404 Best Places to Shop in France

The gorgeous, delicate pastry creations made by Japanese-born Sadaharu Aoki are a delightful mix of traditional French with his signature Asian flavor and design touches. Look for green tea, black sesame, and yuzu versions of updated classics like éclairs, mille-feuille, and other elegant baked goods, as well as artfully presented colorful batons of chocolate.

The Marais's newest concept store is devoted to the sustainable and the selective, in a space that delivers the best in Parisian fashion (including small Parisian labels and limited editions) and beauty lines, along with a chic little café for a nice lunch or coffee and an art gallery. Look for the all-natural, made-in-France beauty lines Estampe and La Crème Libre all-natural face-care products.

Here you can find gently used designer duds, bags, shoes and other accessories by the likes of Isabelle Marant, Marc Jacobs, Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, and other French and international brands at 50%–70% off retail prices.

Created near the chilly coast of Normandy, this company of "master spinners" has been making quality fishermen's clothes since 1889. Once family-owned, it was bought out by a devoted team of skilled employees, and the majority of their items are still made in France. The wool nautical sweaters and sailor caps are built for warmth and wear, and the striped, long-sleeve Breton T-shirts are classic French.

Anthony Vaccarello has calmed the waters at Saint Laurent with an assuredness and sleight of hand that fashion editors appreciate more every year. His recent collections have inspired the kind of praise that marks a sea change in fashion, dispensing with the rock 'n' roll glitz and overt sexiness for something less rebel-with-a-cause and more timelessly elegant. Silver evening gowns shimmer like water, and oversized suits are cut to revive movie-star glamour worthy of Katharine Hepburn. At this austere flagship store, done all in chrome and marble, you'll find ready-to-wear items (think leggings, cropped leather jackets, exquisite trenches in satin, cashmere, or leather, and bias-cut evening dresses and gowns) and all the brand's coveted accessories and jewelry, too.

A veritable Ali Baba's cave in the heart of the souklike Arab market, this colorful shop brims with eye-popping mounds of dried fruit and nuts, exotic condiments, grains, and every spice under the sun.

Excellent local ceramics can be found at this picturesque crafts center. Crowds flock here over Christmas to see the tiny—and extremely detailed—Nativity scenes made with ceramic figurines called santons. There are also guided tours every day at 5 pm from April to October (€3).

Aix's most celebrated santon (miniature statue) maker was established in 1936.

The soaps, cosmetics, and products for the home sold here are of exceptional artisanal quality. Marius Fabre is one of only six soap makers in France that still produce "le vrai" savon de Marseille the traditional way: cooked in giant vats with at least 72% pure olive oil, no fragrances (or only natural essential oils added later), and air-aged on wooden slats. 

One of Marseille's oldest manufacturers sells fragrant soap in blocks, ovals, or fanciful shapes—all of it made using the highest olive oil content possible (72%) and natural essential oils from Provence. Call ahead for a guided tour (in English) of this atmospheric factory to see the whole process done on traditional machines.

Since 1828, this manufacturer—one of only a remaining half-dozen—has crafted authentic savon de Marseille under strict guidelines (certain percentage of olive oil, made in vats by hand, dried for several months). At this small boutique, you can stock up on all its soaps for the body and home. It also has a line of quality skincare products.

Designer Emma François's main inspiration is traveling to faraway places, where she picks up ideas for the textures, prints, and colors of her versatile collection of fashion staples for women. Separates range from neutral basics—a lace inset top or camisole, a wraparound jumpsuit, a knitted cape—to brilliantly colored or natty print sweaters, trousers, blouses, and blazers. The collection is completed with a gently priced line of shoes, boots, scarves, and accessories. The Rue de Charonne concept store, the largest of her Paris shops, also has a gallery featuring the work of French artists and artisans and a selection of handmade textiles, housewares, and jewelry.

This bookseller formerly associated with chain WHSmith has stepped out on its own with this newer, independent shop that remains a must-visit for Anglophone bibliophiles. You won't just find a multitude of travel and language guides, cookbooks, and fiction for adults and children—it also has the best selection of foreign magazines and newspapers in Paris. Upstairs, enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in George Washington's former Paris apartment.

This well-stocked boutique has a good selection of clothing for men and women, as well as table linens and fabrics.

Since 1806 Souleiado has specialized in Indian-print cottons—all the rage in France since the 17th century—for the home, table, and women’s and men’s fashions and accessories. These irresistible colorful prints never go out of style.

All those famous, gorgeous Provençal fabrics can be found at Souleiado, made into scarves and tailored shirts, dresses, and skirts. There's also a selection of bags, shoes, and other accessories.

For the jet-set pet, Star Dog and Cat Boutique has luxe leashes, blingy collars, and even Oh My Dog! cologne to get Fido's tail wagging.

If you're nostalgic for the days of Studio 54, sashay over to Studio W, where a rare Loris Azzaro gold-chain top or a plunging Guy Laroche beaded couture dress in crimson mousseline has Liza and Bianca written all over it. With plenty of jewelry, shoes, bags, and even gloves to match, this elegant boutique is a must-see for fashion divas who don't mind spending a little more for sublimity.

This Marseille-based chain sells reliably chic sportswear in luscious colors. Mix-and-match separates include everything from sexy pencil skirts to jaunty peacoats and those long French scarves.

For an olfactory reminder of the south of France head to this perfumier dedicated to rare and high-end fragrances. Brands range from Maison Francis Kurkdjian to Le Labo, the cult-favorite dreamed up in nearby Grasse.

The bases are all covered here, when it comes to that coveted French élan: sleek designs, excellent quality, luxe fabrics, and prices well within the stratosphere. With styles that vie with the high-profile designers, and accessories to match, this label is an established, chic Parisian's wardrobe essential.

Known for its high-quality cheese and wine, this award-winning shop offers some of the best hams on the island, including the waist-busting Coppa and Lonzu. Tasting is encouraged.

For more than 200 years, Brun de Vian-Tiran has been making wool blankets, cozy quilts, throws, and other bedding accessories. You can find its signature items here amid housewares from other brands like Nina Ricci, Cire Trudon, Yves Delorme, and Le Jacquard Français.

Paris designer Hervé van der Straeten started out creating jewelry for Saint Laurent and Lacroix, designed a perfume bottle for Christian Dior, and then moved on to making rather baroque-style and often wacky furniture. In his loft gallery-cum-showroom, furniture, lighting, and startling mirrors are on display.

This clutch of streets, in the beautiful historic netherworld, tucked between the fringes of the Marais and the banks of the Seine, has many antiques shops.

Next to the tourist information office, Vinothèque sells top-ranked Bordeaux wines.

Whether it's a bracelet of gigantic rhinestones, a ring of fluorescent pink resin, or a pair of floating angel wings on a necklace, each Viveka Bergström piece has an acute sense of style while not taking itself too seriously.

For the famous chocolate coussins (pillows), check out Voisin. The confections have become so popular that there are now eight shops in Lyon, including one at 11 place Bellecour, right next to the main tourist office.