Tasteful, chic and effortlessly put together, it’s no wonder the world looks to Paris when it comes to style. Paris is dotted with great shopping districts and avenues to satisfy every materialistic shopper, bargain hunter, window shopper, and even fashion victim. While Paris may be known as the center of haute couture and the birthplace of famous international designer brands, the average Parisian shops on a very modest income. From flea markets to the credit card-maxing luxury boutiques of Saint-Honoré, shopping in Paris can fit into just about any budget; albeit for most parts it is rather expensive. Nonetheless, we bring you some of the favorite shopping districts of Paris!
Avenue Montaigne and Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Both neighboring avenues are one of the city’s fashion hotspots; where hoards of Chinese and Russian visitors swipe their credit cards, unloading new wealth amidst the glamourous hush-hush of designer boutiques along Avenue Montaigne, while Champs-Élysées sports flagship stores of major global fashion chains including the likes of Zara and Sephora, as well as luxury names such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier. The famous tourist attraction that is Champs-Élysées may be known to be an upper-class shopping mile, but cafes, restaurants, and quaint bistros are more commonly found these days.
Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli
Global chains and trendy boutiques now reign supreme at what was once Paris’ main market selling fruits and vegetables to restaurants around the city, making the 1st arrondissement a shopper’s paradise for Parisian fashion. People-watch while enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the many al fresco cafes and bistros above Les Halles, or head underground to its notoriously labyrinth-like mega shopping center. The multi-level underground shopping center sees a steady crowd of professionals, students, and local workers visiting the numerous bars, lounges, and restaurants, as well as browsing the independent boutiques and massive chain stores. At the base of Les Halles is Rue de Rivoli. Lined by countless fashion stores and original boutiques, the arcaded Rivoli extends to the 1st Arrondissement and the Louvre Museum.
The Marais
Art and antique lovers, the historic Marais quarter is where you need to be. The Marais is known as the primary stomping ground for those interested in antiques arts and crafts. Small galleries, jewelry stores, and eclectic fashion boutiques fill the streets of the Marais district. The main streets of The Marais are all a delight to visit; go antique or artsy item hunting at the Place de Vosges, stroll the along narrow lanes lined by dignified ancient townhouses, or head to Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, one of the few streets that ignore France’s predominant Sunday closure tradition, for a Sunday brunch and walks.
Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Though ousted from the throne of designer shopping by the Avenue Montaigne, Faubourg Saint-Honoré is still a wonderful shopper’s mile where virtually every major international designer fashion house can be found. Extending from the Louvre, the relatively narrow streets of Faubourg Saint-Honoré is consistently dedicated to haute couture boutiques and other classic designer names such as Hermes and Versace. Visitors will also find trendy shops such as Colette, which is also an informal gathering place for hipsters. Faubourg Saint-Honoré is a great place to shop if you’re with your family as being so near the Louvre means one can visit the museum while the other shops.