One of the most enjoyable things about a visit to the "City of Lights" is shopping in Paris. Paris women - and men -- seem to have a style all of their own.
Paris shopping outlets range from small boutiques to eclectic art galleries to large, stylish department stores. In general, Paris stores are open between 930am and 7pm on Mondays through Saturdays, although individual store hours may vary.
Parisian stores are generally closed on Sundays, and many of the smaller stores close for vacation during the month of August. Most Paris stores accept major credit cards, but street market vendors generally operate on a cash-only basis.
What to Shop for in Paris
Paris is known for its trend-setting fashion, its historic antiques, and its food and wine, among other things.
Fashion – Paris is known, first and foremost, for its fashion, primarily women's fashion. The city boasts some of the most recognizable names in fashion, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Ungaro, just to name a few. A large number of these fashion houses are located in the streets jutting off of the Champs Elysees. Many have adjacent boutiques that sell less expensive prêt-a-porter (ready to wear) apparel. If you are looking for apparel by younger, more avant garde designers, stroll the shops around the Place de la Victoire.
Antiques – Antique shopping in Paris is an art and a pleasure. The city abounds in vintage furniture, fine art, and decorative arts. The serious dealers are amassed along the Rue du Faubourg St. Honore on the Right Bank and on the streets off of the Boulevard St. Germain on the Left Bank. Keep in mind that major purchases (those over 100 years old and/or those costing over one million euros) require a special permit in order to take the piece out of the country. Smaller purchases require a certification of authenticity to avoid paying customs tax on the item. Both of these documents are available from reputable dealers.
Books – Paris has a long association with English and American writers, and English language books, both new and used, are easily found here. For new books, visit W.H. Smith on the Rue de Rivoli, near the Louvre. Visit Shakespeare and Company on the Left Bank of the Seine for a good selection of used and books by expatriate American authors living in Paris (past and present). In the warmer months, stroll along the banks of the Seine and browse through the offerings of the bouquinistes, temporary book stands that set up along the waterfront. Many offer books in English.
Souvenirs – For that small gift item or remembrance of your trip, nothing beats a kitschy souvenir. Paris obliges by offering everything from rhinestone Eiffel Tower pins to miniature Eiffel Tower statues to the ubiquitous "I (heart) Paris" T-shirts. Such souvenirs can be easily found throughout the city, with a good selection offered along the Rue de Rivoli, across from the Louvre.
Food and Wine – Paris is world-famous for its food and wine. Visitors seeking to bring a little bit of it home with them can find a wonderful selection of cheese, cured meat, mustards, vinegars, and wine in the stores along the Place de la Madeleine, especially Fouchon. These food emporiums sell everything from prepared foods (ideal for picnics in the park) to sweets to pickles, vinegars, mustards, and olives – and, of course, wine.
Perfume – French perfume is some of the best in the world. Specialty perfumeries are located on practically ever street corner in Paris. Some of these stores even offer duty-free purchases for foreign visitors. You simply show your passport and your purchase is delivered to the airport prior to your flight out of Paris. For the selection, you can't beat the beauty counters at the Au Printemps department store.
