Shopping with a Teenager in Paris
 

We're taking our children to Paris this summer, for the first time. I'm not a shopper, so have never focused on this aspect of travel to France. However, since my oldest daughter has become a teenager, I know have to factor this into our trip. Any suggestions on where I should take her for one morning of shopping? That's about all I'll be able to stand. Would it be best to head to Galleries Lafayette or somewhere like the Marais?

Besides the big department stores, look for a chain called "Naf Naf". They have clothes geared toward young women and teens and aren't horribly expensive. She should be able to find something unique and funky there that she can say she "bought in Paris".
BTW, outside the Printemps stores, there are a dozen or so street vendors. One of them was selling fantastic scarves of all different types for 5 euro each (I bought 5!).

Mango, actually based in Spain, is another shop in Paris that appeals to young folks.

Hi Evanolan:

One of the "classic" shopping areas for teens and college students in Paris is the Latin Quarter on Boulevard St. Michel from the river up to just past Blvd. St Germain. Lots of little inexpensive shops especially for clothing. Also near St Germain des Pres going down rue de Rennes there are a ton of shops teens like. Be sure to check out Monoprix...kind of like Target here with fun inexpensive jewelry, clothes, bath stuff, etc.

The Marais has some shops that are nice as well, but you will find more little "ethnic" household stuff versus clothing (at least of interest to teens). But there are some interesting "gadget stores" that teens like that sell things like picture frames, little things to hold your cell phone, etc.

But all the Grand Magasins, Au Printemps, Galleries Lafayette and Bon Marche now have most of the hip boutique brands within their stores now and, so it is well worth a visit if you want to see "everything together" in one place easily.

Also, look for Zara, a Spanish clothing chain popular with teen girls. There is one on rue de Rennes. You don't say if she is an older teen or younger, but younger girls love Claires for little hair and jewelry accessories.

I'd take her to the Marais -- lots of little cool shops, many with discounted prices. The Galleries Lafayette and Printemps are lovely department stores, but the little shops are a lot more fun IMHO, and you get to experience a whole neighborhood instead of just a big store.