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Paris France Paris Shopping

The grand department stores and major shopping streets



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Once you've strolled through the exclusive Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, and done some window shopping there, these are the places to go to fully experience the joys of a Parisian shopping spree:

Galeries Lafayette The must-browse Colette is one of Paris' best known and most interesting shopping destinations. This "concept store" that mixes design, fashion, and art throughout three floors offers international collections from numerous designers, including clothing and accessories, cosmetics, and furniture.

Be sure to also pass by the gorgeous Lancel shop, even if you don't think you'll be buying any of its beautiful and original products. We should warn you though, that this is a shop targeting the most affluent cosmopolitan customers, and its gold, silver, crystal, and porcelain does not come cheap.

For French designs and furnishings, Patrick Seguin showcases works by some of the country's most important mid-century architects and designers. Browse for ideas or extend your budget for many of the rare pieces.

More home-grown products, but in the form of chocolate are found at Pierre Hermé. This well known pastry chef molds his chocolates into stylish shapes so tempting for the Parisian taste buds, that there are often queues outside his shop on Rue Bonaparte.

Other mouth-watering creations are found at LES PAPILLES (30, Rue Gay Lussac), an inviting gourmet shop selling luxury foods from all over France which may also be sampled at the adjoining restaurant.

In the Marais is designer AZZEDINE ALAIA's boutique (7, Rue Moussy), which when looking at the design of the shop and of the footwear itself, we could as easily call "gallery". According to the designer, the unique creations here can't be found anywhere else.

The hot perfumery IUNX (48-50, Rue de l'Université) is also worth a look. With several "sniffing stations," this seductively-lit space also offers hair and beauty products.

But Paris is also known for its department stores. Le Bon Marché was the first to be born, partially designed by Gustave Eiffel. Even with fierce competition, it remains the hippest and most elegant of them all. Avant-garde and designer fashions (including a good selection of French lingerie) are the big sellers here, although it's the enormous food hall that gets the most attention.

Coming in at a close second in the grands magasins competition, Au Printemps has a good range of designer clothing and accessories, cosmetics, and home décor. Before you leave, ascend to the sixth floor for the tea room and its lovely Art Nouveau stained-glass cupola.

The youngest of the big three is Galeries Lafayette, opened in 1894. Topped by a fantastic dome of steel and glass, it is a temple of Paris style, housing the main fashion labels, including an extensive lingerie collection and fine jewelry. Also pass by the excellent food hall and the 7th-floor terrace for its city views over the Opera to the Eiffel Tower.