Shopping in Paris: what to bring from the capital of France, where to buy souvenirs and fashion brands. Markets, outlets, famous shopping centers in Paris. Expert advice and reviews of tourists about shopping in Paris on the "Subtleties of Tourism".
A trip to Paris is unthinkable without shopping. All well-known Russian brands of French casual clothing in Paris can be bought two or three times cheaper, there are a lot of shops, and the choice of goods is huge.
Shops in Paris are usually open every day except Sunday. The first customers are usually launched from 10:00, most stores close at 19:00-20:00, some supermarkets are open until 21:00. Convenience stores are hard to find. Most shops are closed on Sunday.
Small souvenir shops are open 7 days a week, the price of their goods varies greatly from place to place - the same keychain with the Eiffel Tower in Montmartre can cost four times less than close to the original.
Sales in France are regulated by the state and take place twice a year, as in almost the rest of Europe. Each sale lasts a little over a month, but sometimes stores on their own initiative extend this period. The maximum that discounts reach is 80% towards the end of sales.
The winter sale starts a couple of weeks after Christmas and falls at the beginning of January, and the summer sale starts at the end of June, before the summer holiday season.
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Of course, first of all, perfumery. Theoretically, the choice is huge in any store, but the highest quality and original perfumes are sold in the Fragonard perfume museum shop. Here you are insured against fakes and at the same time from the fact that someone in Russia will have the same fragrance. If you will be on the Champs Elysees (and it is difficult not to be there) - go to the Guerlain branded boutique. There you can buy the brand's latest releases, as well as some of the vintage collections and limited edition products.
The range of the budget brand Yves Rocher is actually much wider than it is represented in Russia. You should also pay attention to the perfumes of Serge Lutens, Caron, Tom Ford and Balenciaga. High-quality skin care cosmetics in Paris are sold in pharmacies. Pay attention to the brands COPAR (white clay cosmetics), Arkopharma, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Avene, Decleor, Darphin, Science et Mer, Garancia, Biotherm, Klorane, Nuxe, Bioderma and others. It is better to choose pharmacies outside the city center, and especially its tourist areas - the difference in price can be up to 40%.
It is also worth taking olive soap from France. self made, which is made here with various additives like honey, lavender, etc. and is sold in small shops.
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In Paris, there are, perhaps, all the fashion brands at once. Starting from luxury Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin and ending with an inexpensive mass market. The French are very fond of accessories, the choice of which is huge here, so you should definitely bring a scarf, hat, tie or the symbol of French fashion - the beret from Paris.
Boutiques of famous fashion houses are located on Avenue Montaigne, Champs-Elysées and Rue Faubourg-Saint-Honore. The most popular places for shopping are the famous department stores "Galeries Lafayette" and "Prentan". The Marais and Rivoli Street are popular among fans of democratic youth brands - designer items in the boutiques there will cost half as much as on the Champs Elysees.
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Even if you do not know how to sew, you should pay attention to fabrics. Near the stairs on the way to Montmartre there are many shops where you can buy high-quality knitwear (from 4 EUR per meter), silk (from 8 EUR per meter) and much more, including accessories. Fans of Provence style will appreciate French home textiles and accessories.
Be sure to check out the secondhand bookshops in the center. Even if you do not understand French, this is not a problem: you can buy illustrated cookbooks (including vintage ones), albums about museums and their expositions, as well as vintage posters and postcards at a very low price.
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French wine is famous all over the world for its delicate taste and aroma, and at home it is significantly cheaper than in Russian stores and wineries. However, you should not be tempted by bottles for 1 EUR - it is customary to marinate meat and fish in such wine, but not to drink it. Prices for good wine start at about 8-9 EUR per bottle. Cabernet Savignon is considered a good red wine, Monbazillak is worth a try for whites, and if you prefer rosé, take Cabernet d’Anjou - you won’t go wrong.
If you are not a professional sommelier and you are not faced with the task of bringing home a specific brand of wine, when choosing, be guided not only by the price, but also by the condition of the shelves: the fewer bottles of a particular brand are left, the more popular this wine is with Parisians. The same algorithm is quite applicable for cheeses.
