Monica Francis Monica Francis

The 10 Best Places to Shop in Paris

Paris is one of my favorite shopping destinations in the world— and probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. Yes, it’s the fashion capital of the world and home to some of the most reputable designer brands… but there’s far more to the story. Whether you prefer to buy new or antique, clothes or home goods- Paris has plenty to offer. While my full list of favorite recommendations are reserved for my travel planning clients, below are 10 of the best places to shop in Paris.

Paris is one of my favorite shopping destinations in the world— and probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. Yes, it’s the fashion capital of the world and home to some of the most reputable designer brands… but there’s far more to the story. Whether you prefer to buy new or antique, clothes or home goods- Paris has plenty to offer. While my full list of favorite recommendations are reserved for my travel planning clients, below are 10 of the best places to shop in Paris.

1.SAMARITAIN:

This is right outside of Samaritan, overlooking Pont Neuf

This is one of the most beloved department stores in Paris that recently underwent a massive renovation (it's spectacular!) I came for some Celiné perfume I've wanted for a while but lingered a lot longer at all there is to see. If you hire my team to plan your trip, our clients receive access to enjoy a personalized private shopping experience here. You’ll receive a session with the Samaritain personal stylist, accompanied by a drink in the comfort of their private lounge (plus a simplified checkout and tax refund!)

LOCATION: 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris, France

2. OFFICINE UNIVERSELLE BULY 1803:


Officine Universelle Buly 1803 is an iconic perfume store in Saint Germain. They can emboss your initials on their hand soaps or on a lip balm case (makes for a great souvenir). They also have amazing scented match sticks, bath salts and body oils (amongst other treasures!) It’s very old world and delightful!

LOCATION: There are multiple, but the original is 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France

3. SÉZANE

Easily one of my favorite stores of all time—with a very popular online store! Sézane offers timeless, classics, as well as chic, contemporary pieces. The quality is great for the very reasonable price-point, and they recently became B Corp certified! They have multiple stores across Paris, but I always prefer their L'Appartement in the 2nd.

LOCATION: 1 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 75002 Paris, France

4. LE BON MARCHÉ

Located right in the heart of Saint Germain (my favorite neighborhood in Paris!) is Le Bon Marche. This was one of the first modern department stores and is still wildly popular amongst Parisians and tourists alike.

LOCATION: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France


5. ASTIER DE VILLATTE

This beautiful ceramics store (yes, I did seek out more ceramics #IYKYK) is in the heart of the city. They are a Parisian-based artisanal workshop and are known for their unique and unmistakably French home wear & milky white ceramics. They also have an online shop if you want to browse (I am eyeing some of their dinner plates, but this trip I purchased a small medallion for our walls that resembles what people used to collect on their Grand Tours.

LOCATION: 173 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France



6. MARCHÉ AUX PUCES / PARIS FLEA MARKET

This is a sprawling antiques & vintage street market with over 2,500 sellers (you could spend a full day here and still not see everything!) I know of shop owners who come here to get stock for their stores (as well as interior designers who come to source antiques). I found some great artwork I loved - among other things!) It’s open on weekends & Mondays (but double check before you go to be safe, as things can always change).

LOCATION: 99 All. des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

7. LE GRAND EPICIERIE


Le Grand Epicierie is a fancy French grocery store (locations across the city) but makes for great souvenir shopping! I purchased the parmesan sablés, almond and hazelnut caramels and chocolate covered hazelnuts. Oh! Plus some French butter to bring home (you can even have it wrapped so you can fly it home in your checked bag!)

LOCATION: Multiple across the city- but I went to: 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France



8. SIMRANE

Simrane is a haven for textile enthusiasts. I purchased our most used table napkins here a couple years ago, and on this most recent trip I purchased a bed quilt to use in lieu of a down comforter for warmer weather months.

LOCATION: 23&25 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France


9. ALIX D. REYNIS

A must-stop shopping spot in Saint Germain. Gorgeous ceramics and other home goods/ trinkets

LOCATION: 22 Rue Jacob, 75006 Paris, France


10. SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY

Probably not a secret to you, but in case you aren’t already familiar with the historic Shakespeare & Company, this independent bookstore is an icon in Paris (you can read more about the history here). If you’re looking for a fun souvenir, I always suggest to pick up a copy of Julia Child’s “The Art of French Cooking” from here (as she used to come here to purchase her cookbooks when she lived in Paris!) Whatever purchase you make, be sure to ask them to stamp the inside cover with their signature seal.

