What to Buy in Paris: The Ultimate Shopping Guide

Paris isn’t just the City of Light—it’s the ultimate shopping destination. Wondering what to buy in Paris to bring home from your trip? Whether you’re on the hunt for luxury fashion, iconic French handbags, skincare secrets from Parisian pharmacies, gourmet food specialties, exquisite perfumes, or vintage home decor, this guide will help you discover the best things to buy in Paris—and where to find them.

One of the biggest perks of shopping in Paris? The prices! Many luxury goods, including designer handbags, fine fragrances, and beauty products, are cheaper in France than in other countries. Thanks to lower base prices, VAT refunds (up to 12% back), and favorable exchange rates, shopping in Paris can be a smart financial move as well as an unforgettable experience.

What to Buy in Paris: 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 brands like Polène and Longchamp, the city offers the perfect mix of luxury and contemporary French style.

Best Designer Bags to Buy in Paris

Paris is the best place to invest in a designer handbag—not only for the unique boutique experience but also because you can claim a VAT refund, making your purchase more affordable than in other countries.

• Chanel Classic Flap – Timeless Parisian elegance
• Louis Vuitton Neverfull – The ultimate everyday tote
• Dior Lady Dior – A sophisticated must-have
• Goyard Saint Louis – A heritage statement piece
• Polène Numéro Un – A modern It-bag by up-and-coming French brand
• Longchamp Le Pliage – The perfect lightweight travel bag

Where to Buy Luxury Fashion in Paris

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

Paris is the best place to invest in a designer handbag—not only for the unique boutique experience but also because you can save significantly compared to other countries.

• Lower Base Prices: Luxury brands often price items lower in France than in international markets. A Louis Vuitton bag, for example, can be hundreds of euros cheaper in Paris compared to the U.S. or Asia.
• VAT Refunds: Non-EU tourists can claim a 12% refund on purchases over €100.01, making high-ticket items even more affordable. (Official VAT Refund Details)
• Currency Exchange Advantage: Depending on the exchange rate, paying in euros can offer even greater savings compared to purchasing luxury goods in dollars or other currencies.

With these financial benefits, a luxury handbag purchase in Paris can be one of the smartest—and most stylish—souvenirs to bring home.

What to Buy in Paris: The Best French Luxury Jewelry

Paris is the epicenter of luxury jewelry, home to both heritage maisons and confidential, contemporary designers crafting exquisite pieces. Whether you’re looking for timeless diamond classics or a modern Parisian aesthetic, you’ll find it in the city’s prestigious boutiques.

Where to Buy Luxury Jewelry in Paris:

• Van Cleef & Arpels (Place Vendôme) – Iconic French high jewelry, famous for its Alhambra collection and intricate craftsmanship.
• Cartier (Rue de la Paix & Champs-Élysées) – A symbol of Parisian elegance, known for the Love bracelet, Juste un Clou, and Panthère collections.
• Chaumet (Place Vendôme) – One of Paris’s oldest jewelry houses, favored by royalty and lovers of refined tiaras and engagement rings.
• Boucheron (Place Vendôme) – Exquisite, innovative designs blending heritage and modernity.
• Mellerio (Rue de la Paix) – The oldest family-owned jewelry house in the world, crafting bespoke creations since 1613.

For Contemporary & Confidential Parisian Jewelry:

• Stone Paris – Modern yet romantic fine jewelry, often inspired by antique styles.
• Ginette NY – Minimalist gold jewelry with a contemporary Parisian edge.
• Vanrycke – Delicate, understated pieces perfect for everyday luxury.
• Dinh Van – Chic, geometric designs with a rebellious touch, known for the Menottes collection.

Whether you’re looking for an heirloom piece or a modern Parisian treasure, shopping for fine jewelry in Paris is an experience in itself.

Le Bon Marché: The Ultimate Paris Shopping Destination

If there’s one department store that truly embodies Parisian chic, it’s Le Bon Marché. Founded in 1852, it remains a curated haven for high fashion, beauty, and gourmet delights.

Location: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

What to Buy in Paris: French Skincare & Beauty Products

Parisian pharmacies and beauty boutiques are famous worldwide for their effective, high-quality, and affordable skincare products. If you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine, Paris is the best place to shop.

Best Skincare & Beauty Products to Buy in Paris

• Bioderma Micellar Water – A cult-favorite French cleanser
• Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray – Hydrating and soothing
• Caudalie Beauty Elixir – A Parisian must-have for glowing skin
• La Roche-Posay Sunscreen – Dermatologist-approved protection
• Diptyque & Fragonard Perfumes – Iconic French fragrances

Where to Buy Skincare & Beauty in Paris

• City Pharma (Saint-Germain) – Best for discounted French pharmacy skincare
• Sephora Champs-Élysées – Carries a mix of global and French beauty brands
• Le Bon Marché Beauty Department – A high-end selection of skincare and perfumes

What to Buy in Paris: French Perfumes

Paris is the birthplace of modern perfumery, and it remains the best place to shop for exclusive fragrances.

Best Perfume Brands to Buy in Paris

• Chanel No. 5 – The most famous perfume in the world
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 – A modern luxury favorite
• Fragonard Perfumes – A niche, artisanal experience

Where to Buy Perfume in Paris

• Fragonard Museum & Boutique (offers guided tours and perfume workshops)
• Jovoy Paris (best for niche and high-end fragrances)
• Guerlain Boutique Champs-Élysées (one of the most historic perfume houses in Paris)

What to Buy in Paris: French Tableware & Kitchen Essentials

Paris is home to some of the most elegant porcelain, dinnerware, and kitchen essentials. Whether you’re looking for classic French plates, copper cookware, or luxury glassware, there are plenty of great finds.