Also noteworthy is the French analogue of the Greek vodka "Ouzo" - "Pastisse". This is also a strong alcoholic drink based on anise, which is usually diluted with water and ice. French cider and local plum schnapps are also good. Well, of course, the good old "Armagnac", which should be purchased in large supermarkets or in specialized Nicolas stores.
The famous foie gras foie gras is, of course, worth trying fresh, but it is also sold in stores. Most big choice of this delicacy traditionally before Christmas.
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You can't leave France and not take the cheese from there. There are more than 350 species in the country, it is impossible to try each, but some are a must: spicy goat, spicy Roquefort, soft brie, little-known outside of France Bresse Bleu and Saint Agur - with blue and green mold and much more. You can buy cheese in any chain supermarket, but it is best in Quatrehomme specialized stores. There is a large selection and sometimes tastings are held. However, you should not buy cheese by weight if you want to take it with you. Firstly, he runs the risk of not surviving the road, and secondly, the smell will be so strong that the airline may simply not let you into the cabin with him. So choose vacuum packaging.
If the task is to save money, it makes sense to buy edibles in supermarkets - the prices there are lower than in street stores, and the quality is on top.
French condiments are also worth attention: at a minimum, Dijon mustard and Provence herbs - all this is sold in the Maille store on the Place de la Madeleine. And, of course, sweets: candied violet petals with almonds, Provence honey, macarons and handmade chocolate and cookies.
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Large department stores, such as the acclaimed Gallery Lafayette, are gradually turning into a cluster of expensive boutiques, visited by locals only during seasonal sales. One of the largest shopping centers not only in France, but throughout Europe - Quarte Saisons - has united more than 600 boutiques under its roof: it's a little expensive, but the assortment is amazing.
More reasonable prices in department stores on Rue Rivoli, by the way, there are always clothes of “non-marketable” sizes for the French (from the 50th). At the foot of Montmartre, the democratic Tati is located, surrounded by smaller clothing stores.
For groceries, you need to go to the stores of one of the four Parisian retail chains: Carrefour, Marche, FrancePrix, Parisien.
Stock shops of famous brands can be found near the metro Alesia. There are usually no tourists here, but branded goods can be bought at half price. In the Sentier quarter, there are a lot of shops selling French goods at factory prices.
Small mono-brand outlets can be found in many districts of Paris, a decent part of them are adjacent to outlets on the streets near the Alesia metro, but a real shopaholic, of course, is interested in huge outlet centers. It is desirable that you get lost for the whole day and get out with a couple of dozen branded bags and packages. They are in Paris, don't worry! Yes, they are far from the center, many are outside the city. But who and when did it stop?
La Vallee Village Outlet is cleverly located near Disneyland. Within walking distance is the RER train station of line A - Gare de Val d'Europe. A little north of Paris is the Marques Avenue outlet center: L'Ile Saint Denis, and even further north - Quai des marques Franconville. On the way to Charles de Gaulle airport, the Usines Center Nord outlet is worth a visit. It takes 2 hours to get to the town of Troyes from Paris by Ouibus buses (website in English) or 1.5-2 hours by train, but two large outlets are waiting for buyers here - Marques Avenue Troyes and McArthurGlen Troyes.
There are dozens of food markets in Paris, loved by tourists and locals alike. It sells farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, seafood, meats, cheeses, spices and fresh bread. The most famous are Marché des Enfants Rouges, which has existed since the 17th century, Marché Bastille and Marché Monge, which is loved by Parisians for its unique "rustic" atmosphere. In these markets, you can not only buy products at low prices, but also have a bite to eat in local cafes. The Bio Raspail market sells not only food, but also organic cosmetics. Not only vintage is sold at the famous Parisian flea markets, you can also buy new things here.
Going to the flea market, try to dress as modestly as possible: junk dealers have a trained eye, and your Valentino jeans will at least double the price of the coveted item.
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Puces de Saint-Ouen is the most famous and oldest flea market in Paris. Here you can buy antiques, vintage clothes and accessories, dishes, musical instruments And so on. Another is Puces de la porte de Vanves, which also sells all of the above, including vintage fabrics and military costumes.
