Paris is one of my favorite shopping destinations in the world— and probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. Yes, it’s the fashion capital of the world and home to some of the most reputable designer brands… but there’s far more to the story. Whether you prefer to buy new or antique, clothes or home goods- Paris has plenty to offer. While my full list of favorite recommendations are reserved for my travel planning clients, below are 10 of the best places to shop in Paris.
1.SAMARITAIN:
This is one of the most beloved department stores in Paris that recently underwent a massive renovation (it's spectacular!) I came for some Celiné perfume I've wanted for a while but lingered a lot longer at all there is to see. If you hire my team to plan your trip, our clients receive access to enjoy a personalized private shopping experience here. You’ll receive a session with the Samaritain personal stylist, accompanied by a drink in the comfort of their private lounge (plus a simplified checkout and tax refund!)
LOCATION: 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris, France
2. OFFICINE UNIVERSELLE BULY 1803:
Officine Universelle Buly 1803 is an iconic perfume store in Saint Germain. They can emboss your initials on their hand soaps or on a lip balm case (makes for a great souvenir). They also have amazing scented match sticks, bath salts and body oils (amongst other treasures!) It’s very old world and delightful!
LOCATION: There are multiple, but the original is 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
3. SÉZANE
Easily one of my favorite stores of all time—with a very popular online store! Sézane offers timeless, classics, as well as chic, contemporary pieces. The quality is great for the very reasonable price-point, and they recently became B Corp certified! They have multiple stores across Paris, but I always prefer their L'Appartement in the 2nd.
LOCATION: 1 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 75002 Paris, France
4. LE BON MARCHÉ
Located right in the heart of Saint Germain (my favorite neighborhood in Paris!) is Le Bon Marche. This was one of the first modern department stores and is still wildly popular amongst Parisians and tourists alike.
LOCATION: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France
5. ASTIER DE VILLATTE
This beautiful ceramics store (yes, I did seek out more ceramics #IYKYK) is in the heart of the city. They are a Parisian-based artisanal workshop and are known for their unique and unmistakably French home wear & milky white ceramics. They also have an online shop if you want to browse (I am eyeing some of their dinner plates, but this trip I purchased a small medallion for our walls that resembles what people used to collect on their Grand Tours.
LOCATION: 173 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
6. MARCHÉ AUX PUCES / PARIS FLEA MARKET
This is a sprawling antiques & vintage street market with over 2,500 sellers (you could spend a full day here and still not see everything!) I know of shop owners who come here to get stock for their stores (as well as interior designers who come to source antiques). I found some great artwork I loved - among other things!) It’s open on weekends & Mondays (but double check before you go to be safe, as things can always change).
LOCATION: 99 All. des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France
7. LE GRAND EPICIERIE
Le Grand Epicierie is a fancy French grocery store (locations across the city) but makes for great souvenir shopping! I purchased the parmesan sablés, almond and hazelnut caramels and chocolate covered hazelnuts. Oh! Plus some French butter to bring home (you can even have it wrapped so you can fly it home in your checked bag!)
LOCATION: Multiple across the city- but I went to: 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France
8. SIMRANE
Simrane is a haven for textile enthusiasts. I purchased our most used table napkins here a couple years ago, and on this most recent trip I purchased a bed quilt to use in lieu of a down comforter for warmer weather months.
LOCATION: 23&25 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
9. ALIX D. REYNIS
A must-stop shopping spot in Saint Germain. Gorgeous ceramics and other home goods/ trinkets
LOCATION: 22 Rue Jacob, 75006 Paris, France
10. SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY
Probably not a secret to you, but in case you aren’t already familiar with the historic Shakespeare & Company, this independent bookstore is an icon in Paris (you can read more about the history here). If you’re looking for a fun souvenir, I always suggest to pick up a copy of Julia Child’s “The Art of French Cooking” from here (as she used to come here to purchase her cookbooks when she lived in Paris!) Whatever purchase you make, be sure to ask them to stamp the inside cover with their signature seal.
LOCATION: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
While there is a lot more I could add to this, hopefully this list is enough to get you started. If you’d like help customizing a Paris itinerary that suits your interests, preferences and budget, my team would love to help! Learn more about our travel planning services HERE.
If you’d like to travel to Paris but can’t talk your friends into booking the trip, we’d love to have you join us on an Atlas Adventures trip! Our tours are designed to create fun experiences & facilitate meaningful connections with other like-minded travelers.
Merci for reading! I appreciate you being here.
xx