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If you love shopping, then Paris is the place for you. It’s the fashion capital of the world and boasts the title of the birthplace of haute couture. If you want to purchase clothes so you can emulate the sophisticated chic of the Parisians you will be spoilt for choice with gorgeous lingerie, fashionable designer outfits and timeless classics on offer in the most elegant of stores.
If vintage clothing is more your thing, you certainly won’t be disappointed – the second hand clothes stores in Paris certainly don’t offer second class goods. When a Parisian decides a timeless classic is timeless, it won’t be heading for the trash. Instead it will be cherished and carefully looked after for years until it is suddenly en vogue and all vintage clothing enthusiasts are clamoring to buy it.
The trinket lover is also well catered for in Paris. A host of jewellers selling beautiful diamond rings, watches, bracelets and necklaces are all there to tempt you. And for those who prefer to look backwards, Paris has more than its fair share of antique stores to browse. It’s also a haven for art lovers, flea market fanatics and those who love to indulge in the very best gourmet food outlets.
It’s no surprise that ‘Paris’ is synonymous with ‘shopping’ in so many people’s minds. So when in Paris, do as the Parisians do and go and visit the best shopping areas in town:
Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the centre of Paris is famous for being home to top name designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes and Versace. Place Vendome, next to one of the most revered shopping streets, Rue da la Paix, is home to famous jewelers including the Cartier store which opened in 1898, and Philippe Tournaire who has made his name with creative jewelry. In this area you will also be able to purchase upmarket cosmetics and beautiful home furnishings.
Boulevard Haussmann is also known as the Paris Department Stores District. These gigantic and esteemed department stores, which include Printemps and Galeries Lafayetter, offer alluring designer clothes, jewelry and gourmet food – you will be more than happy to get lost in the stores’ maze of delights.
Avenue des Champs-Elysées is where the stunning Arc de Triomphe can be seen, but on a shopping trip you may be distracted by names such as Louis Vuitton and a variety of global fashion chain stores like Zara.
If antiques and art are more your thing, visit the Marais Quarter. The main street, Place des Vosges, has a selection of antiques and there are also some great small fashionable boutiques on Rue des Rosiers which sell collections from the newest designers being feted by those in the know.
The Saint-Ouen flea market is the largest in Paris and is found in the north end of the city. There are all manner of things to buy such as vintage clothes and shoes, antiques, interesting memorabilia and other quirky finds.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés has boutiques such as Paco Rabanne, and Le Bon Marché, the well known department store, has a gourment food selection to whet everyone’s appetite. This area is also a great destination to hunt through book stores looking for a rare first edition.
Paris truly is a shopper’s paradise and when you are visiting, don’t miss the chance to see all the wonderful stores that the city has to offer.