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There is a large flower and bird market on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. It's worth coming here, even if you don't need a parrot - it's very beautiful place. In the park Georges Brassin is the city book market. This is a real treasure for collectors, as rare editions of the 18th-19th centuries are often found here, but just lovers of antiquity will be interested - there are books, comics, albums at low prices for every taste.
Bargaining in France is not accepted, even in the markets and in small private shops. Once you can ask the seller to drop the price if it seems too high to you, or if you want to start a conversation, but only once.
To get a VAT refund in Paris, you need to be over 15 years old and spend more than 175 EUR on purchases. Important condition: all purchases must be made in one store, however, some shopping centers meet halfway customers and make a general check for all their outlets. Then you need to issue an appropriate receipt at the checkout or at a special Tax free Shopping France counter (you will need a passport) and present it at the Tax free counter at the airport.
All articles about shopping on "Subtleties"
Paris is a dream, gothic cathedrals and medieval streets, small restaurants and cramped cafes, whose historic boulevards will leave an atmosphere of romance and enthusiastic emotions in your soul for a long time. Every vacationer in France wants to prolong unforgettable impressions for as long as possible, leaving numerous photographs, personal memories, gifts and, of course, souvenirs for friends and family.
Walking around Paris, it’s hard not to notice the numerous shops, shops and street stalls with souvenirs, so it seems easy at first glance to bring home souvenirs from Paris. But like in any kind of shopping, there are some nuances when buying souvenirs.
What souvenirs to bring from Paris
The most important rule of shopping souvenirs from Paris is to purchase gifts not on the main streets, preferably as far as possible from the main attractions of the city. The same souvenir can cost half as much in Montmartre than in the area eiffel tower.
The most common souvenirs from Paris are all kinds of key chains, fridge magnets, sweatshirts and T-shirts with the symbols of Paris Je t'aime, scarves and handbags, watches and glasses, postcard sets, cup coasters and other Parisian little things that will keep memories of happy minutes.
A visit to Disneyland Paris will give you and your family a lot of positive emotions, and your children will remember shopping at Disney souvenir shops for years to come.
The most inexpensive souvenirs can be found in the areas of New Athens, Pigalle and Montmartre. And, conversely, some of the most expensive - in the Trocadero. Along the Rue Rivoli and near the Louvre, you can find unique replicas of art that you can hardly find in Montmartre, and, fortunately, the prices for gifts are average. Below are the souvenirs to bring back from Paris, based on popularity among tourists, with prices as of spring 2013.
Prices for souvenirs in Paris:
- fridge magnets (both in Paris and Disneyland) - € 4 per piece.
- a whole skein of key chains of the Eiffel Towers (6 pieces in a skein) - € 1.
- a set of cute postcards with views of Paris - € 1 per piece.
- Lighter with Eiffel Tower (flashing) - €4 each, if you buy on the street, bargain actively up to this price.
- your portrait or caricature in Montmartre - € 40.
- a tie with a very successful copy of the Mona Lisa - € 9 per piece.
- a glass Eiffel Tower 50 cm high, inside of which wine or cognac is successfully corked - € 25 per piece.
- Maxim's restaurant chocolates - € 6 per pack.
- children's figurines of Minnie and Mickey - € 3.5 per piece.
- mug from Disneyland - € 12 per piece.
- ashtrays - from € 2.5 to € 8 per piece.
- a miniature picture on an easel - € 4 per piece.
- pendant on the phone - from € 3 to € 5 per piece.
- porcelain dolls - from € 5 to € 8 per piece.
More memorable and original gifts that you can buy for yourself in Paris, you need to look more carefully.
What to bring from Paris for yourself
1. french perfume. When buying perfume in a Parisian perfume house, you can be sure that you are buying a unique fragrance that is rarely found on the shelves of Russia. In any case, it will not be a fake, and the cost is always lower than at home. flavors and which ones to choose, read in a separate article.
