The Best Shopping in Paris: Luxury on a Budget

Paris – the City of Love, Lights, and Fashion! The mere mention of this iconic city conjures images of cobblestone streets, elegant boulevards, and of course, haute couture. While Paris is renowned for its intimidating luxury fashion scene, you might be surprised to learn that you don’t need an unlimited budget. As an Image Consultant, I’m here to share some pro tips on the best shopping in Paris. From consignment shops to outlets and charming boutiques, let’s find you that deal of a lifetime.

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The Best Shopping In Paris-Discounted Luxury

No matter your personal style and budget, you’ll find some great investment pieces in any of these locations.

1. ARLETTIE

Hailing as the largest designer sale event in all of Paris, they provide luxury discounts by invitation and to those who are members. VIP members pay 50 Euros and receive access to all sales events.

2. Le Misentroc

Tucked away on 63 rue Notre-Dames de Champs is a hidden gem- Le Misentroc. If you are looking for bargain chic essentials such as jeans and wardrobe staples, you can get a good bargain. It’s such a secret, they don’t even have a website!

3. Reciproque

A string of six stores on 92, 93, 95, and 97 rue de la Pompe Paris, Île-de-France 75016, France. Explore a vast collection of pre-owned luxury items, from clothing to furniture in one of Paris’s largest clusters of consignment shops. All the top luxury designers can be found here. It’s best for independent shoppers with patience and a little more cash.

4. La Vallée Village

Indulge in a discount luxury shopping spree at this outlet haven featuring Prada, Gucci, and more. It’s a bit outside the city center but may be worth the trip.

5. One Nation Paris

One Nation is the largest outlet mall, if you are looking for Best Shopping in Paris. With over 110 shops and markdowns of 30-70% from top brands, you’ll surely come out a winner. Plus, the One Nation Paris outlet is a spectacular modern engineering feat to behold if you want to spend a day strolling.

6. Merci

Peruse Parisian chic with a unique selection of clothing, accessories, and homeware.

7. Rue des Francs-Bourgeois

Wander through these charming streets and explore various boutiques in this trendy district. Visit these creative shops and be wowed by the options in Le Marais.

Timing is Everything: Parisian Bi-annual Sales

Yes, you read that right! The city’s bi-annual sales, known as “ Les Soldes,” are a shopaholic’s dream come true. These sales take place in January-February and June-July and offer significant discounts on both luxury and high-street brands. During these periods, the city comes alive with shoppers eager to capitalize on reduced prices. This may be the best shopping in Paris experience yet!

Treasure Trove: Parian Consignment Shops

Consignment shops are a savvy shopper’s best-kept secret, offering a curated selection of pre-owned designer pieces at a fraction of their original cost. It’s a Parisian shopping paradise for those looking to elevate their style without breaking the bank.

Luxurious Deals at Parian Outlets

Paris isn’t just about haute couture; it’s also home to some fantastic outlets where you can score top-notch brands at discounted prices. Outlets like “La Vallée Village” and “One Nation” for example are well known for high-end French luxury.

Parisian Chic: Exploring Charming Boutiques

Every fashionista dreams of exploring unique, independently-owned Parisian Boutiques- and they won’t disappoint. Head over to the Marais district and prepare to be enchanted by its quaint streets lined with boutiques that offer a blend of vintage finds. This is where you will find one-of-a-kind local designer pieces and accessories to take your wardrobe to the next level.

Pro Tip: How Foreigners Can Save on VAT in Paris

As a foreign shopper, you have the opportunity to save on what’s called “Value Added Tax” (VAT), which is typically included in the price of goods. If you’re a non-EU resident, you can reclaim this VAT at the airport when departing. To do so, look for the “Tax-Free Shopping” logo when making purchases and keep your receipts handy. Before leaving, visit the customs desk at the airport to get your VAT refund processed. This can add up to a significant saving, especially on luxury items.

The Origin Advantage: Luxury Items in Their Home Country

Here’s a secret many vacationers are not even aware of when visiting Paris. Luxury items are less expensive when purchased in their country of origin. So, when in Paris, keep in mind that brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior might come with a more budget-friendly price tag compared to purchasing them in other parts of the world. So if you’re dreaming of that Chanel bag, you might want to think about buying it while vacationing in Paris instead of the United States. Take advantage of that VAT tax refund as well!

Get Local for True Finds

Do not underestimate Paris Flea Markets and street shopping—Hunt for vintage treasures and unique pieces at markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. You’ll never know what treasure you may find.

Perfume and Cosmetics

Paris is renowned as the world’s perfume capital, with a rich history in the art of fragrance. When shopping for perfume and cosmetics, consider the following:

Perfume: Look for boutique perfumeries and outlets where you can find famous French fragrances at more affordable prices. Miniature bottles or sample sets make great souvenirs.
Cosmetics: French skincare and beauty products are highly regarded. Opt for well-known brands that offer smaller-sized items or sets, such as luxurious hand creams or makeup kits.

Scarves and Accessories

French fashion is famous for its elegance, and Paris offers a wide array of stylish accessories to choose from.

Silk Scarves: French silk scarves, such as those from Hermès, are iconic and can be found at various price points, including more affordable options in Parisian boutiques.
Fashion Jewelry: Look for unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces at local artisan markets or smaller shops. Pieces inspired by French design can be both affordable and exquisite.

Chocolates and Macarons

Indulge in the sweet delights of Paris, known for its world-class patisseries and chocolatiers:

Chocolates: High-quality French chocolates make for delectable gifts. Explore artisanal chocolate shops for an array of flavors and beautifully packaged chocolates.
Macarons: These iconic French confections come in a range of flavors and colors. Consider picking up boxes of macarons as tasty souvenirs. Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are renowned macaron makers.

Intentional Parisian Shopping That’s Worth It

Indulging in the luxurious best shopping in Paris doesn’t have to be a drain on your bank account. With a keen eye and a bit of insider knowledge, you can navigate the city’s shopping scene like a pro, scoring high-end pieces at discount prices. Whether you’re exploring consignment shops, hitting up outlets, or wandering through charming boutiques, Paris offers a shopping experience that’s both thrilling and budget-friendly. So the next time you are in Paris, save some extra space in your luggage for that shopping spree!

Written by Amrita Harbajan, Image Consultant, AICI