Last updated: October 1st, 2024
People are drawn to Paris from all over the world for many reasons. Some visit for its rich history – eager to witness the iconic buildings that have withstood the test of time. Others come for the culinary masterpieces – knowing that every restaurant promises a delicious meal. But for many, fashion is the main attraction—whether it’s to see what’s new in the season or to be surrounded by beautifully curated shops and stylish locals. Shopping in Paris is not just an activity; it’s a quintessential part of the Parisian experience!
The shopping possibilities in Paris are endless. As a global fashion hub, Paris houses luxurious brands and high-end couture shops sprinkled throughout the city. Even if high fashion isn’t your style or budget, exploring these stores offers a fascinating glimpse into Paris’s vibrant culture. I mean, who doesn’t love a little window shopping?
In this guide, you’ll find some of Paris’s most beautiful and iconic stores that every first-time visitor should not miss. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or simply enjoy admiring the works of art, these spots are worth a visit—even if you don’t end up buying anything! Let’s dive into the shopping gems of Paris!
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Tips for visiting Paris:
🗺️ Plan your itinerary wisely. If it’s your first visit, aim for at least 4-5 days to fully immerse yourself in Paris. Do NOT underestimate the size of the city! Even after visiting 10 times, I still have a lengthy bucket list of attractions and experiences I haven’t gotten around to yet. To truly enjoy your visit without feeling rushed, allow yourself ample time to explore at your own pace.
📍If you’ve visited before, look for hidden gems! Consider venturing off the beaten path to discover lesser-known spots around the city! My Paris bucket list seems endless, with new restaurants to try and hidden museums waiting to be discoveredI recommend looking into less touristy and unique things to do in Paris if you’ve already checked off the big tourist attractions off your list!
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🌳 Plan a city break into your itinerary. If you have the time, I recommend mixing a city break into your itinerary with a day trip outside of Paris or a visit to a park or garden in Paris! A popular choice is the Palace of Versailles, where you can find stunning gardens and luxurious history. (Check out my tutorial on how to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris!) However, if you’re looking for something a little less crowded, head over to Pierrefonds, a hidden gem picturesque castle just outside of Paris!
🔎 Looking for help planning your trip to Paris? I’ve successfully helped several travelers, just like you, craft their dream trip to Paris. One client said, “We let Caity know the types of activities we were interested in and she delivered! This was my first time using a pre-planned itinerary, and it was such peace of mind having everything already done for us.” Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or as a couple, I’d love to help you make the most of your trip. Click HIRE ME to learn more about my travel planning services!
Must-see Department Stores in Paris
Gallery Lafayette
Nestled behind the stunning Palais Garnier (the Paris Opera House), the Gallery Lafayette department store is not just another department store – it was once one of the top tourist attractions in Paris. This huge shopping center might very well blow you away! While you’ll find Galeries Lafayette stores across France, this Parisian gem is a must-visit for its breathtaking interior.
As you step inside, make your way to the center of the store and look up. Your eyes will be met with a stunning Art Nouveau glass dome. At one point in time, this store was considered the second top tourist destination in Paris, second to the Eiffel Tower of course. It was so highly regarded that during World War II, they actually removed the glass dome to prevent it from being damaged. As you visit, don’t forget to explore each floor and admire the dome from different angles.
PRO TIP: If you’re shopping in Paris and are a vintage clothing lover, don’t miss the vintage and used clothes section on the top floor! And for a unique experience, head to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular panoramic view of the city—it’s free! You can access it by riding the escalator to the top floor of the building et voilà, the perfect Instagram view of Paris.
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✨ Pair this with a visit to the Palais Garnier! It’s right next door and has an interiror comparable to the beauty of the Palace of Versailles!
Le Printemps
Just a short walk from the Galeries Lafayette, another department store, Printemps, stretches across three impressive buildings, each dedicated to different themes: “La Mode” for fashion, “Beauty and Home,” and one for menswear. Known for its historic innovations, Printemps was one of the first department stores to introduce sales as we know them today and elevators!
The store offers a wide selection of high-end brands and products, making it a luxurious spot for window shopping. Be sure to visit during the holiday season to see their iconic window displays, which are nothing short of extravagant and magical.
While Galeries Lafayette amazes us with its interior, the exterior of Printemps is equally striking! The building is covered with gold accents, vibrant window displays, and floral decorations cascading over the facade. You can easily spend an afternoon admiring the clothes and the exterior of the 3 buildings while enjoying a break at one of the cafes inside.
Le Bon Marché
You can’t talk about department store shopping in Paris without mentioning Le Bon Marché. Established in 1852, it holds the title of the world’s first department store, and it’s still a shopping marvel today.
Le Bon Marché is home to La Grande Épicerie, where they offer an astonishing selection of 30,000 gourmet products! I personally find that insane! Not only can you find fashion, foods and beauty products, like most department stores. Inside Le Bon Marché you can also find an art exhibition space. This is what makes this store truly unique is its blend of traditional French market charm, luxury shopping, with a modern art space. This shopping experience is like no other—where you can shop, dine, and appreciate art all under one roof.
✨ Combine this with a visit to the Musee d’Orsay! Less than a 20 minute walk away from Le Bon Marche, you can visit one of my favourite museums in Paris!
Can’t-miss iconic shops in Paris
Original Chanel Shop
Tucked away on a charming side street not far from the bustling Haussmann shopping area lies a true hidden gem: the original Chanel store. This iconic store, established in 1910 at number 21, is where the legendary brand began its journey. As I stood outside, I was met with a long line of eager shoppers, itching to experience a piece of fashion history.
This shop was the first modern boutique, expanding in 1918 to offer women an array of hats, perfumes, accessories, jewelry, and beauty products. Today, it still serves as the company’s headquarters, making it a unique historical landmark worth visiting for any fashion lover shopping in Paris.
Louis Vuitton
Another renowned name that traces its roots back to Paris is Louis Vuitton. While the original Louis Vuitton store has sadly closed, there are still plenty of incredible locations around the city. The location at the Place Vendôme, is more or less around the corner from the original store!
However, the Champs-Élysées flagship store is an absolute must-see when shopping in Paris! The exterior alone hints its going to be a luxury experience. Spanning an impressive 1,800 m², this store is the largest Louis Vuitton store in the world, showcasing the brand’s luxury and style.
Prepare to wait before entering as there’s usually a long line to get in. But trust me, waiting in line is part of the experience. Once inside, it feels like stepping into a museum dedicated to luxury and craftsmanship, with five floors filled with products and stunning displays for you to explore!
✨ Add a stop to the Arc de Triomphe on your way! Getting off at the metro stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile on line 1 will leave you directly in front of the Arc de Triomphe (my favourite view in Paris) and only a nine-minute walk away from the Louis Vuitton shop!
Shopping in Paris: MOBILE-FRIENDLY GUIDE
Looking for a mobile-friendly version of this list? Check out my FREE Thatch guide!
Ready for your next visit to Paris?
As it says in the title, this is a beginner’s guide to shopping in Paris – the go-to’s and must-sees. While I’ve highlighted some of the city’s luxurious gems, there are also countless non-luxury shops and unique experiences. The key is knowing where to look! But hopefully for now, this has given you enough fashion inspiration for your next visit to Paris.
If you’re looking for a more tailored experience, I offer custom travel planning services on Thatch! Like with other clients I can help you can build your dream itinerary, discuss your trip details, or receive personalized recommendations. I’d love to help make your trip to Paris a memorable one!