LOCATION: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France

While there is a lot more I could add to this, hopefully this list is enough to get you started. If you’d like help customizing a Paris itinerary that suits your interests, preferences and budget, my team would love to help! Learn more about our travel planning services HERE.

If you’d like to travel to Paris but can’t talk your friends into booking the trip, we’d love to have you join us on an Atlas Adventures trip! Our tours are designed to create fun experiences & facilitate meaningful connections with other like-minded travelers.

Merci for reading! I appreciate you being here.

xx

Whitney Haldeman

Whitney Haldeman is the Founder and Luxury Travel Advisor at Blonde Atlas, which offers custom-tailored travel planning for clients to destinations all over the world. Having a lifelong passion for travel, Whitney’s background led her to start her own business, Blonde Atlas, in 2015. Since then, she has worked with some of the top brands in the luxury + travel sectors and has had her writing featured in global publications like British Airways Magazine and Huffington Post.. Whitney has now visited over 200 cities in over 40 different countries and is always strategically adding to that list to better serve her clients.

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Travel Monica Francis Travel Monica Francis

Paris Travel Guide

paris travel guide

I've spent tons of time in Paris these last couple of years. Most of my European experiences are a couple of fleeting days in one city before moving on to the next, so I practically feel like a local (of course, I'm sure an actual local would put me in my place). Regardless, I’ve recently found myself answering lots of questions and sharing all my recommendations over and over with people who are planning their own Parisian adventure.

So, if you've dreamt of sunsets from the Eiffel Tower, nostalgic visits to historical museums, or feasting on croissants and macarons, our luxury travel guides are your golden ticket to the crème de la crème of Parisian experiences. Let’s waltz through Paris, reveling in its beauty, one boulevard at a time.

paris france travel guide

Why travel to Paris?

Some say that Paris is a city that touches the very heart of those who visit her. It's where time-honored traditions entwine with a chic, modern lifestyle, where every arrondissement hums its own unique melody, and where gourmet delights are the norm rather than the exception.

Paris is a living testament to its own rich history, masterfully blending the art and architecture of the Renaissance with the innovative spirit of the 21st century. Roam its boulevards and find yourself oscillating between the grandeur of Notre Dame and the avant-garde designs of La Défense. In every hidden courtyard, every classical bistro, there's a tale – of artists, revolutionaries, poets, and designers.

Yet, the charm of Paris isn't confined to its storied landmarks. Immerse yourself in its neighborhoods and discover a vibrancy that pulsates with life. From the bustling stalls of Le Marais to the tranquil moments by Canal Saint-Martin, Paris presents a diverse palette of experiences. Relish in the world-renowned French cuisine, or find solace in a quaint bookshop nestled in the Latin Quarter.

And who could ignore the unmistakable romance that Paris exudes? Be it the cherry blossoms at Champs de Mars, the evocative tunes of a street musician in Place des Vosges, or the promise of love at Pont des Arts, Paris is an ode to passion. The city embraces its visitors with a warmth and elegance that's simply unparalleled, making every escapade both mesmerizing and unforgettable.

Journeying through Paris is akin to a dance through the annals of history and allure. It isn't merely a city, but an embrace of life, love, and artistry, ever waiting to be savored and adored.

eiffel tower paris france

Learn more about Paris with our curated guides…

Unravel the many facets of Paris, and you'll uncover an array of experiences tailored to every inclination and sentiment. Whether it's a serene sojourn in the city's secret gardens or the radiant festivities of Bastille Day, there's a guide for every traveler, every sentiment.

Here are our handpicked guides to ignite the flames of passion for your next escapade into Paris:

The 10 Best Places to Shop in Paris

It’s really no surprise that I have my treasured list of boutiques in Paris. If you're on the hunt for unique fashion in the City of Light or antique knick-knacks to add to your home decor, my guide to the best places to shop in Paris is your perfect companion.

Explore our Paris shopping guide here 

Paris Hotel Guide

I've definitely discovered some Parisian gems over the years. If you're seeking the perfect blend of charm and comfort in the City of Light, delve into my Paris Hotel Guide. It's your chic compass to the city's finest stays — regardless of your budget!

Explore our Paris hotel guide here

PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE
PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE
PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE



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