Where to Go Shopping in Paris
Paris has forever been at the very center of the fashion world. Famous for its endless shopping options, it seems that you can always find an undiscovered atelier or tucked away boutique as you explore and discover the city. With so many options, my advice on where to go shopping in Paris is this: Spend time in the fashionable neighborhoods that draw international crowds, but walk the city as much as possible in between these fabulous hot spots. Most fashions you see in the pages of Vogue can be bought anywhere in the world, but discovering unheard of designer boutiques that match your style perfectly is truly the allure of Parisian shopping.
There are many fashionable neighborhoods in Paris that must be visited to truly experience the city’s best shopping. Avenue Montaigne, located on the Right Bank, is lined with upscale designer boutiques such as Marni, Prada, Chloe, and Jimmy Choo. This area of the city is a place to see and be seen, so make sure you are dressed to impress and take a break for lunch at L’Avenue, which is a cafe directly on Avenue Montaigne and frequented by high society and celebrities.
Marais is where to go shopping in Paris when you're looking for a trendy neighborhood to shop in, and is historically home to the city’s old Jewish quarter. Here you will find funky boutiques such as L’Eclaireurs. It is also in this area that many artisan’s boutiques and galleries can be found. Enjoy Marais’ narrow streets and architectural style of the Medieval and Renaissance era while shopping for unique Parisian boutiques.
Boulvard St. Germain, located on the Left Bank, is a bustling shopping street that houses a mix of historic shops and high-end designers. With famous fashion finds such as Paul Ka, Sonia Rykiel, and Paul & Joe, just to name a few, you can spend the entire day popping in and out of the many chic boutiques that line the famous street. I would suggest stopping for lunch at Les Deux Magots, which was once famed for its intellectually elite patrons, and is situated conveniently aside Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.
Place Vendome is a must for shoppers interested in exquisite jewelry from the finest Parisian designers. This hot spot is home to some of the worlds finest jewelers such as Cartier, Van Cleefs & Arpel, and Chaumet. Place Vendome is also home to the world renowned jeweler, Lorenz Baumer, who’s daring designs and unusual materials attract celebrities staying next door at the Hotel Ritz, and insiders from across the globe.
Palais Royal and rue du fauboug Saint Honore are terrific must shop spots, as they are home to the most famous fashion flagships and unique french ateliers. Palais Royal is where to go shopping in Paris for the ideal place to shop for the perfect black cocktail dress at Didier Ludot, or you can stop by Dior for vintage “New Look” suits. On rue du faubourg Saint Honore you will find the wonderfully eclectic Colette and the famous Hermes flagship store among many other designer boutiques. For a lunch break, I would suggest stopping at the Hotel Costes, which has a lovely court and is frequented by both french and international celebrities.
