The best places to shop in Paris
Paris is unforgettable, romantic and dreamy. But as every fashionista knows, Paris is also so much more than just the city of love – it’s also the fashion capital of the world.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the huge city, its myriad of offerings, and crazy, unstoppable traffic. But if what you’re after is some good old retail therapy, the possibilities are endless.
Here we give you our favourite places to shop in Paris, from unique boutiques to cosy backstreets to gigantic malls.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, store availability could be affected. Remember to check current travel restrictions before booking travel.
Le Marais
Le Marais is known as the trendiest district in Paris and is an amazing starting point.
Be sure to visit the upper end of Le Marais, aptly named Haut-Marais, where you’ll find a lovely network of small streets, which lead you from the Picasso Museum to Place de la République.
Le Marais is one of the oldest and most inspiring districts in Paris. This neighbourhood is considered to be especially important for artists who contribute to its rich cultural life.
Le Marais is one of the most popular shopping areas in Paris due to the wide variety of fashion and interior design stores situated here.
And not only the stores make it worth the trip, but it’s a very beautiful place to wander around. Several of the streets, such as Rue des Rosiers, are pedestrian only. Other streets, such as Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue du Temple, are closed to cars on Sundays.
Don’t miss these shops in Le Marais
Merci – 111 boulevard Beaumarchais
Considered one of the best interior design and lifestyle stores in the world, Merci first opened its doors in 2009 in an old wallpaper factory. Since then it has become a destination for culinary connoisseurs, interior design fanatics and fashionistas.
Here you can buy home décor, clothes, perfume, books and more. All profits earned by the shareholders go towards funding educational projects and development in south-west Madagascar, hence the name of the store.
Isabel Marant – 47 rue Saintonge
Possibly one of the most popular designers in the world. It seems that everyone has fallen in love with the bohemian and sexy clothes by Marant. Shopping in Paris wouldn’t be complete without a trip to this store.
Ofr. – 20 rue Dupetit-Thouars
This cool little store is a must for those of you who love fashion magazines and books. Here you can find everything published on the topic, as well as arty postcards and paintings.
Other fashion stores to check out when you’re in Le Marais are: COS, ELEVENPARIS, Erotokritos, Matières à réflexion, The Kooples Sport, and Sandro.
If you’re looking for skin care and perfume, visit these shops: Kiehl’s, MAC, Acqua di Parma (rue des Francs-Bourgeois), Diptyque, Guerlain and Jo Malone.
Metro stop: Le Marais Saint-Paul (line 1) or Hotel de Ville (line 1, 11)
Most notable streets: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Place des Vosges, Rue de Turenne and Rue des Rosiers
Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli
When shopping in Paris, don’t miss the large, underground mall, Les Halles.
Situated in the heart of Paris, this shopping centre was originally a huge outdoor food market that was eventually closed down and replaced by stores and boutiques.
Global chain stores dominate here, and you can find many of these same stores on Rue de Rivoli, too. The smaller and more unique specialist boutiques are found on Rue Montorgueil.
The Forum, also situated here, makes for excellent rainy-day shopping. Women’s and menswear, electronics, interior design and gifts are all under one roof.
But be careful… Since this mall is popular with tourists, it’s a known spot for pickpockets.
Metro stop: Chatelet-Les Halles (Line 4)
Most notable streets: Rue de Rivoli, Rue Pierre-Lescot, Rue Etienne Marcel and Rue de Turbigo
Louvre-Tuileries and Faubourg Saint-Honoré
If luxury shopping in Paris is more your style, the district of Faubourg Saint-Honoré is the place for you. It’s situated between the Louvre and the Opéra, and is the core of Paris fashion and design.
Paris is the home of high-end fashion, so naturally you’ll find the flagship stores of Versace, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent here. In addition, the area is only a stone’s throw away from the prestigious department stores on the Boulevard Haussmann.
Don’t miss vintage haute couture at Didier Ludot and trendy luxury at Marc Jacobs, Rick Owens and Stella McCartney.
If you’re looking for a great pair of jeans, Acne Studios is also in this area.
Other shops to visit are Jérôme L’Huillier with gorgeous dresses and Jovoy perfumes. If you’re after a pair of shoes, well, stop by Pierre Hardy, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin.
More budget-friendly fashion is found at Maje and Maison Kitsuné.
Metro stop: Concorde, Tuileries (line 1) and Pyramides (line 7, 14)
Most notable streets: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue de la Paix and Place Vendome
Haussmann-Opera
The district of Haussmann-Saint-Lazare-Opéra is the commercial heart of Paris and the home of the swankiest Parisian department stores.
Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette has been an institution for Paris fashion since the department store opened its doors in 1912. There are five floors of everything you could want in luxury clothing for him, her and children. Right across the street is Lafayette Maison, which is dedicated to the art of interior design and gastronomy.
Printemps
Just a few minutes away from Galeries Lafayette is another department store, Printemps, which many describe as giving a whole new meaning to the concept of luxury. Prada, Alexander McQueen and Gucci are just some of the upscale brands you’ll find here, as well as shoe stores that dreams are made of like Manolo Blahnik.
Metro stop: Havre-Caumartin (line 3 and 9) and Opera (line 3, 7, 8)
Most notable street: Boulevard Haussmann
Avenue des Champs-Élysées og Avenue Montaigne
Champs-Élysées needs no introduction. This particular area of Paris is renowned for its wide range of top-class luxury stores and various purse-friendly chains. Here, you can find Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton, as well as Zara and Gap.
Tip: If you need a quick dose of energy after a few hours of shopping, you can indulge in the world’s most delicious macaroons at the legendary Ladurée shop.
Metro stop: Alma Marceau (line 9), Franklin D. Roosevelt (line 1 and 9) and George V (line 1)
Most notable streets: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue George V, and Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt and Avenue Montaigne
Martyrs-Pigalle
Head to this area if you’re looking for some delightful vintage stores on your Paris shopping trip.
This neighbourhood, once known as the slightly disreputable red-light district in Paris, has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Here you’ll experience a more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere.
This area is known for its many vintage stores, among them Chezelle, Chiffon et Basile and Juju S’Amuse.
Metro stop: Pigalle (line 2 and 12)
Most notable streets/areas: Rue des Martyrs, So-Pi (South of Pigalle)
So there you have it! Something for everyone and enough to scratch that shopping itch in Paris.