Top 10 Shopping Districts
The French are innately chic (darn them). Although we may not be as subtly cool as they are, we can come close by shopping where they shop. Here are the best districts in Paris where shops are abundant and the goods of your dreams are on overflow.
Top 10 Shopping Districts
Department Store Bliss; Place de lopper & Blvd. Haussman: These two streets host colossally sized department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Like any traditional department store, these have designer collections, gourmet foods, home goods, jewelry, hardware – anything a heart could desire but on giant Parisian scale. Metro: Havre-Caumartin, l’Opera, RER Auber
Best Pastries in Town; Latin Quarter: Paris has yummy pastries -- fact. The best place to get them accompanied by a pick me up café au lait or glass of French wine is in the lively Latin Quarter. Just because your purchasing food doesn’t mean it still isn’t shopping mind you! Metro: Saint-Michel
Designer Duds; Rue du Faubourg St. Honore: This top notch street along with counterparts rue St. Honore, rue de la Paix, and Place Vendome are occupied by some of the world’s most notable design houses like Versace, Hermes, Gucci, Lanvin, Christian Lacroix, and YSL. Mixed in is “the” boutique, Colette, vintage jewelry store Dary, and a wealth of other designer stores, top of the line home goods, and superior cosmetic shops. Metro: Concorde, Tuileries, Pyramides
Artsy Fartsy; Marais: This district, which includes streets rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Place des Vosges, rue de Turenne, and rue des Roseirs, is known for its eclectic atmosphere. There are dozens of vintage stores that include apparel, jewelry, and antiques. Mixed in are many up and coming designer stores and fine art galleries – a great place to find the next best thing before they hit it big. Metro: Saint Paul, Hotel de Ville
Top Dollar; Champs Elysees & Ave Montaigne: There is no other road in the world (besides New York City’s 5th Avenue) that is as classy and renowned as Champs Elysees – not to mention expensive! Design houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton reside here as well as trendy brands like Zara. This is also one of the few places in Paris were Sunday shopping is available. Metro: Alma Marceau, Franklin. D Roosevelt, George V and RER A Charles de Gaulle-Etoile
Bargain Bin; North Paris: We have all heard the phrase, “One man’s trash is another’s treasure.” Truer words have never been spoken when it comes to the St-Ouen market. Located in Northern Paris, Antiquaries du Marche aux Puces de Paris St-Ouen dates back to the 1800s. This is also one of those occasions when the early bird certainly gets the worm, err, best bargain. The weekends are extremely crowded so weekdays are preferable to pursue leisurely. Metro: Porte de Clignancourt or Garibaldi
Antiques Galore; rue de Rivoli: Paris is a favorite spot for antique hunters and there is no better place to stalk prey than the Louvres des Antiquaries. With over 250 dealers, there is something for everyone in this multi-level complex. Even if you don’t plan on buying, it is worth your while just to browse the mind blowing selection. Metro: Palais Royal or Louvre-Rivoli
The Look for Less; rue d’Alesia: Many outlet stores along this street offer designer clothing that are so last season that they are extremely discounted. Hey, we say, the perfect LBD (little black dress) is an LBD whether it is from this season or last! Metro: Alesia
The Chicest of Them All; St Germain des Pres: This area is known for the intellectual crowds that gather here. The yuppie atmosphere is reflect in the chic stores that include home goods, book stores, and apparel by elegant designers like BCBG, Sonia Rykiel, and Paco Rabanne. The Parisian tradition, Le Bon Marche department store, is also in this vicinity. Close by on rue Saint Andre des Arts are more rare book stores and classic vintage shopping just waiting to delight a new owner.
The Mall of all Malls; Les Halles: The city was once the ancient heart of the city and dates back to 1183. The grounds were transformed into a shopping mecca in the 20th century and now feature trendy stores, major chains, an underground shopping mall, and a giant food market. We’re talking about the infamous Les Halles. The stores seep out onto surrounding streets that offer modern boutiques like Barbara Bui. Metro: Chatelet-Les Halles
