Curator’s statement
Paris is one of the world’s most iconic shopping destinations, and many people visit it for that express purpose. While Paris is known for haute couture fashion and luxury goods, there are many great stores to discover that sell wonderful things at all price points. This guide highlights just a few of my personal favorites.
Here is one thing to know about shopping in Paris - you may want to bring along your passport. This is because many stores will give you paperwork allowing you to receive 12% of your value-added tax (VAT) back when you make a purchase (or multiple purchases) totaling 100 euros or more from the same store.
In the United States, sales tax is generally added to our purchases, while in Europe, that tax is already included in the price. If you’re not a permanent resident of Europe, you’re eligible to claim some of that money back when you leave the country. The key is, you have to present your passport so the store can complete the paperwork. Photocopies are not accepted.
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Things to do in Paris
For yourself:
Officine Universelle Buly - Take a step back in time to this old-world French pharmacy specializing in beauty products. Here you can buy engraved mirrors, combs and brushes; personalized lip balms and soaps; exquisite perfumes and lotions; and lots of other treasures. Many items are further personalized with beautiful calligraphy on the packaging. If you visit the store earlier in the day, they will customize your items while you wait. If you arrive toward closing time, you may be asked to return the next day to pick up your personalized purchases.
Find It: 6 rue Bonaparte 75006 (Saint-Germain-Des-Près); 45 rue de Saintonge 75003 (Le Haut Marais); 19 rue Vieille du Temple 75004 (Le Marais)
Sezane - You may have seen this brand on Instagram, but there is nothing like visiting one of its Paris “appartements” to try things on for yourself. Founder Morgane Sézalory wanted to make her stores feel like you were invited into her home, and you surely will when you enter one of the locations. You’ll find chic French clothing with beautiful details, luxurious leather goods, accessories and miscellaneous gifts not available online.
Find It: Paris store locations can be found here <link to: https://www.sezane.com/fr/nos-adresses>
Le Bon Marche - This is one of Paris' oldest and most prestigious department stores, and it offers an incredible shopping experience. Explore the beautifully curated fashion, home decor, and gourmet food sections. If you can’t make it to a stand-alone Buly or Sezane store, you’ll find curated selections of both brands’ products here. Make sure to visit the rooftop terrace to catch beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and the city.
Find It: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007
La Samaritaine - This department store is a great place not only to shop, but to take in some stunning architecture and interior design. It has been standing in Paris since 1869, but was acquired by LVMH and re-imagined as a luxury shopping destination that reopened in 2021. You’ll find high-fashion brands and continental Europe’s largest beauty space inside, along with a whimsical concept boutique called Loulou. (Loulou is a great place to find unique gifts you didn’t even know you were looking for). La Samaritaine has several dining options as well.
Find it: 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001
For the kids in your life:
Bonton - This store is such a treasure trove. You’ll find a mix of kids’ clothing & toys, unique home goods, and some clothing and accessories for women. The flagship location in the Marais even offers children’s haircuts! You can browse some of the offerings online here, but there is SO much more to see in the store.
Find It: Flagship Store - 5 Bd des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris (The Marais) - Other locations throughout Paris
Le Petit Souk - This is a great place to shop for children’s gifts at all price points. Whether you’re looking for wooden toys, dress-up items, children’s tableware, or other fun knick-knacks, chances are you’ll find it here! The merchandise is loosely organized by color and/or theme, and it is so much fun to look through.
Find It: Paris store locations can be found here <link to: https://www.lepetitsouk.fr/boutiques.html>
Jacadi - Jacadi is the place to find high-quality clothing and accessories for children. The brand caters to a wide age range, and you can find everything from baby onesies to chic outfits for school-age kids. While Jacadi clothes are available in the U.S., I found the prices to be much lower in Paris!
Find It: Paris store locations can be found here <link to: https://www.jacadi.us/store-finder/?q=PARIS&latitude=48.85852624&longitude=2.32346902>
For edible gifts:
Ladurée - French macarons are a classic and beloved treat! At Ladurée, you can choose your own beautiful box and fill it with a customized combination of macarons. There are 12 classic flavors to choose from, along with a rotating collection of seasonal flavors. Several locations have beautiful tea rooms you can dine at, including Royale (the original location), Champs Elysées (though this tea room is currently closed for renovations) and Bonaparte.
Angelina - If you’re looking for the best hot chocolate in Paris, you’ll find it at Angelina. The shop also sells teas, chocolates, candies, pastries, macarons and more, all in beautiful packaging. Their signature pastry is the Mont Blanc, and it has been made the same way since the early 1900’s. If your visit makes you hungry, you can enjoy light bites or a meal in Angelina’s tearoom!
Find It: Paris locations can be found here <link to: https://www.angelina-paris.fr/?y_source=1_MTE5MzAwODYtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=>
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris.