Travel

What to Buy in Paris: The Ultimate Shopping Guide

Paris isn’t just the City of Light—it’s the ultimate shopping destination. If you’re wondering what to buy in Paris, this guide covers the smartest categories and exactly where to find them: luxury fashion and iconic French handbags, pharmacy skincare, exquisite perfumes, gourmet food, vintage décor, lingerie, stationery, and more. Many items are cheaper in France thanks to lower base prices, VAT refunds (up to ~12%), and favorable exchange rates—so shopping in Paris can be both a style move and a smart one.

The entrance to a Chanel boutique in Paris, featuring classic black and gold signage. What to buy in Paris.
Chanel – A must-buy luxury item when shopping in Paris.

Why It’s Smart to Buy in Paris (Prices, VAT, Exchange Rates)

  • Lower base prices. French maisons often price lower in France than abroad.
  • VAT refund (détaxe). Non-EU residents can claim ~12% back on eligible same-day purchases over the threshold. Bring your passport, ask for détaxe at checkout, and validate forms at airport kiosks before departure. (Check official VAT refund details.)
  • Exchange-rate advantage. Paying in euros can add further savings depending on the rate.

Quick Picks: What to Buy in Paris at a Glance

  • Designer handbags
  • French pharmacy skincare
  • Niche and heritage perfume
  • Macarons & artisan chocolate
  • Copper cookware
  • Linens & ceramics
  • Silk scarves & marinières
  • Stationery & museum prints
  • Vintage fashion & antiques
  • Tea, mustard, and gourmet pantry treats.

Luxury Fashion & Designer Bags

No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in its legendary fashion scene. From Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès to mid-range favorites like Polène and Longchamp, the city offers the perfect mix of luxury and contemporary French style.

The exterior of the Louis Vuitton boutique at Place Vendôme in Paris, featuring a striking golden sunburst display. What to buy in Paris.
Louis Vuitton – The ultimate luxury purchase in Paris.

What to buy

Where to buy

  • Le Bon Marché – The most curated luxury shopping experience (see mini-guide below)
  • Avenue Montaigne & Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – Flagship stores of Chanel, Hermès, Dior
  • Galeries Lafayette & Printemps – High-end department stores with VAT refund services

Why buy here?
Lower base prices, VAT refunds on eligible purchases, and—in some cases—hundreds of euros in savings versus other countries.

Want routes, pricing tips, and VAT tricks? Read my complete guide to luxury shopping in Paris.

French Luxury Jewelry

Paris is the epicenter of luxury jewelry—home to storied maisons and confidential contemporary designers. Whether you’re after timeless diamonds or a modern Parisian aesthetic, you’ll find it here.

The Van Cleef & Arpels boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris, an iconic destination for fine jewelry. What to buy in Paris.
Van Cleef & Arpels – The pinnacle of luxury jewelry shopping in Paris.

Where to buy (heritage maisons)

  • Van Cleef & Arpels (Place Vendôme) – Iconic high jewelry (Alhambra), intricate craftsmanship
  • Cartier (Rue de la Paix & Champs-Élysées) – Love, Juste un Clou, Panthère
  • Chaumet (Place Vendôme) – Royal-favored tiaras and engagement rings
  • Boucheron (Place Vendôme) – Exquisite design marrying heritage and modernity
  • Mellerio (Rue de la Paix) – Oldest family-owned jewelry house (since 1613), bespoke creations

Contemporary/confidential designers

  • Stone Paris – Modern, romantic fine jewelry with antique inspiration
  • Ginette NY – Minimalist gold with a contemporary edge
  • Vanrycke – Delicate, understated everyday luxury
  • Dinh Van – Graphic, rebellious classics (Menottes)

French Skincare & Beauty Products

Parisian pharmacies and beauty boutiques are famous for effective, well-priced skincare and an unmatched range of French brands.

Shelf of Bioderma and Nuxe micellar water products at Citypharma Paris
Citypharma shelves filled with cult-favorite micellar waters from Bioderma and Nuxe.

What to buy

Where to buy

For a dermatologist-backed shopping list, see my guide to the best French pharmacy products (that are actually worth it).

French Perfumes (Heritage to Niche)

Paris is the birthplace of modern perfumery—and still the best place to shop heritage icons and niche creations.

Interior of Officine Universelle Buly – a luxurious beauty and fragrance souvenir from Paris
Bring home a luxurious beauty and fragrance souvenir from Paris with Officine Universelle Buly.

What to buy

Where to buy

Explore more: 17 best French perfume brands you’ll fall in love with and the most beautiful perfume shops in Paris.

French Tableware & Kitchen Essentials

Paris is heaven for porcelain, cookware, and classic French “art de la table.”

What to buy in Paris: Astier de Villatte white ceramic vase with pink peonies on a black console
What to buy in Paris: hand-made ceramic tableware by Astier de Villatte—timeless pieces for a chic French table. Photo: Astier de Villatte.

What to buy

Pick up white porcelain plates, classic café bowls, and linen tea towels to set a quietly elegant French table; add a wooden cheese board with a slim Laguiole or Sabatier knife for apéro at home. Cooks should look for copper sauté pans, carbon-steel fry pans, and sturdy whisks and spatulas built to last. For a touch of Parisian chic, bring home Astier de Villatte–style ceramics, fine crystal stemware, or a Le Creuset piece in a timeless neutral.

Where to buy

Books, Stationery & Art Supplies

For readers, writers, and artists, Paris has irresistible paper goods and iconic bookstores.

The exterior of Papeteries Gaubert, a historic stationery shop in Paris known for high-quality paper and writing accessories, essential what to buy in Paris.
Papeteries Gaubert – A must-visit for French stationery lovers in Paris.

What to buy

Bring back a stamped English-language classic, a museum exhibition catalog, or vintage posters and postcards from the riverbanks. Stationery lovers should seek archival notebooks, deckle-edged cards, wax seals and nibs, and French inks in elegant hues. Artists will love soft pastels, watercolor sets, sable brushes, and sketchbooks—all the tools for a Left Bank studio moment at home.

Where to buy

French Lingerie & Sleepwear

Parisian lingerie is renowned for elegance and craftsmanship—whether you love lace or minimalist cuts.

Model wearing a black bra and thong by French lingerie brand LIVY
An intricate lingerie set by the French brand LIVY.

What to buy

Invest in lace balconette bras, silk or modal slips, and high-waisted briefs with delicate finishes—pieces that feel as good as they look. For minimalist luxury, choose clean-line sets in skin-flattering neutrals; for boudoir, try embroidered tulle, satin details, and subtle bondage-inspired hardware. Round out the drawer with loungy pajama separates and a soft robe that still reads Parisian.

Where to buy

Compare fits, sizing, and where to shop in my guide to the best French lingerie brands.

Unique Parisian Souvenirs

Beyond the usual keychains, Paris has chic, non-touristy souvenirs that actually feel like the city.

Exterior of Marin Montagut boutique in Paris, a must-visit store for vintage-inspired Parisian home decor and unique souvenirs essential to what to buy in Paris.
Marin Montagut – One of the best places to buy Parisian home decor and illustrated gifts.

What to buy

Choose illustrated glassware and trays, hand-lettered notebooks, or limited-edition prints from small ateliers. Beauty lovers can bring home oil-based perfumes, hand creams, and scented matches in old-world packaging. For something poetic, pick dried flower posies, a linen tea cloth, or a single café coaster—small, storied objects that feel unmistakably Paris.

Where to buy

  • Marin Montagut – Illustrated mugs, notebooks, and décor
  • Officine Universelle Buly – Perfumed creams/oils in vintage-style packaging
  • Marché aux Fleurs Reine-Elizabeth II – Dried bouquets and botanical gifts on Île de la Cité

Craving more giftable finds? Browse my guide to the best souvenirs from Paris.

Gourmet French Food to Bring Home

No Paris trip is complete without fine gastronomy—and a few treats in your suitcase.

The entrance of Verlet, one of Paris' oldest specialty coffee and tea houses, located in the 1st arrondissement. What to buy in Paris.
Verlet Paris – A hidden gem for gourmet coffee and tea lovers.

What to buy

Where to buy

Vintage Home Décor & Antiques

If you love one-of-a-kind décor, Parisian flea markets and brocantes are treasure troves.

Neon sign for Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, the largest antique market in Paris.
Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen.

What to buy

Hunt for gilt mirrors, bistro chairs, enameled street signs, and mid-century lighting with patina. Linens and tabletop are rich ground: monogrammed sheets, hemstitched napkins, faience platters, and silver-plate flatware mix beautifully with modern pieces. If you fall for something large, ask about vendor shipping—many dealers can crate and send abroad.

Where to buy

  • Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (Clignancourt) – One of the world’s largest flea markets; many vendors ship to the U.S.
  • Marché aux Puces de Vanves – Smaller, less touristy; great for art, books, and décor
  • Paris brocantes & estate sales – Pop-ups year-round (check Brocabrac for dates)
  • Specialty vintage shops – Merci Paris; Les Années Folles for curated industrial/vintage edits

Vintage Fashion & Secondhand Shopping

Paris is also a paradise for pre-loved fashion—from affordable thrifting to rare haute couture.

A rack of vintage sweaters outside a Paris shop, showcasing French thrift fashion
Vintage sweaters on display outside a shop—Paris is full of secondhand gems waiting to be discovered.

What to buy

Look for pre-loved Chanel jackets, Hermès scarves, and YSL dresses, but don’t skip perfectly broken-in leather jackets, silk blouses, and tailored trousers from lesser-known labels. Accessories—top-handle bags, belts, clip-on earrings, and cashmere cardigans—deliver maximum Paris for minimal suitcase space. In kilo shops, focus on fabric and cut first; at high-end boutiques, prioritize condition and timelessness.

Where to buy

  • Kilo Shops & Affordable Thrift Stores
    For budget-friendly finds, head to Kilo Shop or Free’P’Star, where clothing is priced by weight. These stores are great for uncovering cool leather jackets, 70s blouses, and retro accessories.
  • High-End Vintage Designer Stores
    If you’re looking for pre-loved Chanel, Hermès, or Yves Saint Laurent, check out curated vintage shops like Gabrielle Geppert, Thanx God I’m a V.I.P., or Didier Ludot (located in the Palais Royal area). These boutiques specialize in luxury secondhand fashion, ensuring authenticity and excellent quality.
  • Trendy & Curated Vintage Boutiques
    Shops like Come On Eileen, Tilt Vintage, and Nuovo Paris offer a mix of high-quality vintage, unique statement pieces, and timeless Parisian fashion.
  • Le Marais & Saint-Germain-des-Prés
    Both of these neighborhoods have a fantastic selection of independent vintage stores, from bohemian 70s-inspired fashion to rare designer gems. Simply wandering through these areas can lead to incredible fashion discoveries.

For store maps, price-by-weight tips, and sizing notes, see my guide to thrift shopping in Paris.

Budget Buys That Still Feel Parisian

Vintage black-and-white Paris postcards from bouquinistes – a nostalgic souvenir from Paris
Vintage Paris postcards from the bouquinistes along the Seine are timeless and affordable souvenirs from Paris.

Tote bags from museum and bookstore shops, marinières under €100, vintage postcards from the bouquinistes, classic berets, tins of Mariage Frères tea, and Angelina hot chocolate mix—small prices, big Paris energy.

Map Your Shopping Day (Left Bank Favorite)

Start at Le Bon Marché / La Grande Épicerie → stroll Saint-Germain-des-Prés for fashion, perfume, and homeware → finish with tea or chocolate shopping. Follow my Saint-Germain shopping itinerary for a ready-made route.

FAQs: What to Buy in Paris

Which luxury brand is cheaper to buy in Paris?
French maisons (bags, shoes, SLGs) often cost less in France; you’ll also benefit from VAT refunds. Availability varies—call ahead for wish-list items.

What should I buy at a French pharmacy?
High-performance skincare (cleansers, thermal waters, sunscreens, serums) at everyday prices. See The Best French Pharmacy Products.

Where should I shop for everything in one place?
Le Bon Marché for luxury/fashion/beauty/home, La Grande Épicerie for food, and Galeries Lafayette / Printemps for multi-brand luxury.

What’s the difference between this guide and your souvenirs list?
This page is about what’s smart to buy in Paris (categories, where, savings). The souvenirs post focuses on giftable take-home items: Best Souvenirs from Paris.

Similar Posts