Where to Shop for Tableware & Kitchen Items in Paris

• La Vaissellerie – Affordable and stylish French tableware, perfect for souvenirs.
• E. Dehillerin – The legendary Parisian store for professional-grade copper cookware (Julia Child shopped here!).
• Astier de Villatte – Handmade Parisian ceramics with a timeless aesthetic.
• Christofle & Baccarat – Luxury silverware and crystal pieces.
• Le Bon Marché Home Section – A curated selection of the best French home brands.

What to Buy in Paris: Books, Stationery & Art Supplies

For those who love reading, writing, calligraphy, or sketching, Paris has some of the most charming stationery and art supply shops.

Where to Buy Books, Stationery & Art Supplies in Paris

• Papier Tigre – Modern and artistic Parisian stationery.
• Calligrane – Handmade papers and unique writing materials.
• Sennelier – A legendary art supply store near the Seine, famous for serving Picasso and Cézanne.
• Les Bouquinistes (Along the Seine) – Vintage books & collector’s posters sold in green stalls along the river
• Shakespeare & Company – The most famous English-language bookstore
• Librairie Galignani – The oldest English-language bookstore in Europe
• Papeterie Gaubert – A traditional French stationery shop, perfect for calligraphy lovers and writing enthusiasts

What to Buy in Paris: French Lingerie & Sleepwear

Parisian lingerie is renowned worldwide for its elegance and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for luxury lace lingerie or everyday chic pieces, Paris offers some of the best options.

Where to Buy Lingerie & Sleepwear in Paris

• Aubade & Lise Charmel – Timeless, elegant lingerie.
• Eres – Minimalist and luxurious.
• Ysé & Livy – Chic and modern French lingerie brands.
• Le Bon Marché Lingerie Department – A one-stop shop for multiple brands.

What to Buy in Paris: Unique Parisian Souvenirs

Beyond the usual Eiffel Tower keychains, there are plenty of chic and unique souvenirs that truly represent Paris.

Where to Find Unique Souvenirs in Paris

• Marin Montagut – Beautiful illustrated mugs, notebooks, and decor.
• Buly 1803 – Elegant handcrafted soaps and personal care items.
• Officine Universelle Buly – Luxurious perfumed creams and oils in vintage-style packaging.
• Marché aux Fleurs Reine-Elizabeth II – A charming flower market with dried bouquets and botanical-themed gifts.

What to Buy in Paris: Gourmet French Food to Bring Home

A trip to Paris isn’t complete without indulging in fine French gastronomy—and bringing some home!

Best French Food Products to Buy in Paris

• Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé
• Artisanal chocolates from Patrick Roger or La Maison du Chocolat
• French cheese (Comté, Camembert, or Roquefort)
• High-end wine or Champagne
• Traditional Dijon mustard from Maille

Where to Buy Gourmet Food in Paris

• La Grande Épicerie (inside Le Bon Marché) – A food lover’s paradise
• Fromageries like Laurent Dubois & Androuet – The best cheese selections
• Rue Montorgueil – A historic foodie street lined with bakeries, cheese shops, wine stores, and gourmet cafés

Coffee Lovers: Stop by Verlet Paris—one of the city’s oldest specialty coffee shops—to bring home freshly roasted beans or gourmet teas.

What to Buy in Paris: Vintage Home Decor & Antiques

For those who love unique decor pieces, Paris is a great place for vintage and antique finds. Whether you’re searching for a crystal chandelier, an ornate mirror, vintage artwork, or French design furniture, Parisian flea markets and brocantes are the perfect places to shop.

Best Places to Buy Vintage Home Decor in Paris

• Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (Clignancourt) – One of the largest and most famous flea markets in the world, offering everything from antique furniture to decorative objects. Many vendors will ship items to the U.S. for a small additional fee.
• Le Marché aux Puces de Vanves – A smaller, less touristy flea market in the 14th arrondissement, perfect for finding vintage home decor, books, and artwork.
• Paris Brocantes & Estate Sales – Pop-up brocantes (antique fairs) happen throughout the year in different neighborhoods, offering one-of-a-kind finds. You can check upcoming brocante schedules at Brocabrac to see what’s happening during your visit.
• Specialty Vintage Shops – Stores like Merci Paris and Les Années Folles offer beautifully curated selections of vintage and industrial decor pieces.

What to Buy in Paris: Vintage Fashion & Secondhand Shopping in Paris

Paris isn’t just the fashion capital for new designer collections—it’s also a paradise for vintage lovers. Whether you’re looking for rare designer pieces, classic Parisian styles, or affordable secondhand finds, the city has an incredible selection of curated vintage boutiques and thrift stores.

Best Places to Shop for Vintage Fashion in Paris

• 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.

Final Thoughts: What to Buy in Paris & How to Plan Your Shopping Spree

From luxury fashion and designer bags to skincare, perfumes, and gourmet food, Paris is a shopper’s paradise. To make the most of your trip:

• Visit Le Bon Marché for an all-in-one shopping experience
• Take advantage of VAT refunds for luxury purchases
• Plan your stops based on what you’re looking for (fashion, beauty, food, or books)

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