirs.
March d’Aligre: This wonderful indoor/outdoor market has some amazing selections of produce and is surrounded by a bustling neighbourhood of Bistro’s. On weekend, stop by Le Baron Rouge for some oysters & wine after shopping around.

Top Tips for Shopping in Paris:

Don’t be afraid to haggle at flea markets and some independent shops.

Visit smaller, independent shops instead of chain stores for more unique finds — think Marin Montagut or Landline for example.

Ask locals (like us, your friendly guides!) for recommendations on hidden gems.

Consider the weight and size of your souvenirs when packing.

When it comes to shopping in Paris, you’re in for a delightful cultural experience that goes beyond just buying souvenirs. Rue de Rivoli is a premier shopping destination with a mix of high-end and budget-friendly options.

We always recommend supporting smaller businesses and independent boutiques where possible.

While you’re exploring, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy a café au lait or a glass of wine at a nearby café—after all, savoring the everyday is just as important as finding that perfect bargain.