399 Best Places to Shop in France

In this boutique-atelier, the earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces—all designed and handmade by partners Alicia and Athmane—are chic and timeless, with a touch of bohemian style.

Head to Avant-Scène for original, poetic furniture. Owner Elisabeth Delacarte commissions limited-edition pieces from artists like Mark Brazier-Jones, Franck Evennou, Elizabeth Garouste, and Hubert Le Gall.

With fourteen stores in Bordeaux alone, Baillardran is going to be hard to walk by without at least looking in its windows at those sweet delights, canelés de Bordeaux. Much like a Doric column in miniature, the small indented, caramelized cakes, made with vanilla and a dash of rum, are a delicious regional specialty.

Slinky silhouettes, bare midriffs, sequins, crystals, frills, and furbelows, not to mention plenty of silver, patent leather, and cutouts: in other words, Balmain is not for shrinking violets. This may sound like a break from the couture house's ultrafeminine backstory (a favorite of '50s Hollywood idols), but in the hands of Olivier Rousteing, being feminine translates to being at home in your skin first, then dressing it up—his glamorous, highly Instagrammable flights of fancy are catnip for models, singers, and reality stars. The elegantly minimal boutique in the heart of the Golden Triangle carries the full collection and is a lovely backdrop for these opulent street wear–meets–boudoir fashions.

Your go-to place for all things Nantes, this spot is filled with items made by local artists and artisans, plus an irresistible energy and vibe. You'll want to stock up on posters, postcards, mugs, silkscreen prints, notebooks, backpacks, and handmade candies from the region.

This is like multiple stores in one, with sections for superstylish fashions (including chic bags, scarves, and adorable jewelry) and decor and lifestyle (candles, vases, linens, room fragrances)—all with a boho-Scandinavian flair.

The Bensimon brothers started their brand over 40 years ago with their now iconic “tennis Bensimon,” flat canvas sneakers with rubber soles and tips, which they bought from an army surplus store and dyed in a variety of colors. The shoes were an instant hit, whose popularity has continued to endure, and the brand has since expanded into prêt-à-porter, accessories, and home decor. The simple, classic designs favor cheerful, solid colors, which are wearable day after day and year after year.

One of the more creative French chains for women's clothing, Berenice has made an international splash for its of-the-moment styles, quality fabrics, and the kind of classic tailoring Parisians adore. Separates run the gamut from bold and bright to streamlined and understated, but they're always versatile and suitable for a wide range of ages. Accessories include shoes, belts, and bags in fun materials, like python-print or studded leather.

The company has been making exquisite and expensive men's shoes for more than a century. "Nothing is too beautiful for feet" is Olga Berluti's motto; she even exposes her creations to moonlight to give them an extra-special patina. One model is named after Andy Warhol; other famous clients of the past include the Duke of Windsor, Fred Astaire, and James Joyce.

Some say Bernachon is the best chocolaterie in France. It's a family business that proudly passes the torch from father to son.

This is your one-stop shopping destination for all of those dreamy French household textiles beloved by design magazines. Sheets of softest cotton, damask, or linen in gorgeous solid colors or romantic prints feel totally luxurious, and elegant table linens turn any table into a conversation piece. They are worth the investment, as they'll last generations (at the June and January sales, you can nab great bargains at 30%–50% off).

Bonton takes the prize for most-coveted duds among those who like to think of children as fashion accessories. (Moms may find some useful wardrobe pointers, too.) Sassy separates in saturated colors layer beautifully, look amazing, and manage to be perfectly kid-friendly. Bonton sells toys and furniture, too.

This cozy bookshop near Cours Mirabeau is not only a great place to buy and read English-language books, but also to meet other English speakers.

With a stunning selection of artisanal chocolate, Bouillet is paradise for chocoholics. It also has stores at 14 rue des Archers and 3 rue d'Austerlitz.

If this tiny 1950s and 1960s-inspired concept store has survived for four decades, it's not an accident. The owner carefully chooses fun, funky clothing, housewares, jewelry, decorative items, and anything else that inspires her to sell in her boutique. Don't miss the back room with retro posters, lamps, furniture, and kitschy wall hangings.

Like the ready-made Duchamp "artwork" for which it is named, the Broken Arm projects a minimalist cool that puts the concept back in concept store. A hypercurated selection of A-list brands for men and women includes vivid separates from the likes of Martin Margiela, Prada, and the sublime Lemaire. A choice selection of objects and accessories (books, shoes, jewelry, and leather goods) elevates the everyday to art.

This small, refined store is the brainchild of Terry de Gunzburg, Yves Saint Laurent's former director of makeup, whose brand of ready-to-wear cosmetics is a favorite among French actresses and socialites. Upstairs, specialists create what de Gunzburg calls haute couleur, exclusive makeup tailored to each client (it's very expensive, and takes three weeks to create).

For five generations, this family-run outfit has produced some of the country's finest olive oils. You can buy several varieties at the centrally located boutique—which also has a tantalizing array of tapenades, sauces, condiments, and jams—or visit the mill a mile out of town to see firsthand how the oil is made.

This sleek boutique near the Pont Marie carries a selection of 200 handmade papers from around the world, unique stationery, cards, and writing instruments as well as artwork made on and with, yep, paper. It's an oh-so-Parisian source for personalized calling cards and stationery.

This company made a name for itself in the 1950s with its youthful designs that were made to match with the modern fashions of iconic designer Christian Dior. The playful, low-heeled, and comfortable shoes and boots have remained popular thanks to their playful spins on classic designs. There is also an outlet store at  6 rue du Cherche-Midi.

If circular fashion is your bag, this is the place for you. Where better to shop preloved pieces than Cannes? Sustainability never looked so stylish. 

Dutch fashion designer and artist Caroline Dechamby hand-paints the rings and leather purses for sale at the space she shares with Carousel Fine Art. The pop artist also works with Swiss watchmakers for her limited-edition art series—in case you can't squeeze one of the paintings that are also for sale into your suitcase.

Here you'll find everything for the chic French home, including new and vintage tableware, textiles, throw pillows, lighting, baskets, mirrors, and throws.

This historic jeweler welcomes devotees past the 19th-century, gold-flecked black marble facade into a massive six-story boutique. Boasting truly contemporary flair, albeit with nods to the brand's storied past, this Cartier is airy and bright, capped by a glass ceiling that takes inspiration from the city's beloved secret courtyards. Longtime favorites like Trinity rings and Tank watches compete for attention with the newer Panthère, Love, and Caresse d'Orchidées collections.

This well-stocked boutique sells organic jams, olives oils, wines, and traditional dishes. It belongs to Charles Antona, who's been in business for more than 30 years.

This historic vinothèque (wine store), set in the beautiful Galerie Vivienne, is as picturesque a spot as you’ll ever find in Paris for buying and tasting wine. With a comptoir (tasting counter), seating in the lovely courtyard, and a restaurant, you can discover the finest French wines accompanied by gourmet dishes. Themed tastings and dinners are a great way to mingle with the experts (just be sure to reserve in advance online).