I found that the Paris soldes continue until February 17, so we'll be there when they are still on. Are there any particular tips for the best deals, or any tips in general?

Well, even thought they are officially on until Feb 17th many stores end them a week earlier so depending on your dates you might not find much. Expect it to be very picked over near the end. If you are here prior to a weekend , do your shopping first as the stores get really hit on the weekend and everything gets bought up.

We're arriving Feb. 5, so we'll keep that in mind. Thanks MorganB.

The shops are moving from 'second reduction' to 'final reduction' which means that most of the good stuff is already gone, but you can get some good deals on XXL purple polka dot shirts.

I have also found there isn't much left after the first week or so -- at least nothing I find very interesting, the best stuff is gone. I can't think of any special tips -- the price is what is marked, so you just have to go to a store with the type of merchandise you like and hope for the best, I guess. I've found the best sales at Bon Marche in terms of things I really want to buy, and never bought anything at Galeries Lafayette, but I'm sure that varies and depends what you want. They even have stuff marked down a lot at Monoprix and sometimes I'll pick up something there (a sweater or something), but I don't make a point of going there. Like any sales, it's hit or miss as to what they have and whether it will be in your size or a color you like. They've been on since about Jan 12th, so I wouldn't expect much at this point.