Quick Links

Parisians are famed worldwide for their effortless style and fashion-focused existence. Given their penchant for pouring out their purses and prolific purchasing of haute couture, seemingly endless shopping boulevards in Paris await. Shopping in Paris isn't just a Parisian's pastime; it's an entire activity that's as much about the experience as the items purchased. As such, the City of Lights's numerous neighborhoods, retail therapeutic streets, bustling markets, enormous malls, and temple-like department stores have become part of the French capital's culture, the atmosphere within the stores and along the urban avenues part of the draw.

Naturally, a place like Paris is synonymous with luxury brands for deep-pocketed shoppers, leaving many to believe shopping doesn't have a place among the most affordable things to do in Paris. But that's not entirely correct; the city is also a haven for mere mortals with regular-length purse strings, with budget-kind areas, familiar high street stores, and secondhand markets commanding just as much attention among shopaholics. Indeed, Paris doesn't discriminate against people with a preference for prettier price tags, nor the flâneurs (aimless wanderers) with no clue where to shop in Paris.

Related: These 10 Hotels Offer The Most Romantic Experience In The City Of Love, Paris

The Eiffel Tower behind beautiful Parisian buildings
Photo by Juan Ordonez on Unsplash
The Eiffel Tower behind beautiful Parisian buildings

Whatever the bank balance, the sacred scrolls of shoppers who frequent France's flamboyant capital for frivolous fashion and goodie finds foretell a few famous fractions of the city, where everything from apparel and jewelry to antiques and vintage treasures can be found. Those in the know know where to go. Those not in the know, though, not only don't know but find it hard to know; there's a lot of ground to cover — and it's not all worthy of discerning shopaholics.

Sure, meandering through the Parisian streets without necessarily finding pits to throw money into in exchange for indulgent goods and irresistible bargains is an exquisite experience anyway. But for the passionate shopping enthusiast, sauntering through the best shopping streets in Paris is probably preferable. Covering where to shop in Paris for all budget ranges — from high-end designer stores to markets heaving with pre-loved items and antiques — as well as tips on the annual sales in France, this shopper's guide to the French capital city leaves no stone unturned.

This Paris shopping guide offers a few fun words in the lingo of romance. To survive everyday life France as a tourist, check out this essential French language guide for first-time visitors.

Related: 10 Luxurious Hotels In Paris For Honeymooners

What Are The Main Shopping Streets In Paris?

The bank of the Seine river, Paris

Paris is a city of firsts; attesting to its nickname, the "City of Lights" was the first in Europe to be almost fully illuminated at night, becoming a hub even after dark, where people could walk around, dine, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere safely at night under the moonlight. That enchanting ambiance still hasn't changed today, with many continuing to enjoy the streets no matter the hour.

People enjoying the metropolitan avenues, with their historic old Parisian hotels and restaurants boasting beautiful architecture, can't help but notice the intense quantity of shops, particularly of the fashion, jewelry, and cosmetics kind (with a few sprinklings of characterful secondhand markets and brocantes — meaning "flea markets"). Shopping is a sport in Paris — but some retail arenas are arguably better than others for browsing and spending. The following areas are among the best shopping streets Paris has to offer its guests — and there's something for everyone; think fanciful high-end stores serving lemon and cucumber water to shoppers all the way to cute-and-quaint antique shops chock-full of vintage booty.

Related: 10 Amazing Day Trips That Are Worth Leaving Paris For

Avenue Des Champs-Élysées Shopping

Avenue des Champs-Élysées at night with the Arc de Triomph in the background
Photo by Craig Philbrick on Unsplash
Avenue des Champs-Élysées at night with the Arc de Triomph in the background

L'Avenue des Champs-Élysées is, quite possibly, the most famous shopping street in Paris as well as among the most beautiful, as the mighty Arc de Triomphe stands majestically while shoppers saunter by and seek their next spend. Historically, this world-famous street was the place in the capital for iconic luxury brands with eye-watering price tags, namely Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Guerlain, among other high-flyers. In more recent times, less intimidating mainstream brands have also opened stores on the Champs D’Élysées, with Gap, Zara, and H&M making their mark and welcoming everyday people with slightly more "normal" budgets.

