Never mind the Olympics, shopping in Paris is both a sport and a pastime in itself—you will definitely get a workout traversing the cobblestone streets to find all the hidden gems. After all, there is certainly no shortage of options magnifique. The City of Lights boasts some of the best luxury flagships (Dior! Louis Vuitton! Chanel!) in the world, as well as some of Europe’s best vintage stores, concept shops, and sustainable boutiques.
To help make figuring it all out a little easier, we spoke with some of the city’s most stylish locals to get their recommendations for the best shopping in Paris. Read on and remember what Manola Blahnik once said, “Paris is paramount for fashion, always was—always will be,” so be prepared to be inspired.
The best luxury shops in Paris
For centuries, French brands have defined luxury—and, of course, that means Paris is the premiere city to shop it all. While brands like Dior and Chanel are now global, you’ll still find unique experiences in Paris; many of the designer flagships in the city showcase exclusive offerings, curations, installations, architecture, and decor. Whether you’re looking for a new bag or just want to do some window shopping, there are plenty of centrally-located destination shops to get it all done.
101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008
While the famous avenue is definitely a tourist destination—with the lines to prove it!—the new Louis Vuitton store on Avenue des Champs-Élysées is still worth a visit. The 66 foot ceilings in the luggage room alone are a marvel to behold. Plus, you’re right down the street from the famed brasserie Le Drugstore, where you can take in epic views of the city and refuel with a pain au chocolat.
28 Place Vendôme, 75001
Nearly two hundred years ago, Joseph-Christophe Charvet opened the world’s first shirt shop in the 1st Arondissment; these days, Charvet is known for making incredible bespoke button downs that last a lifetime. “If you’re trying to splurge on a shirt, this spot has been making them since 1838, the fabric is unreal, but it’s an investment,” says Clemence Poles, founder of the magazine Passerby. After you’ve nabbed the perfect shirt, walk around the corner to the iconic Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris for a martini.
9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001
The iconic department store La Samaritaine is owned by LVMH, so expect to find pieces from many of the fashion conglomerate’s top brands. After its closure in 2005, LVMH invested $900 million to restore the legendary space. What you’ll find is more high-end mall than traditional department store—there are galleries, cafes, a spa, and more. Similar to the Louis Vuitton Paris store, this space is definitely one that tourists love, so arrive early to avoid the crowds and long waits.
12 Rue Perrée, 75003
The Broken Arm is a concept boutique that nestles nicely between the luxury and contemporary shopping space. It features everything from Comme Des Garçons and Maison Margiela to Nike and ON Running. After browsing, take a fifteen minute walk to nearby shops like the sunglasses store Jimmy Fairly, the shoe store Trippin, and the beloved cafe Aux Deux Amis where you can have the perfect three course lunch.
The best vintage shopping in Paris
There really is no better place for vintage than Paris—there’s a stand-out vintage store in almost every arrondissement or neighborhood. From luxury consignment to one-of-a-kind rarities, you’re sure to find a memorable secondhand piece to add to your collection.
20 Rue Saint-Claude, 75003
The Parisian is a small but mighty store. “The Parisian has an impeccable curation of timeless designer and contemporary pieces that are reasonably priced,” says fashion publicist Lauren Rouza. “It’s unassuming, and worth ducking into for the chance to find an objet trouvé.” From there, you’re about a five minute walk to one of the city’s best natural wine bars, Les Enfants du Marche located inside one of Paris’s oldest outdoor markets.
12 Rue de Lancry, 75010
This might be one of the best secondhand shopping experiences in the city. With gently-worn pieces by top designers from around the world and racks-on-racks to browse, unique luxury items abound.
110 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France
According to Pose, the flea market Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is “a vintage mecca”—here, you’ll find everything from casual basics to modern workwear to antique dresses. There’s a lot to go through in this space with over 14 different shops and stalls so prepare to spend some time sifting through all the amazing finds.
The best contemporary shopping in Paris
Paris isn’t just about fashion’s history—it’s about its future, too. To that end, expect to find some of the world’s most expertly curated boutiques featuring the most exciting new global designers in sustainability and creativity.
7 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004
Korean designers reign supreme at this concept store in the Marais. “It’s a top destination for Korean clothing—you can find many one-size and unisex brands with prices between $50 and $700, depending on the piece,” Camino TV’s Monroe Francillette says. “They also have some accessories and Korean beauty products.”
2 Rue de Marseille, 75010
“Run by the people behind the sneaker brand VEJA, this a great store for all things ‘responsible fashion.’ You have some great French designers like Baserange, Justine Clenquet, and other brands like Kowtow that I love,” says Poles. Paris-based artist Ryan Norville seconds this recommendation, noting that the children’s shop makes the space all the better: “There’s a large sunroof in the middle of the shop and around the corner there’s a kids’ version of the shop. As a parent I like that it’s close but not together,” she says.