Everything I've read so far seems to indicate that just about everything you might want to buy in Paris can be purchased cheaper in the US? I was hoping to by some perfumes, clothing, and brandy in Paris. Any suggestions?

The only reasons to buy perfume in Paris are 1) new perfumes not yet introduced in the U.S. 2) to say "I bought this in Paris". There is no inexpensive clothing in Paris; if you're there during "soldes" (sales), you get 20-50% off, but it's still not cheap. The department stores' merchandise is more reasonably priced than boutiques, but it's brand name products sold everywhere, so the clothes aren't unique. There are off-price designer stores that sell last season's YSL, LaCroix, etc. so you can buy a $2000 suit for $1000, but you can do the same in the U.S. (the difference is, of course, you'll find different things in Paris). Shoes are exhorbitant; sometimes you can find a markdown in a department store shoe salon, but it's rare. Most of the best shoes are Italian, so you can buy Blahnik and Ferragamo in Paris. You can buy them in the U.S. for a lot less. French-made shoes are kind of...icky...and very expensive (Thom McCann quality at Nordstrom prices). As for alcohol: wines are very cheap compared to the U.S. (one thing we tax to the max). I've never priced brandy, but I have to believe it's the same situation. Remember you can only bring back a limited amount. <BR>Rather than look for cheaper (it ain't gonna happen, bubba), look for unique. There are several stores in the Marais that sell fancy/special/unique writing papers; check out the housewares departments in Printemps or Galeries Lafayette for whisks, coffee cups, etc. They also have 'supermarkets' in the basement, so look for candies, pates, jellies, etc. If you are into needlecrafts, you can find unusual scrims, cross stitch patterns, etc. (no need to read French for these). The bouquinistes along the Seine sell used books, prints, magazines, etc. The French read and write a LOT, so look for unusual portfolios, fountain pens, stylos. If you are into hair ornaments, the department stores have bazillions of barrettes, snoods, fancy clips, headbands, etc. In bath shops I've found funky looking toothbrushes, exotic soaps, cool bathmats. At BHV (imagine Ace Hardware meets Bloomingdale's) you can find the little blue and white enamel house numbers, great coathooks, wild (and I do mean wild) drawer pulls and handles, welcome mats, hand tools that look like Phillip Starck had a go at them. There's a flea market in the southern part of the city (Vanves) with great French doodads...little metal cars, used books, kitchen gadgets, buttons, etc.

If you're in Paris the last 2 weeks of July you should get some pretty good deals on clothes. This is when the Spring clearance sales happen. <BR> <BR>I got some deals when I went last year.

Brandy no -- Cognac yes. You can find outstanding buys in Cognacs that you cannot find in the US. Don't waste your time with the well know labels. Look for bottles with hand written labels that are put up by small producers. Just make certain it says Cognac and Fine Champagne on the label. The last time I was in Paris I purchased a 2 liter bottle of 150 yr old Congnac for $90. You would not be able to touch it in the US for under $500 if you could find it. All I did was go into a quality wine shop and ask for the best congnac that they had. They also let me sample a couple before I picked one.

Visit a small shop named "Peter" at 181,rue du Faubourg St. Honore 75008 Paris, Tel. 563.88.00 or 561.19.37. Check first to see if they are still in business. They have all kinds of wonderful things made out of stainless steel. Your husband will want a small pocket knife that they make. The price is modest and you will not find anything like it elsewhere in the world. Except for things that you find only in France don't waste your time shopping if you are looking for a bargain.

The only thing I bring back from Paris because of a beter price is Armaganc. Other things because of their uniqness. Everything else, as Elvira points out, is usually more expensive. If you want to buy italian shoes, get them in Italy where the prices are better.

John is right. Armagnac can be even a better buy in brandies than cognac since it is less renown but the best quality is just as good. I was going to mention it in my previous posting but I couldn't spell it and I noticed that I mispelled cognac twice.

Hi Santanu -- <BR> <BR>Sad but true! Just go into any supermarket (Monoprix or Prisunic are my favorites) and check out the FOOD. Cocoa, soups, mustards, bonbons, wine (of course), and spirits . . . <BR> <BR>The big names are cheaper duty free en route back to the States, but pick up some goodies while on the ground, definitely! <BR> <BR>Bon sejours a Paris alors ! <BR>xo <BR>T

I like the eaux de vie; framboise, prune, etc., clear fruit brandies that are quite strong. They are available in the US (depending on where you live) but you can pick up nicer ones for less money there. The best of these are ones that the farmers make out in the countryside but if you'll only be in Paris, I don't know where you could pick them up.