Shopping in Paris
Paris is my favourite shopping destination because not only do they have iconic fashion labels and classic boutiques, they also have hidden gems located throughout the city. What Parisians do best, in my opinion, is create a shopping experience like no other city.
Places to visit for the full Parisian shopping experience:
Cafés
First things first, coffee. No shopping trip is complete without a café au lait and croissant at your local coffee shop.
It is very important to sit in and enjoy your hot morning coffee as you will need to save your energy for the rest of the day (who said shopping was ever easy?).
I have four cafes I tend to rotate between when in Paris:
A tip for finding high-quality cafes and avoiding touristy spots: research cafes through trusted magazines (such as Sceen'ry Magazine and Vogue France), Tiktok vlogs from locals, and blogs (David Lebovitz) for honest reviews on Paris's best cafes.
After you've enjoyed a leisurely petit déjeuner, it's time to begin your Parisian shopping experience.
First Stop: Champs Élysées
"flânuer." A French term meaning "lounger", "saunterer", "loafer" or simply "to stroll".
Allons faire une promenade through the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées and explore Paris's classic designer labels.
Not only are the fashion pieces from the Champs-Élysées boutiques to-die-for, but the boutiques exterior are equally beautiful.
As you stroll down the tree-lined avenue, you are surrounded by golden gates and sculptured columns. Boutiques exhibit tall glass paned windows, wooden doors framed by topiary trees, and class Parisian balconies.
The large display windows feature exquisite designs for you to browse as you roam the street (perhaps with a croissant in hand) and take in the iconic cities fashion culture.
The Inside
Explore Paris's original boutiques for an authentic and luxurious shopping experience. Browse Yves Saint Laurent's statement pieces followed by Chanel's timeless designs.
My favourite high-end designer stores on the Champs-Élysées:
Miu Miu
Dior
Burberry
Giorgio Armani
Max Mara
Hermés
Address: Av. des Champs-Élysées
75008 Paris, France
Boulevard Haussmann
Next, explore the Boulevard Haussmann, an elegant boulevard that extends through Paris's 8th and 9th arrondissements.
The Boulevard Haussmann is renowned for being a popular shopping destination, with a variety of boutiques and stores to browse.
As well as shopping you can also visit the fine art museum Jacquemart-André, catch a film at Les 5 Caumartin or even experience the opera at Opéra Garnier!
Galeries Lafayette
Located in the 9th arrondissement in Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette is known for being "Paris's shopping paradise". The department store includes high-end brands, fine foods, and an open luxurious view from any of its seven floors in the building.
Below the iconic dome roof, Galeries Lafayette has a total of 3,500 luxury brands, making the department store an absolute must-visit for fashion lovers.
Shop Like A Parisian
Now that you have experienced some of Paris's well-known shopping destinations, it is time to visit high-end boutiques and shop like a Parisian!
Shoes
“With four pairs of shoes, I can travel the world.” - Coco Chanel.
Shoes are the foundation of every great outfit, and it's essential to have a pair of comfortable shoes to roam the city.
Repetto shoes are renowned for their exceptional, high-quality craftsmanship. Not only are they beautifully designed, they are also built to offer incomparable suppleness and comfort.
Location: 22 rue de la Paix, Paris
Fashion
From wardrobe staples to one-of-a-kind pieces, these boutiques are a MUST for those who want to dress like a Parisian.
Located at 28 rue de Poitou, this high-fashion label is known for its exceptional quality and is designed for versatile everyday wear. Lemaire pieces are sophisticated and a must-have for putting together a Parisian outfit.
Sandro's fashion pieces are known for balancing the masculine-feminine equation in their designs. Stylish, modernised vintage and extremely chic, shopping at Sandro is essential when dressing like a true Parisian. Evelyn Chétrite, Founder and Artistic Director of Sandro Femme, states that she "designs unambiguous clothes to be worn by an urban girl who hones a discreet look, only to be all the more visible for it."
Location: 93 Quai de Valmy, Paris
Iro fashion label creates luxurious everyday casual wear for stylish men and women. The label's designs are feminine, modern and are outstanding quality. Whether you are shopping for an evening event or a morning coffee catch-up, Iro Paris has the perfect outfit for you.
Location: 53 Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris
Handbags
Polène
A French girls outfit isn't complete without her favourite handbag. The task of a Parisian's purse is to carry a rouge YSL lipstick, sanitizer, hand moisturiser and sunglasses as well as visually being chic. Polène is a top-end handbag label. The brand has a beautiful selection of French leather goods designed to last and add style to your outfit.
Location: 48 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, Paris
Accessories
Agatha Paris, a French jewellery brand, creates stylish and sophisticated jewellery for everyday wear. This includes fine gold chains, chunky gem stone rings and delicate crystal hoops. Typically, a Parisian woman's accessories are minimal, tasteful yet stylish, making Agatha Paris an essential place to visit.
Location: 64 rue de Rivoli, Paris
End The Day At Angelina Paris
When you've finished strolling through the arrondissements and exploring luxurious department stores and boutiques, it's time for refreshments. Macarons, Pâtisserie au chocolat, or would you prefer Angelina's signature dessert, Mont Blanc? Café au lait, thé, chocolat chaud? The sweet selection is endless at Paris's famous Tea House Angelina and is the perfect way to complete your Parisian day out.