The tree branches of Paris are wrapped in lights so that a glance down Boulevard St. Germain resembles a tunnel of stars. The occasional sidewalk or metro entertainer sings an American carol in a charming French accent. The corner patisserie puts their first ornately decorated buche de noel on display. And, just as us Americans, the French have been fiercely bit by the holiday shopping bug. Sounds intimidating, we know, but if you’re visiting Paris soon, this gift buying craze means something quite fantastic for you: SALE!
Where to begin in the capital of French fashionistas? Here is a breakdown of Paris by popular shopping neighborhood:
The Marais (TTC Favorite)
Metro Stops: Metro Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Hotel de Ville (Line 1, 11)
Main streets: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Place des Vosges, Rue de Turenne, Rue des Rosiers
The historic Marais quarter is a hot spot for shoppers seeking finely-crafted antiques, art, and apparel. Take your time antique or fine-arts shopping on the Place des Vosges, jewelry shopping at boutiques like Satellite on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, or discover the unique shops featuring up-and-coming designers on Rue des Rosiers.
Tuileries/Place de la Concorde
Metro Stops: Metro Concorde, Tuileries (Line 1), Pyramides (Line 7, 14)
Main streets: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue de la Paix, Place Vendome.
The Faubourg Saint-Honoré district is the nucleus of Paris design and fashion. Part of the Louvre-Tuileries neighborhood, the Saint-Honoré fashion district is home to classic designers like Versace, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent, but also boasts trendy concept shops such as Colette.
Marché Aux Puces
Metro Stops: Metro Porte de Clingancourt (Line 4) or Garibaldi (Line 13)
The Saint-Ouen flea market (or “puces”- literally, “fleas”) is the city’s largest. Located at the northern tip of Paris, this is a shopping experience to be had. Come here for a few hours to browse the antique furniture, obscure objects, or vintage clothing. Avoid the crowds by stopping by this market on a weekday.
St Germain de Prés
Metro Stops: Metro Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4), Sèvres-Babylone (Line 10)
Main streets: Blvd. St.-Germain, Rue St. André-des-Arts, Rue de Sèvres
Once predominantly frequented by intellects and struggling artists, St.-Germain-des-Prés is now the epitome of a chic shopper’s paradise. Sonia Rykiel and Paco Rabanne have boutiques here, and the famous department store Le Bon Marché includes a gourmet market that all foodies should linger in.
Champs Elysées
Metro Stops: Metro Alma Marceau (Line 9), Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1 and 9), George V (Line 1), RER A (Charles de Gaulle-Etoile)
Avenue Montaigne and Avenue des Champs-Elysées have long been all the rage for those looking to end an afternoon with eight shopping bags in hand. Avenue Montaigne features legendary designers like Chanel, Dior, and Versace and the Champs-Elysées luxury names like Louis Vuitton while also being a core spot for global chains like Zara.
If Paris is not on this winter’s travel itinerary, check out our collection of French apparel on The Traveler’s Collection:
http://thetravelerscollection.com/catalogsearch/result/?order=relevance&dir=desc&q=french
Bon amusement!
If you enjoyed this journal entry, please consider sharing it!
About Me
As an avid traveler, I’ve met incredible artisans and craftspeople who've inspired me to share their exquisite treasures with you through The Traveler’s Collection - my online boutique specializing in unique goods from around the globe. The collection’s beauty extends to its mission – each purchase helps local artisans support their families and communities.
I invite you to join me in discovering the stories and the artisans behind the products, as well as unique shopping, travel and style guides from me and my fellow travelers. - JG
Travel Journal Feed
Subscribe to our RSS Feed!