2. Watercolor. Buying cityscapes on the Seine embankment, be sure that a piece of France will always be with you. The cost of paintings varies from € 5 to € 65.
3. Limoges porcelain. Limoges porcelain production technology is distinguished by the brightness of the painting and the whiteness of the base, which increases its value all over the world among other porcelain manufacturers. Buy it at PORCELAINE FRANCAISE DE LIMOGES 18, which is located on ue de Troyon.
4. Designer clothing. Many fashionistas love shopping in Paris, and no wonder, because the capital of France is the most fashionable city in the world. Prices for clothes are quite high, but nothing is a pity for your loved ones!
5. Cosmetics fabriqué en france. It's nice to use lipstick that you bought in Paris, even nicer to tell someone where you bought it.
6. Books. Here is where to roam: books about Paris, books about the museums of the capital, fashion, cooking, etc. There is a reason to buy old books from second-hand booksellers on the Seine embankment, prices from € 3. Books in the Louvre will cost you a little more - an average of € 12 , well, in the Eiffel Tower area, a book about France will cost you € 15, which is twice as expensive as in Montmartre. Most of the literature is presented in French.
7. antiques. There are several salons in Paris selling antique interior items: Galerie Popoff & Cie, Galerie Cazeau-Beraudiere, De Jonckheere Paris, etc. But French women most often visit the so-called flea markets in France, where you can buy a rare item for reasonable money.
8. Paintings, engravings, prints, sculptures or figurines. The largest selection for art lovers can be found in the Boulevard Saint-Germain area or near the Pont Alexandre Troyes.
9. French champagne, wine, cognac and cheese. For every taste, choose whatever your heart desires, especially since the French are experts in this matter. read in the special article Shopping Expert.
Also, gastronomic purchases include "yummy" macarons from the Laduree confectionery, foie gras, honey and candied violet petals.
Of course, what to bring from Paris is up to you, as it depends on your desires, capabilities and taste. We have described the most popular things in terms of shopping in the tourist environment. Relax in Paris, walk around the city, visit small souvenir shops, and you will definitely find something interesting!
TOURIST ANSWERS:
SOUVENIRS
Everyone wants to bring some souvenir of Paris as a souvenir, preferably not the most beaten, but as original as possible. The best place to find and buy souvenirs is Montmartre with its numerous shops. Here you can not only buy paintings by local artists with views of Paris or a traditional plot, but also interesting photos, lithographs with different angles of the main sights of the city.
You can look for other, more unusual souvenirs. Yes, in the store "La Dame Blanche"(rue de Rivoli 186) you can buy unusually beautiful faience and porcelain products. And in Diners en Villes(rue de Varenne 27) you can choose from beautiful and high quality tableware.
PRODUCTS
It would be unforgivable not to buy a couple of French delicacies while in Paris. A piece of fragrant cheese with or without mold, a bottle of good wine or cognac, a jar of traditional pate or foie gras, a box of delicious sweets. All this and much more can be found in one of the supermarkets. Of course, there are not so many large supermarkets in the city center, but you can still find them. On avenue de l "Opera 21 and avenue des Champs Elysees 52 there are chain stores Monoprix which are quite popular among the French. And of course you can look at
Lafayette Gourmet, located right in the Galeries Lafayette and delighting its visitors great variety all kinds of delicacies.
CLOTHES
Walking through French clothing and footwear stores, as well as other accessories, is a real pleasure. It is almost impossible to resist the temptation to buy something stylish and original. In search of interesting things, you can either look into any of the shops you like, or go straight to one of the Parisian department stores, where you can find everything under one roof at once. Probably the most famous Parisian department store is Gallery Lafayette(boulevard Haussmann 40), which consists of three large buildings at once, each of which has its own focus. So, Lafayette Coupole is essentially a general, main store, Lafayette Homme collects goods for men, and Lafayette Maison - all kinds of items for home interior and life.
Another popular mall is Forum des Halles, occupying 5 levels, 4 of which are underground. Here you can find many stores of famous brands, designed more for the middle class and average incomes. Between the shops, you can look into one of the cafes to have a bite to eat or just relax.