However, despite the stunning Champs D’Élysées and the impressive wealth (yes, literally, too) of stores to experience — even without buying anything — there is a trade-off. This legendary Parisian street isn't the place to purchase unique goods; it's all big brands. Plus, many residents and tourists say the streets here get very crowded, leading some to prefer shopping for high-quality brands and a more pleasant shopping experience elsewhere. Overflowing with tourists and not particularly any one-of-a-kind stores, many people compare this street to Times Square; great for visiting as a first-timer, especially during the festive season when holiday markets appear and decor light up the sidewalks, but all-in-all quite chaotic.

Plenty of superb cafés and excellent pastry shops in Paris offer delicious French goodies. However, what could be more Parisian than soaking up sensational views of one of the oldest structures in Paris — none other than the Arc de Triomphe — while tucking into tasty teas and treats? The most famous branch of café Ladurée offers that sublime experience — the perfect way to pass some time and recharge in between browsing all the stores.

Avenue Montaigne — High-End Shopping In Paris

Les Invalides In Paris

Being served lemon and cucumber water and a light snack while browsing exquisite (and expensive) goods — many unavailable elsewhere in the world — sounds like an experience reserved for the rich and famous. Granted, the "buying" part probably is, but lèche-vitrine (or "window shopping", as English speakers call it) is free — thankfully.

Indeed, Avenue Montaigne is one of the most expensive shopping streets in Paris, and while its ultra-luxe stores stocked with even more luxe brands might drop jaws, merely meandering down the sidewalks and savoring the atmosphere is a luxurious feeling in itself. The street is stunning, lined with breathtaking architecture to enjoy — that's if visitors can pull their eyes away from the sobering prices of high-end designer treasures saturating the stores.

Still, there are some outlets with more familiar everyday brands as well, so even fashionistas and magpies seeking the shiniest things and not intending to spend thousands of euros will find something to their tastes (and bank accounts).

Related: Paris At Night: Best Places To Visit And Where To Party

Rue Du Faubourg Saint-Honoré — The Most Luxurious Shopping Street In Paris

The front of the Ritz Paris Hotel on Place Vendome
Shutterstock
The front of the Ritz Paris Hotel on Place Vendome

Thought Avenue Montaigne was the fanciest spectacle of them all? Think again. Rue du Fauborg Saint-Honoré takes the baton. Just a stone's throw from the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, Rue Saint-Honoré is la crème de la crème for upmarket shopping in Paris — the place where wallets without limits descend to engulf themselves in French designer brands, such as Hermès, Goyard, and Céline, as well as international marks, from Cartier and Prada to Louboutin. Even the storefronts themselves are eye candy, with many contenders worthy of being among the most Instagrammable spots in Paris.

This street can be confusing; its name changes to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore at the point where it crosses Rue Royale. Historically, the "Faubourg" section was designed outside the city walls, but today Parisians view it as one collective street.

Rue Saint-Honoré is not the space to go for discount shopping in Paris, fast fashion, or moderately priced high street brands; it's all exclusively luxury apparel and jewelry boutiques for the most part. Still, those unwilling to splash some serious cash will appreciate strolling along this street; it's home to gorgeous architecture, celebrated art galleries, and a handful of international embassies — not forgetting the Élysée Palace, either, the President of the French Republic's official residence.

Of course, no opulent shopping street would be without its characterful bars and hotels serving up cocktails and bites. Pop into Bar Hemingway at l'Hôtel Ritz Paris for an afternoon boozy beverage, or alternatively soak up the ambiance (as well as a cocktail) at the Costes Hotel. While these hotels don't necessarily have the oldest restaurants in Paris (nor are they the city's most affordable accommodations themselves, either), their atmospheres are authentically Parisian and worth a visit — even if just for a quick coffee.

