If you’re looking to do some shopping on your next trip to France, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re purchasing wine in Calais, exploring high-end fashion boutiques in Paris, or buying Provence perfumes in France’s Riviera, be sure to consider applying for a tax refund on eligible purchases.
No matter what your preferences, shopping in France is always a great idea! From gourmet cuisine to fashion, luxury clothing, wine, perfumes, there are plenty of wonderful French items to bring back home as souvenirs.
The Best Cities for Shopping in France
Paris
When it comes to shopping in France, Paris reigns supreme! The French capital is a global hub for high-end fashion, boasting a lineage of luxury designer boutiques that reads like a who’s who of fashion greatness. It’s the birthplace of renowned fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, Dior, and a plethora of other iconic brands, solidifying its status as one of the world’s foremost fashion meccas.
However, Paris doesn’t limit itself to designer labels alone. The city’s vibrant marketplace offers a treasure trove of options, including traditional markets, flea markets, and vintage shops that cater to both savvy bargain hunters and proponents of sustainable fashion. For those with an eye for unique finds, a journey through Parisian antique stores and perusal of second-hand markets can yield hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Alternatively, immerse yourself in a shopping spree at Paris’ legendary department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Bon Marché, and BHV Marais, each offering a distinct retail experience that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
Bordeaux
As the epicenter of one of France’s most renowned wine-producing regions, Bordeaux is also a paradise for shopaholics. Spanning just over 1.2 kilometers, Rue Sainte-Catherine proudly boasts the title of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street. Here, you’ll discover a vast array of shops catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
What to buy in Bordeaux: Wine!
Lyon
Lyon, being one of the largest cities in France, is an excellent shopping destination. Renowned for its cuisine and gastronomy, Lyon offers a treat for foodies with its diverse range of markets and grocery shops. If you’re looking for fashion and other shopping options, make your way to the bustling Rue de la République, or explore the modern Confluence shopping center situated in the heart of the revitalized docklands area.
What to purchase in Lyon: Food products! Consider exploring Les Halles Paul Bocuse, a contemporary indoor market where suppliers to many of Lyon’s top restaurants offer their produce. Additionally, Lyon boasts a century-long tradition of chocolate making, so be sure to visit a few chocolatiers during your visit. Give Voisin a try, the largest chocolate maker in France, established in 1897.
Cannes
As the host of the renowned film festival, Cannes is a picturesque city located on the French Riviera, known for its status as a playground for the affluent and famous. Imagine designer boutiques and luxury fashion brands catering to the movie stars and mega-yacht owners who frequent this stunning city.
If you’re in search of high-end shops, make your way to La Croisette. For those with a tighter budget, Rue Meynadier offers affordable clothing stores and artisanal food shops.
When it comes to shopping in Cannes, consider buying perfume! The nearby city of Grasse is renowned as the perfume capital of the world, making Cannes a hub for perfumeries. Keep an eye out for Fragrance and Molinard perfumes in particular. Additionally, the Provence region is home to the globally acclaimed beauty brand L’Occitane en Provence, so be sure to explore that option as well.
Lille
In northern France, Lille’s Flemish-style architecture and rich history make it a popular destination for travelers. The city is renowned for its fantastic Christmas market, but Lille offers excellent shopping opportunities year-round. Explore the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town to discover independent boutiques and hidden gems, or visit Rue de la Grande Chaussée for renowned designer labels.
What to buy in Lille: Emerging fashion brands. Maisons de Mode, located in Lille and neighboring Roubaix, is a project dedicated to identifying and nurturing the fashion designers of the future. Visit their boutiques to shop for unique pieces from up-and-coming designers.
Top Places to Shop in Paris
Streets for Shopping in Paris
Champs Elysées – Arguably the most renowned shopping avenue in Paris, the iconic Champs Elysees is a broad boulevard celebrated for its luxury flagship stores. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Avenue Montaigne, a small side street that boasts famous luxury boutiques like Chanel, Givenchy, and Dior.
Other notable shopping streets in Paris include:
- Boulevard Saint Germain – along with the surrounding side streets. Make sure to visit Le Bon Marché, one of Paris’s most renowned department stores.
- Rue de Rivoli – a 6.4km-long street offering a variety of shops, from high street fashion brands to small independent boutiques.
- Rue Saint-Honoré – known for hosting numerous high-end French designer brands such as Hermès, Goyard, and Céline.
- Boulevard Haussmann – home to the original Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, two iconic Parisian department stores.
- Rue du Commerce – recognized as one of ParisPerfect’s top hidden shopping streets in the city.
- Rue Montorgueil – a pedestrianized shopping street featuring numerous market stalls.
In addition to these streets, Paris is also famous for its markets, including:
- Marché Bastille – a large farmer’s market popular among food enthusiasts.
- Marché des Enfants Rouges – the oldest market in Paris, offering a variety of products such as food, flowers, textiles, and more.
- The Paris flea market, Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen – widely considered the world’s largest flea market.
- Marché d’Aligre – one of Paris’s oldest markets.
- Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux – a sizable flower market that also hosts a weekly bird market on Sundays.
How to Save Money by Requesting Tax Refunds
Did you know that residents of the UK can now enjoy tax-free shopping in Europe? That’s right, you can save up to 20% on VAT when you shop during your holiday – a fantastic opportunity, isn’t it?
Since the UK’s departure from the EU in January 2021, residents of England, Scotland, and Wales have become eligible for Tax-Free shopping in Europe. This means that various items such as clothing, wine, Apple products, cameras, cosmetics, souvenirs, and even a box of macarons (provided they remain unconsumed) are all eligible for a VAT refund.
The traditional procedure involves filling out certain forms, getting them validated at train stations or airports, and then claiming the VAT refund. The specific process and requirements can vary from one country to another. However, the good news is that there are several apps available to streamline and automate this process.
Don’t overlook the opportunity to find excellent deals at duty-free shops located in airports, ferry ports, and onboard ferries.
