My sister and BIL are joining us in Paris in March. I am organizing things and sent her a list of what I have planned. Her comment was :"I did laugh at the list of shopping places! All foodie. I would be thinking clothes, bags, shoes!" Those aren't things I shop for. Any suggestions for where I can take her? She may love designer stuff but I don't think her wallet does. TIA

Most of the weekly markets in the Paris neighborhoods also have a section where one can buy cheap clothes, shoes, and other merchandise. BHV might also be easier on the wallet than other department stores.

Shopping at the level of one's own budget is not at all a problem in Paris -- just think of how many "unwealthy" people live in Paris and yet buy their clothes and bags without looking too shabby.

If your sister's wallet does not like designer prices, do not try to shop in places like Saint Germain des Prés or designer streets like avenue Montaigne or the Faubourg Saint Honoré. Rue de Rivoli (where the BHV is located) has long been considered a "middle class" street with good value for money.

Thanks, I will put Rue de Rivoli on the list. Is it just that street or is it also the neighborhood around it?

There are lots of interesting small shops on rue des Francs Bourgeois in the Marais.....a really nice variety.

And some, but not all, of the stores on and near the rue de Buci are affordable. Lots of places to buy accessories there - scarves, leggings, tights, etc.

Hi AG,

>Any suggestions for where I can take her?

The first four at
http://goparis.about.com/od/parisdep...mentstores.htm

You can visit the food halls while she shops for other things.

And if your sister is a fan of our very own "French" designer shop here in the USA known as "Tar - jay" she will enjoy the Paris equivalent Monoprix. If you are already on Rue de Rivoli continue East to Rue Saint Antoine at number 71. (You can also use their website www.monoprix.fr, google translater to English if you don't read French, at the bottom of the home page is "our stores" click on and put in your "code postal" and then click "valide").

Hi AG,

>Any suggestions for where I can take her?

The first 4 at
http://goparis.about.com/od/parisdep...mentstores.htm

You can visit the food halls while she shops for other things.