Paris is also the perfect place for chocoholics. La Maison du Chocolat is a classic chocolate boutique and boasts several locations in some of Paris's most beautiful areas — the first of which is on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. If quintessential French macaroons are a current craving, feasting the eyes (and tongue) upon the delicacies within the city's Pierre Hermé outlets will be a delectable treat.

What Are The Best Shopping Galleries In Paris?

An aerial shot of Paris featuring the city's most famous streets and landmarks
Shutterstock
An aerial shot of Paris featuring the city's most famous streets and landmarks

Parisian architecture is renowned for its romantic aesthetic, which is widely considered the most intricately beautiful the world has ever seen. Standing tall and stunning among many of the capital's classic buildings are the Parisian shopping galleries — providing the fabulously français experience of shopping, appreciating architecture, and sightseeing simultaneously.

Some purse-friendly stores do nestle themselves in between the nooks and crannies of the bank-nagging shops. But many of these establishments ooze luxury and harbor an insatiable appetite for cash, making blowing shoppers' vacation money all in one go a relatively easy feat, unbeknownst to them until it's gone. Shopaholics beware: Paris's best shopping galleries are alluring and beautiful, but be sure to keep an eye on those depleting euros.

Galerie Vivienne

A woman walking through Galerie Vivienne in Paris, France
Photo by Etienne Boulanger on Unsplash
A woman walking through Galerie Vivienne in Paris, France
  • Galerie Vivienne Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris

Galerie Vivienne could well be considered one of the many hidden gems in Paris. Situated a few blocks from the Louvre, this pretty, pint-sized petite gallery with magnificent architecture contains a handful of beauteous boutique designer shops and a café for good measure.

As one of the lesser-known attractions in Paris for shopping fans, it's an excellent spot for taking photos of lovely Parisian architecture without hordes of tourists in the way — and it's superb for a quiet breakfast, too. Don't forget to walk through Palais Royal on the way to Galerie Vivienne, either — this shoppers' gallery is on the other side of the latter famous landmark.

Related: These Are The Best Spots To Visit With Kids In Paris

Boulevard Haussmann & Galeries Lafayette

The cupola dome of Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France
Photo by Les Corpographes on Unsplash
The cupola dome of Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France
  • Galeries Lafayette Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris

For big department store shopping in Paris, look no further than the famous Boulevard Haussmann. Galerie Vivienne is a pocket-sized boutique gallery, but the historic Galeries Lafayette department store is the opposite; it's the oversized counterpart. Along Boulevard Haussmann, visitors will find Galeries Lafayette along with its Gourmet and Maison outposts, which are located just across the street. First established in 1912, this vast shopping center, with its Art Nouveau style complete with a large domed cupola, has remained a prominent Paris attraction for over a century. Perhaps most notably, this part of Paris really shows off at Christmas, with its whimsical window displays throughout the holidays.

Comprising three buildings with more than 3,500 brands spread throughout, this luxury bazaar delivers some of the best fashion shopping in Paris. Shoppers can find familiar clothing brands, such as H&M and Uniqlo, among others — as well as lesser-known labels and unique boutiques. But it's not just fashion; there are also beauty stores like Sephora, as well as tech shops such as Apple and many more. The cherry on top is found on the seventh and highest floor, where an expansive viewing terrace showcases glorious views of Paris.

Additionally, Boulevard Haussmann is also home to Printemps, deemed the largest beauty department store in the world and has become synonymous with the street.

The top level of Printemps offers one of Paris's few rooftop cafés. Order a coffee, take a seat, and enjoy the city views.

Related: 10 Museums To Visit In Paris (That Are Not Louvre)

Outlet Shopping In Paris — Val d’Europe & La Vallée Village

Eiffel Tower over the Seine river in the fall, Paris
Shutterstock
Eiffel Tower over the Seine river in the fall, Paris
  • Val d’Europe Address: 14 Cr du Danube, 77700 Serris
  • La Vallée Village Address: 3 Cr de la Garonne, 77700 Serris

40 minutes by train from Paris's center (and only a few minutes from Disneyland Paris, believe it or not) is an outlet shopping planet. Over 150 stores vie for business within Val d’Europe — a sweeping shopping mall plush with boutiques, each offering a vast array of goods. The building also boasts eateries, as well as an aquarium. Heading directly behind the Val d’Europe shopping center is La Vallée Village, yet another outlet mall with over 100 additional boutiques.