Often, residents and guests of Paris, in search of their favorite brands, prefer to look into one of stock stores. So, on rue Alesia in the 14th arrondissement there is a huge number of such shops where you can buy things of famous brands at bargain prices. In the 7th arrondissement, on St-Placide, there are a number of popular drains, the most popular of which is Le mouton a 5 Pattes(St-Placide 7).
FLEA MARKETS
Lovers of antiques and vintage items, as well as curiosity hunters, should not miss the opportunity to look for something interesting at one of the French flea markets. The most famous in Paris is the market, which occupies the area from the Porte de St. Ouen to Porte de Clignancourt and accommodating about two thousand shops where you can find things for every taste: from dishes and clothes to books and antiques.
Helpful answer?
Detax is an exemption from value added tax (VAT in Russian, TVA in French). As a foreign tourist, you are entitled to receive a VAT refund, provided that the goods are exported from the country of purchase.
To get a detax, you need to make a purchase in one store for at least 175 euros. Based cash receipt and your passport, the seller fills out paperwork for customs. In large stores (Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, etc.) there is a special detax department. Don't be discouraged if you don't have time to complete customs paperwork on the day you buy the item. You can do it later (no more than three months from the date of purchase), provided that your purchase is with you.
To fill out paperwork in the store, you need to have:
The detax privilege does not apply to all buyers. Not all stores issue detax, so before buying, do not forget to say “password” - detax. On the day of departure, before departure at customs (Douane), you need to show your passport, air ticket, papers from the store and show your purchases. The customs officer selectively checks the purchases, after which he stamps the papers. At customs control, the absence of purchases is considered as detax cancellation and the violator is fined (do not put purchases in luggage!). When you collect cash from the airport bank, you pay 3.50 euros (commission) for each VAT form.
Not all stores have permission to issue cash at the airport. Immediately in the store, choose the method of receiving the detax that is convenient for you (after the form issued in the store, it is too late to change the decision). After receiving the completed papers, be sure to check all the data about you, first name, last name, country of residence, home address, passport number.
Various ways to get detax.
If you wish to take advantage of the immediate VAT refund, you must:
comply with the basic conditions for VAT refunds;
make purchases in stores that are part of the Global Refund system (look at the brand name at the entrance);
travel outside the European Union within the next 21 days;
have a credit card Visa, Master Card, to ensure the guarantee.
On the day of departure, stamp the shop-issued form at customs and mail it (no postage stamp required) to Global Refund. If the bank does not receive the form certified by customs within 21 days, you have not fulfilled the terms of the agreement for an immediate VAT refund. And, therefore, the guarantee amount from your credit card will be withheld.
The Paris branch of Global Refund Bank is located in commercial center- MADELIOS - 23, boulevard de la Madeleine. Metro "Madeleine" lines No. 8, No. 12, No. 14, from the Opera 5 minutes on foot.
Basic conditions for VAT refund:
Helpful answer?
You can write a lot about shopping in Paris, because it is a center of trade, a center of elite shopping. Once in Paris, well, it is simply impossible not to look into a couple of shops and buy something as a keepsake, and, if funds allow, not go through the shops thoroughly in search of a fashionable little thing.
The best time for shopping is during sales, twice a year. Generally, sales time lasts about six weeks Imoy from January 7th to February 11th, and differently in summer. The main shopping street in Paris is Boulevard Haussmann. What is there on this long street!
And here's more about shopping malls Paris.
"Printemps Haussmann"
One of the largest in Paris. It is considered, perhaps, an independent attraction, and it is no less famous than the Eiffel Tower. Guests of the capital and local residents have been shopping here for many, many years, and the fame of the center is only growing. It is not only pleasant to buy things there, but also to relax, because the windows of the department store offer a gorgeous view of the city. In addition, the building is full of cafes and bistros - just the thing to have a cup of coffee after crazy shopping. The area of the center is amazing - about 44 thousand square meters. meters, three large buildings of 25 floors, the most fashionable boutiques and inexpensive outlets. Here you can buy clothes, and accessories, and things for children, and cosmetics and perfumes, and household goods, and souvenirs. There is simply no point in listing which specific stores and departments the store has. But it is worth noting that there is a whole floor women's shoes(and it's about 3000 m²!). 
