The 10 best places for shopping in Paris

Paris is bristling with stylish shopping streets and neighbourhoods, which can make finding your favourite a tiring task. Where you shop in Paris will depend on your taste and budget. While some love a sleek, high-end boutique, many feel more comfortable in a vintage treasure trove, rustling through rails to find a one-of-a-kind gem.

The ten best shopping areas in Paris include:

1. Louvre-Tuileries
2. Boulevard Haussmann
3. Marais
4. Champs-Elysées
5. St-Germain-des-Prés
6. Rue de Rivoli
7. Saint-Ouen
8. Canal Saint-Martin
9. Montmartre
10. Paris Flea Markets

Let’s take a look at these shopping spots, so you can figure out the ones you’d like to visit.

1. Louvre-Tuileries 

 

Head to the Louvre-Tuileries district in the bustling 1st arrondissement for the most iconic designer boutiques in the world. The area is home to many of the city’s best-loved landmarks, including Rue Saint-Honoré, a breathtaking street boasting some of the most famous high-end retail in Paris.

The crème de la crème of French designer fashion and cosmetics, Louvre-Tuileries is ideal for window shopping after a trip to the Louvre or Palais-Royal. Raining? You’ll find plenty of covered arcades practically bursting with elegant boutiques.

2. Boulevard Haussmann

 

The heart of Parisian shopping, tree-lined Boulevard Haussmann is one of the most beautiful and historical streets in the city. The area is dominated by Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. These towering department stores are glimmering and grand inside, packed with designer collections, gourmet food, high-end homeware, and much more.

For something extra special, head up to the 7th floor of the Galeries Lafayette and take in the view from the roof terrace. Spot the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other Parisian landmarks. It’s a perfect way to end your shopping trip.

3. Marais

 

The historical Marais quarter is home to eclectic and high-end boutiques, one-of-a-kind vintage stores, artisan jewellers, and plenty of cosmetics and perfume shops. There’s something for everyone in this unique location.

Le Marais is one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods. Think old-world elegance everywhere you turn and a bustling contemporary vibe you can’t help but get stuck into. There are a lot of independent boutiques in this area. Swing by Village Saint-Paul for antiques and vintage bits you won’t find anywhere else.

4. Champs-Elysées

 

So well-loved there’s a song about it, the Champs-Elysées is an absolute must whether you’re visiting Paris to shop or simply to sightsee. This picturesque avenue is almost two kilometres in length, running from Place de la Concorde to the iconic Arc de Triomphe.

There’s something for everyone on the Champs-Elysées, although the thoroughfare is best known for its high-end designer offering. Visit luxury perfumier Guerlain, the Louis Vuitton flagship, and many more French brands along the way. There are lots of choices to suit all budgets, including Gap, Zara, Sephora, and Nike stores.

5. St-Germain-des-Prés

 

St-Germain-des-Prés, in the 6th arrondissement, was the meeting point for artistic celebrities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Walk in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Pablo Picasso when you visit this classic Parisian neighbourhood.

Forget directions and let yourself get lost, wandering from street to street during a leisurely afternoon in St-Germain-des-Prés. Look out for Karl Lagerfeld’s bookshop, plenty of independent antique dealers, and the iconic Bon Marché department store.

6. Rue de Rivoli

 

This well-known street is a favourite among shoppers in the French capital thanks to its abundance of mainstream chains and luxury boutiques. Head here for the likes of Zara, H&M, and Mango. For some antique shops and independent galleries, make your way to the western end of the street.

Why not enjoy a stroll along the ever-bustling Rue de Rivoli after a trip to the Louvre? Most visitors find themselves in this area for some reason or another, making it a hassle-free choice for great shopping in Paris.

7. Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine

 

In the northern suburbs of Paris, Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine is home to possibly the largest flea market in Europe. The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen boasts over 3,000 stalls selling everything from 17th- to 21st-century furniture, clothing, and crafts.

The markets in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine can feel like a maze to first-timers. To help you get to grips with this one-of-a-kind shopping destination, here are some of the main markets and what to look out for:

• Marché Malassis for toys, vintage cameras, and furniture
• Marché Dauphine for furniture and ceramics
• Marché Biron for unique lighting, furniture, and other ornaments
• Marché Vernaison for a variety of fashion, books, prints, and kitchenware
• Marché Paul Bert for 19th- and 20th-century furniture
• Marché Lecuyer for bargains and unrestored antiques

8. Canal Saint-Martin

 

Canal Saint-Martin is a bohemian neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants, galleries, and independent boutiques to explore. Flit around trendy canal-side shops and pick up unique clothes, jewellery, and accessories to remind you of your trip for many years to come.

Looking for record shops in Paris? Visit Music Please for well-stocked racks of vinyl spanning genres from old-school hip-hop to reggae and funk. Whatever you’re into, you’re sure to find something you love in Canal Saint-Martin, one of the city’s most exciting new shopping districts.

9. Montmartre

 

A bohemian hub in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is bursting with quirky independent boutiques, vintage clothes shops, and treasure-trove antique dealers. Visit tiny-but-charming Brocante des Abbesses market for second-hand bits. Or dive into record stores like Exodisc and Le Rideau de Fer to boost your collection back home.

As you wander around Montmartre, look out for the original Jaquemus store on Rue Ganneron. The French designer behind the brand started out as a teen in Paris, ascending to global fame thanks to his unique designs and playful approach to the industry.

10. Paris flea markets

We’ve already mentioned Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, but there are plenty more flea markets to explore during your time in Paris. The pests that gave their name to this type of market are long gone, leaving behind a wonderful tradition that includes browsing, bargaining, and bagging treasures at often unbelievable prices.

Les Puces de Clignancourt is less famous than St-Ouen, which means fewer tourists and more locals at this flea market. You’ll find everything from vintage clothes to homeware and lighting, just be patient and enjoy!

There’s another flea market in Vanves, a commune in the southwestern suburbs of the city. It’s more manageable than its northern counterparts, covering just two avenues. Be sure to arrive early for the best chances of finding a treasure.

Getting to Paris by train

The best shopping streets in Paris are scattered throughout the city, which means you’ll need to cover a lot of distance if you’re planning to explore on foot. Luckily, there’s a much easier way to travel, with convenient and reliable train services available to whisk you around in no time.

There are six major train stations in Paris offering plenty of services around France and Europe. If you’re already in France, TGV trains connect several French cities to Paris. Some of the most in-demand routes into Paris include Lyon to Paris (1h 55m), Bordeaux to Paris (2h 9m), Strasbourg to Paris (2h 23m) and Avignon TGV to Paris (2h 41m).

It’s also easy to get to Paris from other European destinations, with the routes from London to Paris (2h 13m), Amsterdam to Paris (3h 12m), Brussels to Paris (1h 22m), and Zurich to Paris (4h 6m) being the most popular ones.