La Vallee Outlet Mall - Is it worth a trip?
 

I'm a first timer and will be in Paris for one week in early June. I've found a lot of useful information here and still working to finalize my itinerary. I'm basically planning to stay in the city the entire week with 1-2 short day trips out of Paris. I will definitely spend some time shopping (Passages, Galeries Lafayette, Le Marais) various locations within Paris but am curious about taking the time to visit La Valle outlet mall. Can anyone tell me if it's a similar experience to the US outlets? There seems to be a long list of stores but I'm curious to know how good the deals are. I'm mostly looking for men's clothing, shoes, etc. Thank You, Stephen

For those from the USA, the French outlet malls will be a big disappointment. You can find much more interesting bargains in the US. With the current rate of exchange, shopping at all in France is cost prohibitive, the one exception being the summer sales where one can find real bargains. The sales starts June 22nd.

I am not much of a mall shopper (and outlet malls even less), but since the question comes up so often, I made a photo report of the Val d'Europe mall and the attached La Vallée Village: http://tinyurl.com/63yfny9

You can probably see from the pictures if it is the sort of place that would appeal to you or not.

With only one week in Paris, a French outlet mall would be the last thing on my list of things to do, especially with the dreadful exchange rate for Americans right now (and even if the exchange rate were much better, you'd never find bargains of the kind you can here). If you want to do some funky French clothing shopping on the cheap, visit one of the big outdoor markets like the one in Belleville.

Thanks for the comments. I've decided to skip it...

YOu can probalby buy Armani cheaper in the US than in France. If you want to shop in the passages, those aren't cheap, so I'm not clear on what you are looking for.

However, rue Alesia in Paris is one shopping street that has a lot of seconds or outlet stores (detaxe), if you want to give that a try, it's a lot more convenient. There are some others around rue Sulpice as I recall, but in any case, if you have time, get out at Alesia metro stop and just walk west on the street. I have seen Armani in some of those stores (men's).

Christina -

Thanks for the tips. I have an outlet mall near home (Texas) where I can easily find Armani, Zegna, Boss, etc. at 50 - 60% off. I was originally just curious how the discount at La Valle would compare. I definitely plan to spend time shopping during vacation and would like to see a variety. This is a 40th birthday celebration and the trip is a gift. While I love to find a bargain (sale) I'll also make some purchases at regular price. I just didn't want to miss an outlet opportunity if it was better that what I have nearby. Since I've never been to Paris I really didn't know what to expect.

Thanks, Stephen

There are a lot of exhausted looking people in those photos kerouac took.

Yes, it was a Saturday afternoon! :-) The worst time ever!

They won't be cheaper in Paris outlet stores if you get them at home for 50 pct off. Because the euro costs 50 pct more on the exchange rate right now, for one thing, this is a terrible time to be looking for French bargains. They wouldn't be cheaper than that, anyway. I don't recall the discounts I've seen on designers duds in Paris but I know they weren't more than 60 pct off (and that would be off euros). well, as I said, if you have time, you can try Alesia, it's not so far

Then again, people have many illusions about the discounts simply because of what the original sticker says. In France there is a very strict law that demands proof of the "real price" of items (in effect at least one month before a discount is given, for example -- verified by legal officials), and this perhaps brings things back to reality. Is there any law where you live to prevent a store from saying "75% off" if it isn't true? That is something to consider.

stevetx - in the experience of this Texan the answer to your query is no, it is not worth the trip. Have been twice on different trips (one summer, one winter) and found nothing that was either a great bargain or unique and unavailable elsewhere.

Christina - thanks for the info. I'll try Rue d'Alesia since it's nearby as you mentioned. I also saw Alesia suggested on another website today.

kerouac - interesting...I don't think we have a local law similar to what you mentioned.

Seamus - thanks for your input. I've taken Valle outlet off my list of things to see/do.

One other shopping related question...Does anyone know a specific store that sells military type t-shirts or polo's? I was given a couple of shirts as a gift years ago and interested in finding a new one. One had a 'securite incendie" logo and the other "sapeurs et pompiers'.

Thanks, Stephen

hmmm, I"d just assume the tourist souvenir Tshirt stands in the central area might be the usual suspects because who else is going to buy that kind of thing? I don't remember seeing one like that but I never looked. There are lots on rue de Rivoli and along the quays near Notre Dame (Left Bank).

of course you can get anything online http://www.fire-dept-arts.com/
http://www.men-fire.fr/35-Tee-Shirts

<i>Sapeurs-pompiers</b> pullovers are extremely popular.

http://www.7eme-compagnie.com/boutiq...ts/PULSP_1.jpg

Thank you, Kerouac! The authentic style pullover and short sleeve version were exactly what I was looking for. Apparently, I'm the kind of person who would buy that kind of thing - to answer the question above.