While these two shopping centers in Paris provide plenty of retail therapy to last days, there's a distinction between the two. Sure, both are open seven days a week, but La Vallée Village tends to house designer brands, some of which can be bagged at discounted prices, but still, they're branded, so they're not usually that low cost-wise.

Where To Go For Affordable Shopping In Paris?

A woman shopping on Passage des Panoramas in Paris, France
Photo by Tristan Colangelo on Unsplash
A woman shopping on Passage des Panoramas in Paris, France

Everyone loves a bargain, especially those sticking to a budget-friendly trip in Paris. For affordable shopping in Paris, ranging from modest-priced brands to big-name stores (along with trunk-loads of quality independent boutiques), the following places are superb spots to start.

Le Marais

The BHV department store lit up at night in Le Marais in Paris, France
Photo by Andrei Ianovskii on Unsplash
The BHV department store lit up at night in Le Marais in Paris, France

Le Marais neighborhood is spread out over the third and fourth arrondissements — although, technically, it's not a district or a neighborhood; it's a gorgeous, historical part of Paris with cobbled courtyard mazes and a lot of shops. Here, lots of quality clothing and jewelry boutiques line the streets, in addition to bigger, more well-recognized brand-name stores. Visitors can also find classic Parisian chocolatiers in this iconic little section of the city.

Rue De Rivoli

Le Louvre Museum in Paris, France

Also home to The Louvre Museum — the world's most-visited museum — this super-long street spans around four miles (6.4 kilometers, to be precise) and hosts loads of clothing stores, many of which are international brands, like Gap and H&M, while others are stores only known in France.

Along with mainstream fashion stores, shoppers can also discover a number of small indie boutiques here. Plus, because Rue de Rivoli is so extensive, shopaholics can quite easily spend an entire day or two exploring the street and all its stores, as well as all its side and cross streets — such as Rue Vieille du Temple and Rue des Archives, with Le Marais (above) not too far away either.

The eastern end of Rue de Rivoli (just past Hôtel de Ville) runs into the Le Marais district, so shoppers can explore the two together. Keep heading down to Place de l’Hôtel de Ville — just next to Paris’s City Hall building — and another one of Paris's best department stores marks the spot at Le Marais: BHV.

Related: Here's How $50 A Day Can Be Stretched In Paris

Antique Shopping In Paris — Paris Brocante: Les Puces De Saint-Ouen Market

A woman shopping at the Flea Market in Paris
Photo by Giuseppe Gurrieri on Unsplash
A woman shopping at the Flea Market in Paris

Fortunately for flea market fanatics, the French capital boasts the largest antique market in the world — which absolutely deserves a place among Paris's most underrated places. Taking place close to the Porte de Clignancourt metro station and mere steps away from the Sacre Coeur Basilica and Moulin Rouge, the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen market (also known locally as Les Puces, translating very literally to “The Fleas”) hosts more than 3,000 traders and sees around 120,000 to 180,000 visitors each weekend.

This humongous brocante (meaning "secondhand market" or "flea market") is the one-stop spot for antique treasures, furniture, art, vintage clothing, toys, books, ceramics, and seemingly almost anything else imaginable. Although it's in a less affluent area of the city and not particularly a place for romantic strolls, the sheer size of the market and all the quantities of unique treasures new and old to browse makes it worth it.

Les Puces is open every weekend and on Mondays; however, the best days are Saturday and Sunday since some vendors are closed on Mondays.

Last but not least, shoppers needing a feast mustn't miss La Grande Epicerie — a fine culinary market brimming with Parisian gastronomy. Here, foodies can delight in sampling various alcohols and some of the best foods in Paris, much of which is unique and gift-worthy treats for family and friends — perfect for taking home as souvenirs if travelers can resist eating them beforehand.

Related: Coffee Lover? Let's Visit Some Of Paris' Best Coffee Shops