And everything will become clear. The nice thing is that during the season of discounts, here you can snatch cool branded items with huge discounts (perhaps there are no lower prices in the city) - up to 80%! And there are also services for delivering purchases home (in the sense, to your hotel or apartment) - in case your roof was blown off and you bought 100 kilograms of blouses and skirts. 
For information about the trading house, you can go to the help center, where they speak 15 languages, including Russian, and they will tell you what and how. Another little tip, visit Brasserie Printemps and try the 19th century desserts! An indescribable feeling!
Address: 64, blvd Haussmann (subway station - Havre - Caumartin)
"Galeries Lafayette"
Another huge shopping center in Paris, whose history goes back to the beginning of the last century. The area of the department store is 120,000 m², which is simply unrealistic! By the way, this is the largest shopping center in France, where world celebrities love to visit. About 300 similar (but not so huge, of course) trading houses are scattered throughout France and other countries, and there is even one in Moscow.
Shopping here is doubly pleasant, because the building of the department store impresses with its architecture, especially the huge glass dome in the neo-Byzantine style, 33 meters high, as well as showcases of departments, which are decorated with marble and gilding. The feeling that you are in a theater or a cathedral does not leave.
And it's especially good here at Christmas, when a huge decorated sparkling Christmas tree is set in the middle of the center. Moreover, the center constantly hosts various cultural events, shows and exhibitions. The department store occupies three buildings of 18 floors, all three specialize in different goods. 
Galeries Lafayette - clothes for everyone, Lafayette Homme and Lafayette Maison - furniture and home accessories store, as well as gastronomic departments. It is very pleasant not only to buy, but also to relax in one of the dozens of restaurants or bistros of the department store, as well as visit the terrace with a panoramic view of the capital.
Address: 40 boulevard Haussmann.
"Les Quatre Temps"
This shopping center is located in the commercial and business district of the city - Defense, a sort of French Manhattan. The shopping center is a four-level building with an area of 130,000 sq.m., with 270 stores of clothes, shoes, accessories, bags for children and sports goods, perfumes and cosmetics. Here you can find well-known design departments, as well as relatively inexpensive stores, such as H&M, Lacoste, GAP, Motivi, Espirit, ZARA, Lancel and others. There is also our beloved Auchan, as well as a hypermarket with household goods Castorama, a massive 16th cinema, restaurants and cafes. Plus a huge parking lot.
Address: 15 Parvis de la Defense.
Le Bon Marches
This, meanwhile, is the first shopping center in Paris, and the architect is the famous Gustave Eiffel, after whom the main tower of the city is named. In principle, the same departments and shops, a large selection, the only thing is that it is a little calmer there, which cannot but rejoice.
Address: 38, rue de sèvre (metro - Vaneau or Sèvres - Babylone)
"Forum des Halles"
A five-level department store with floors above and below ground. But there is no feeling that you are deep underground, thanks to a clever lighting system and multiple mirrors. In this shopping center you can find about 250 departments, and not very expensive ones - there are all the usual "Levi" s, "Mango", "GAP", "H&M", "ZARA", "Esprit" and many others. Plus a cinema and Fnac, where you can buy magazines, books, tech... Interestingly, there is even a 50-meter-long pool here, apparently to cool off after a hot shopping.
Address: 101 Porte Berger (Metro Les Halles)
"Carrousel du Louvre"
Located at the entrance to the famous Louvre. Since a huge crowd of tourists constantly “hang out” here, the prices in the store are quite high, and the brands of clothes and shoes are the most luxurious. Here you can find stores "Swarovski", "Tie Rack", "L" Occitane, "Fragonard" and "Lalique".
Address: 99, rue de Rivoli (Metro Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre)
Bercy 2
A good shopping center with 80 departments and restaurants for those who are not used to spending a lot. Here you can find the departments of Tati, H&M, Marionnaud, Armand Thiery, Etam, Celio, GrandOptical, Darty, Franck Provost, