Paris isn’t just the capital of France—it’s the world’s fashion capital. From legendary couture houses to historic shopping streets, iconic museums, and exclusive experiences, the City of Light offers endless inspiration for fashion lovers. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado, a vintage treasure hunter, or simply want to immerse yourself in Parisian style, this guide will take you through the ultimate list of fashion things to do in Paris.
1. Visit Iconic Fashion Landmarks
A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the most legendary fashion destinations:
Avenue Montaigne & Rue Saint-Honoré – These prestigious streets are lined with the world’s most luxurious fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Saint Laurent.
Galeries Lafayette & Le Bon Marché – Two of Paris’s most famous department stores, offering everything from haute couture to contemporary fashion.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent – Step inside the creative world of Yves Saint Laurent and explore his atelier, iconic designs, and the history of the brand.
Fondation Azzedine Alaïa – A hidden gem in the Marais, dedicated to the craftsmanship and timeless style of Azzedine Alaïa.
2. Shop Like a Parisian
Paris is synonymous with luxury shopping. But beyond the iconic flagships, the city offers a whole universe of fashion to discover—if you know where to look.
Luxury Shopping
Le Bon Marché – The world’s first department store, a must-visit for luxury fashion and curated designer collections.
Dior 30 Montaigne – Beyond the museum, the revamped Dior boutique offers exclusive pieces, a café, and even a pastry shop.
Printemps and Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – A mix of established luxury houses and emerging designers, with a spectacular rooftop view of Paris.
Concept Stores
Dover Street Market Paris – Rei Kawakubo’s multi-brand fashion haven, featuring avant-garde designers, luxury streetwear, and exclusive capsule collections in a cutting-edge space.
Kith Paris – The stylish outpost of the cult New York-based brand, offering a mix of streetwear, exclusive collaborations, and a sleek in-house café.
Merci – A curated space in the Marais featuring independent designers, homeware, and accessories.
The Broken Arm – A fashion-forward concept store blending high-end and avant-garde labels.
Vintage & Thrift Shopping
Thanx God I’m a VIP – A color-coded vintage haven filled with Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Hermès pieces.
Nuovo – A small but expertly curated shop with a mix of vintage high fashion and trendy pieces.
Kiliwatch Paris – A treasure trove of vintage and secondhand designer pieces in the heart of the city.
3. Discover Fashion Museums & Exhibitions
Paris is home to some of the most spectacular fashion exhibitions, many hosted in historic locations:
Palais Galliera – Musée de la Mode – The city’s premier fashion museum, showcasing rotating exhibits on French couture and iconic designers.
Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Frequently hosts retrospectives on legendary designers like Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Musée de la Mode et du Textile – Features incredible historical fashion collections.
La Galerie Dior – Explore the couture house’s history in the mansion where Christian Dior revolutionized fashion. Online reservation recommended.
Tip: Check the current exhibitions before your visit—Paris always has exciting fashion showcases!
4. Enjoy Chic Parisian Cafés & Restaurants
Fashion insiders know that where you eat in Paris is just as stylish as what you wear. These spots combine culinary excellence with effortlessly chic crowds:
Sushi Park Paris – Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent’s creative director’s favorite sushi from LA has reopened and sure to attract the fashion crowds.
Loulou – A dreamy restaurant inside the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries.
Girafe Paris – Known for its Eiffel Tower views and elegant crowd.
Café de Flore – The legendary Left Bank café where icons like Karl Lagerfeld and Brigitte Bardot once sipped espresso.
Ralph’s – A sophisticated dining spot by Ralph Lauren, set in a beautiful Parisian courtyard.
Caviar Kaspia – The go-to restaurant for fashion week insiders, serving caviar, baked potatoes, and champagne.
Lapérouse – many influencer fashion events take place here. Find out why.
La Belle Époque – A glamorous brasserie-style restaurant with Art Nouveau decor that feels like a fashion shoot set come to life. Expect a stylish crowd and a truly photogenic space.
5. Experience Fashion Week & Special Events
If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris during Fashion Week, you’ll witness the city at its most glamorous. Even if you don’t have front-row access, there are plenty of ways to experience the energy:
People-watch outside runway venues – The Grand Palais, Palais de Tokyo, and Hôtel de Ville are hotspots for street style photography.
Attend open-to-the-public events – Some designers host presentations, pop-ups, or afterparties that non-industry insiders can attend.
Book a VIP shopping experience – Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior offer private shopping appointments during Fashion Week.
Paris also hosts seasonal vintage fairs, sample sales, and pop-up designer events, making it the perfect time to score unique finds.
6. Take a Fashion Tour or Workshop
For a hands-on fashion experience, try one of these unique activities:
Perfume-making workshop – Create your own custom scent at Fragonard or Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
Fashion history walking tour – Learn about the evolution of Parisian fashion while strolling through legendary streets like Rue Cambon.
Luxury embroidery workshop – Book a masterclass at Lesage, a historic atelier that embroiders for Chanel.
7. Relax in Paris’s Most Stylish Hotels
To fully immerse yourself in Parisian fashion, stay in a hotel that exudes luxury and style:
Le Ritz – Coco Chanel’s longtime residence, blending historic elegance with modern luxury.
Le Meurice – A palace hotel with opulent interiors and a strong connection to fashion history.
Cheval Blanc Paris – Owned by LVMH, featuring a Dior spa and breathtaking Seine views.
Hôtel Costes – Known for its moody interiors and iconic scent, this hotel draws models, editors, and designers alike.
Soho House Paris – A favorite of the creative class, offering chic rooms and an intimate club-like atmosphere in Pigalle.
The Hoxton Paris – A beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse that feels equal parts editorial shoot and home away from home.
Hotel Amour – Retro-cool and artsy, it’s the kind of place you’ll find off-duty models sipping wine in the courtyard.
Madame Rêve – Sleek and Instagrammable, this rooftop-garden hotel is beloved by the next generation of fashion tastemakers.
Even if you’re not a guest, these hotels offer stunning bars and lounges that let you soak up the fashion crowd’s ambiance.
8. More Fashion Things To Do in Paris: Studying Fashion
Paris is home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion schools, shaping the next generation of designers and industry leaders. Institutions like the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), ESMOD, and Studio Berçot have trained countless fashion icons, from couturiers to creative directors.
While these schools don’t offer casual visits, fashion lovers can still get a glimpse into their world by attending student exhibitions, pop-up boutiques, or end-of-year runway shows—some of which are open to the public. Keep an eye on their official websites and social media for upcoming events.
Additionally, fashion museums like Palais Galliera and Musée des Arts Décoratifs frequently collaborate with these institutions, showcasing student projects and innovative perspectives on fashion’s future. If you’re passionate about fashion education, visiting these exhibitions is a great way to see what’s next in the industry.
In a nutshell, Paris isn’t just a city—it’s a fashion experience. Whether you’re admiring couture in a museum, shopping the latest collections, or sipping coffee at a designer-favorite café, there’s no shortage of fashion things to do in Paris. With this guide, you’ll explore Paris through the lens of style—and maybe walk away with a little more of that elusive Parisian flair yourself.
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