Know any great places to shop in Paris?
 

I know that this is a matter of interest and opinion - but I'd like to hear them all. What are the best places to shop in Paris? High end to low end, I don't discriminate. Thanks guys!

What do you wat to shop for? Clothes, housewares, food, perfumes, art...?

Walk out of your hotel door and turn.

Caitlin, I'm looking for something to bring home that I can't get in the US. Something that'll ooze Paris

A French husband

French lover

Pick up some of the dog doo off the street and bring that home.

Other than truly great bread, I can't think of much of anything you can buy in Paris that you can't buy in the US, (major cities, of course). As far as I can figure it out the main reason to buy things in Paris is so that you can say you bought it in Paris.

Cici, I love Printemps and Galleries Lafayette (high end dept. stores. But for best bargains try the Samaritaine dept. store. The view from the top of bldg. 2 is terrific, too. For perfume that you won't find anywhere else, go to the Fragonard factory shop a block from the Galleries Lafayette and near the Opera. Very good perfumes and not too pricey. <BR>

Bon Marche - a department store on the Left Bank. I often find headbands, barrettes, socks, stockings, shoes, scarves - pick an accessory and you will find things in Paris you don't see in the US. (at least not in Chicago, New York, or San Francisco - my main shopping venues) Lots of little shops selling costume jewelry - especially vintage/antique. Little stores with cool packages foods - condiments, jams etc. Great shoes - including some brands that are either unavailable in the US (like Clif) or tons more expensive. (Mephistos) Scarves not distributed in the US - some Balmain designs, some Lanvin designs, other designers like Pierre Bacarro, some of the Dolce & Gabbana designs. <BR>You should not get me started thinking of these things... <BR>

I dislike shopping as a rule, but Paris is an exception. Among a few other things, I brought back dishtowels with Paris monuments and sayings printed on them. They're really nice, too nice to use! Got them at Gallerie Lafayette. We didn't have any particular shopping destinations in mind when we were in Paris, but everywhere we turned we saw something nice to bring back, from little things like ashtrays to larger, more expensive items like fine antiques (which we did not purchase). Patrick is right when he says that you can get the same stuff everywhere else, but in Paris the goods are presented and packaged so nicely, even if you don't spend a lot. The shopkeepers are so nice and seem so pleased to have you make a purchase, even a little one. Paris is a shop-aholic's paradise. Just follow your nose. And bring an extra bag (seriously).

Concept Ethnic.

I always wonder how some of you decide which particular vaguely articulated questions you're going to answer with patience and enthusiasm and which you're going to ridicule.

There is also BHV, across from City Hall. You can also wander the shops in the Marais after that! <BR> <BR>Galleries Lafayette opened a "Gourmet" store near the main store. I like to bring home little French cookies, canned pate, any kind of little French tidbits.

Wow it's endless. ummm to start with, definitely take the previous posters' idea of an extra bag. <BR> <BR>If you're into the latest designer fashions, nothing beats Light on the Champs Elysees. One stop shopping for every major designer. <BR> <BR>For something that oozes French, then it's definitely Fauchon, a chocolate shop/pastry shop/gourmet stuff shop/cafe. I don't remember exact location but it is very very famous & no doubt you'll find the info easily. <BR>Their chocolates are out of this world. The gourmet shop has wonderful things that are perfect for gifts, such as jams, vinegars, teas, etc, all bearing the Fauchon label. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip!

Cici. You can buy them in the States, but last week I bought two pair of Mephisto sandals. The shoes are wonderful and the prices in Paris are truly discounted. My husband even bought a pair of casual shoes at about $150 less then we priced them here. I only mention them because you can walk forever while traveling in these shoes.

Fauchon's is on Place de la Madeleine right off Place de la Concorde near Rue de Faubourg St. Honore, which also has some of the best designer shopping in the world. I always bring back Creme de Cassis, jams, and other little items from there. Also check out Hediard, in the same square. <BR> <BR>It's on my lifetime wish list to have my own scent of purfume designed for me in Paris. Then of course, for the rest of your life, when someone asks what scent you're wearing . . .

Well Belinda already gave you my first choice! There are also quite a few shops along Rue Jacob that sell unusal pottery, paper goods, and scented and flavored oils.I alsolike Oliver &Co for olive oil products in unusal containers along with soaps and creams. It'son rue de Seine.For shoes and purses,the best street is rue Cherche Midi.

Also any street market will have unusual food stuffs. I always stock up on fleur de sel

I go to Paris once every two years to buy my umbrellas. There is an umbrella boutique at the Louvre end of the Avenue D'Opera. Its very small, very expensive (have to save) and utterly gorgeous. I've never seen umbrellas like these any where else. Each one is different from Edwardian fru fru to sophisticated sleek.

I always get comments when it rains, often from complete strangers in the street.

Its a great treat because you end up loving rainy days.

Why was this post from 2001 resurrected? Could is be the BelindaQ registered simply to promote this one store (it's her only post)?