Forget Eiffel Tower keychains and berets from souvenir stands. If you’re heading to Paris and want to bring back something beautiful, personal, and truly Parisian, this guide is for you. Curated with a local eye, these are Paris souvenirs that blend memory with aesthetic pleasure—the kind of things you’ll want to use, wear, display, or gift.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your kids, or someone you love, here are the best unique Paris souvenirs that are worth the suitcase space.
1. Signature Scents: Perfumes & Candles to Evoke Paris
Scent is memory, and what better way to carry Paris home than in a bottle?
- Officine Universelle Buly – A Parisian institution with impossibly chic packaging. Pick up scented matches, oil-based perfumes, or their iconic hand creams.
- Liquides – An immersive boutique in the Marais for serious fragrance connoisseurs.
- Frédéric Malle (Rue de Grenelle) – Timeless, refined perfumes made in collaboration with master perfumers.
- Diptyque & Cire Trudon – Iconic French candle houses. Try a mini version if you’re tight on space.
2. Gourmet Paris Souvenirs: Treats That Spark Joy
Chocolates, teas, jams, and biscuits make memorable gifts—and unforgettable snacks.
Note: Most chocolates don’t handle heat well. Best to enjoy them within 5–7 days.
For Grown-Ups
- Patrick Roger – Chocolate as sculpture, intense and elegant.
- Pierre Marcolini – Belgian, yes, but beloved in Paris. Understated, luxurious packaging and bold flavors.
- Meert (Rue Elzévir, Marais) – Cult maison from Lille in the North of France. Marshmallows and gaufres are dreamy. Also available at La Grande Épicerie.
- Bordier butter (sous-vide at La Grande Épicerie) – Yes, you can bring it home! Smooth, creamy, and deeply flavorful, it’s a subtle way to take a bite of Paris with you.
- Mariage Frères or Dammann Frères tea – Beautiful tins, aromatic blends, available at La Grande Épicerie.
For Everyone (Kids included!)
- Cyril Lignac’s Oursons Guimauve – A nostalgic French candy reimagined with homemade marshmallow and rich chocolate.
- Angelina hot chocolate mix – Iconic, indulgent, and giftable.
- Confiture Parisienne – Chic jars, unexpected flavors. Find them at La Grande Épicerie.
- Galettes from Mont-Saint-Michel – Buttery, giftable, and crowd-pleasing.
- Boudoirs – Snack solo or turn into tiramisu at home.
- Caramel au beurre salé (in candy form) – A Breton classic that always delights.
3. Fashion That Feels Like Paris
Bring back something you’ll actually wear—and smile every time you do.
- Maison Labiche – Get a t-shirt or sweatshirt embroidered with your own message (also for kids).
- Veja, Bensimon, Le Coq Sportif – French sneakers you’ll love slipping on back home. They ship globally, but there’s nothing like buying them in Paris. For more options and styling tips, check out my French sneaker brand guide.
- Duvelleroy fan – A heritage house crafting exquisite hand fans, some still made in Paris. Prices start around €45 for elegant ready-to-wear styles and can reach into the thousands for haute couture creations featuring lace, embroidery, or rare materials.
- Marinière from Armor-Lux or Saint James – The classic striped French top that never goes out of style.
- Silk scarf from Hermès or Pétrusse – Timeless, elegant, and easy to pack. Hermès occasionally offers scarf designs exclusive to its Paris boutiques, making this a particularly special gift or personal keepsake. Check out my guide to the best French silk scarf brands for more timeless styles you’ll find in Paris.
- Lingerie from French brands – Paris is the perfect place to invest in refined, well-cut pieces that make everyday dressing feel elevated. From delicate lace to minimalist chic, explore my guide to the best French lingerie brands to find one that suits your style.
4. Paris Souvenirs For The Home & Table Treasures
These items are not only stylish—they’re useful.
- Merci – Homeware, textiles, and table goods with a cool editorial eye.
- Fleux – Design-forward gifts, home accessories, and artful clutter.
- Astier de Villatte – Iconic ceramics handmade in Paris.
- Alix D. Reynis – Elegant porcelain, candles, and small objects blending utility and poetry.
- Marin Montagut – Illustrated glassware, trays, and decorative objects full of whimsy and charm.
- Baccarat – A small crystal piece from this legendary maison adds a timeless touch (and can be found at Le Bon Marché).
- Le Jacquard Français – High-quality linen tablecloths, napkins, and kitchen towels. Visit their boutique at 53 Rue Bonaparte or browse their selection at Le Bon Marché.
- Le Creuset (small items like espresso mugs) – Look for colorful limited editions.
- Poilâne bread bag or torchons – Practical and poetic.
- Straw market basket – Find one at a local marché or at Cherche-Midi Couleurs in the 6th arrondissement. Use it as your carry-on bag and fill it with Parisian treasures.
- Bread basket or cheese board – Ideal for your kitchen table at home. And if you’re checking your luggage, consider a French cheese knife set too.
Insider tip: Le Bon Marché has a beautifully curated home aisle featuring many of these brands and more. Located on the 2nd floor above La Grande Epicerie.
5. Books, Stationery & Creative Keepsakes
Paris is a city of letters and design—your desk should reflect that.
- Shakespeare & Company – A stamped book or tote from this iconic bookshop is always a good idea.
- Vintage postcards or books from bouquinistes along the Seine.
- L’Ecritoire – For wax seals, calligraphy pens, and writing kits.
- Museum shops (Louvre, Orsay, Rodin, etc.) – Beautifully curated gifts, prints, and limited editions.
6. For Kids: Sweet & Stylish Paris Souvenirs
Leave the plastic Eiffel Towers behind. These gifts are playful and chic.
- Books:
- Coloring books and Conté à Paris pencils (a French classic).
- Candy classics: Fraises Tagada, œufs Haribo (gelatin candies shaped like a sunny side-up egg). Can be found in most small Parisian grocery stores.
- Maison Labiche for kids – Customized embroidery is a sweet keepsake.
- Clothing from a chic French kids clothing brand. Read more here.
If you’re traveling to Paris with kids, read my full packing guide here.
7. The Unexpected Icons
Souvenirs with charm, history, or a wink:
- Merch from Ralph’s Café (cups, totes)
- Metro tickets – Frame them or use as bookmarks. Paris is in the process of phasing out paper metro tickets, with plans to fully discontinue them by 2025. If you’re visiting soon, this might be your last chance to grab one of these soon-to-be nostalgic little slips of Parisian life.
- A coaster from Café de Flore – Understated and collectible.
- A vintage find from the Saint-Ouen flea market – This sprawling market is full of treasures, from antique furniture to rare books and vintage linens. Some vendors will even ship internationally—just ask if you’re eyeing something too big to carry home.
- A portrait from Place du Tertre (Montmartre) – Yes, it’s touristy, but if you find the right artist, you can walk away with a hand-drawn keepsake that feels wonderfully personal. Try going early in the day for a calmer experience and more artist availability.
- A baguette knife from E. Dehillerin – Practical + stylish
- Vintage postcards from bouquinistes along the Seine.
Conclusion
The best Paris souvenirs are the ones that blend beauty with memory. They don’t just remind you of the city—they make you feel like you’re still there. Whether it’s a box of oursons guimauve, a monogrammed tee, or a pot of salted caramel, choose something you’ll actually want to keep.
Want more insider tips? Check-out my Paris Itineraries or subscribe for my weekly letter from Paris straight to your inbox.
Anything I missed? Let me know your favorite Paris souvenir in the comments!
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