Paris is a dream destination for shopping, where luxury goods, gourmet treats, and artisanal items fill charming boutiques and world-renowned stores. To make the most of your shopping trip, here’s a guide to the must-have Parisian souvenirs and luxury items, plus the best places to shop in the City of Lights.
Perfume is a classic souvenir from Paris, and with good reason. Parisian perfumeries like Fragonard and Maison Guerlain create signature fragrances that capture the city’s essence, from floral to musky and beyond. If you’re looking for a bespoke experience, visit Diptyque or Maison Francis Kurkdjian for artisanal, high-end perfumes. Perfume from Paris makes for a unique, personal memento that you can enjoy long after your trip.
Paris is the home of iconic luxury fashion houses, making it the ideal place to invest in a designer handbag. Whether you’ve dreamed of a Chanel classic flap bag, a Dior Lady Bag, or a Louis Vuitton Speedy, Paris’s flagship stores often offer exclusive styles and tax-free shopping options for international visitors. Head to Avenue Montaigne or the Champs-Élysées to find the latest collections from these top brands.
French soaps are known for their high quality and luxurious fragrances. Look for soaps made in Provence, like those from La Maison du Savon de Marseille, or explore Parisian shops like Fragonard, which offers artisan-crafted, eco-friendly soaps in unique scents. Not only are these soaps a treat for yourself, but they also make great gifts for family and friends.
A cashmere scarf is a timeless accessory, perfect for elevating any outfit. In Paris, you can find high-quality cashmere in classic styles and colors from boutiques like Eric Bompard and Monsieur Charli. Known for their craftsmanship and comfort, cashmere scarves from Paris are ideal for keeping warm and stylish while adding a touch of French elegance to your wardrobe.
No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in macarons. These colorful, delicate pastries come in a variety of flavors, from rose and pistachio to salted caramel. For the finest macarons, visit Ladurée or Pierre Hermé, both famous for their exquisite and beautifully packaged macarons. They’re perfect to take home as a sweet souvenir or to enjoy during your trip.
Bring a bit of French luxury home with a bottle of Champagne. While Champagne can be found globally, purchasing it in Paris gives you access to unique labels and special vintages that are rarely exported. Specialty wine shops like La Grande Épicerie de Paris and Nicolas offer expert guidance on choosing the best bottle. Champagne makes an unforgettable gift and a way to relive your Parisian memories.
For food lovers, truffles are an absolute must. Paris has a selection of gourmet shops, such as Maison de la Truffe and La Grande Épicerie, that offer truffle-infused oils, sauces, and even truffle-based snacks. This delicacy will elevate your culinary experiences at home, reminding you of the flavors of Paris every time you cook.
French women are known for their radiant skin, thanks to high-quality skincare products from brands like Caudalie, Bioderma, and La Roche-Posay. Pharmacies in Paris, such as CityPharma in Saint-Germain, offer an impressive selection of French skincare products that cater to every skin type and need. Stock up on French skincare to enjoy the secret to a Parisian glow.
Paris is a treasure trove of antiques. The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, one of the largest flea markets in the world, offers everything from vintage jewelry and art to unique furniture and decor pieces. This is the place to find one-of-a-kind items with true Parisian history, perfect for collectors and design enthusiasts.
Paris offers a variety of shopping districts, each with its own style and charm:
Avenue Montaigne and Champs-Élysées: Ideal for luxury shopping, here you’ll find designer boutiques like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
Le Marais: Known for its mix of trendy boutiques, vintage stores, and local designers, Le Marais is a great area to shop for unique fashion and home decor.
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps: These iconic department stores offer a range of luxury brands, gourmet foods, and Parisian souvenirs under one beautiful roof.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Known for charming cafes and boutiques, this area is perfect for luxury skincare, antiques, and artisanal goods.
Rue de Rivoli: Close to the Louvre, this street is filled with popular shops and souvenir stores, making it a convenient shopping spot for visitors.
Shopping in Paris is an experience like no other. From timeless fashion and artisanal skincare to gourmet treats, there’s something for every taste and budget. As you explore the city’s beautiful boutiques and renowned shopping districts, you’ll find that each purchase tells its own story of Parisian elegance and charm.
The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is a bustling city filled with Welsh charm and bursting with things to see and do. Enjoy a pint at one of the many local pubs and bars, immerse in some retail therapy at St David’s, walk along the bay or explore Cardiff’s castle. Browse our top selection of attractions in Cardiff and plan your visit today. Learn more about booking a city break in Cardiff.