Paris Shopping

Paris, with streets lined by eclectic boutiques, sweet patisseries, local artists’ shops, and couture fashion labels, is a shopper’s dreamland. Finding unique must-have treasures is no hardship when there are specialty shops for just about anything you can imagine. No matter what is on the shopping list or the size of the budget, Paris is one of the most enjoyable places in the world to shop. Those with tastes (and wallets) geared toward the finer things in life should head for 8th street where a number of couture labels such as Christian Lacroix, Christian Dior, and Chanel keep shop. There are fabulous little boutiques scattered all around the city as well. Because Paris is a historic city, the buildings in which many establishments are located have been preserved; this is also why most stores are quite small. But what they lack in space they make up for in charm. Just be careful about businesses located near historic landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower as these areas are dense in tourist shops selling poor quality souvenirs. France’s crown jewel of a city also boasts some of the best department stores in the world. Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is a shopper’s Mecca with its incredible stained glass dome casting light down over the many levels filled with every product imaginable from brands big and small. If a more personal (and affordable) experience sounds more appealing then Paris’ countless open-air markets and flea market areas are the perfect options. Most Parisians frequent these open-air markets and visiting one will provide an immersing experience of local culture. Stalls with everything from fresh produce to jewelry crafted by local artisans can be found here for excellent prices. One of the most popular places is the Saint Ouen Flea Market on Porte de Clignancourt, but do be wary of pickpockets. With such a vast variety of places to go, Paris contains all of the elements necessary for the ideal shopping experience. Whether in the market for a famous name brand label or one-of-a-kind pieces of art, Paris has it all and more.