My husband is making quite a face as I write this, but I'm willing to take a chance nonetheless: I have 6 days in Paris and I would like to dedicate 1 day to serious shopping. I have heard about Marque Avenue, the Troyes outlets as well as Rue d'Alésia on several web-sites as places where you can get a bargain -- any suggestions as to which of these places we should go? I'm interested in quality wear for both women and kids.

thanks!

I've only been on rue Alesia, several times, as I stay around that general area sometimes. There are some seconds or label removed women's clothes in some of those shops, some lingerie and luggage shops, but it seemed like more men's than women's wear to me. I am not a big shopper, but I really didn't see anything phenomenal about this area, I don't know where you from, but I sure wouldn't spend a day in Paris doing that. I bet you have better bargains where you live, or can get to them easier. What do you think you are going to find there, anyway? Don't expect Chanel at 90 pct off or anything like that.

Thanks, I thought so. We are from Toronto and our so-called designer outlets are 25% off, which barely saves the taxes. What about Troyes outlet stores? or Marque Avenue?

If you want a somewhat upscale experience, you will take the RER A out to Val d'Europe (one stop before Chessy-Disneyland) and visit Le Village outlet mall, attached to the immense Val d'Europe mall. Easier than going to Troyes.

Oops, that should have been La Vallée.

Anyway, it's all at www.valdeurope.fr.
Click on the lower right hand corner for the La Vallée link.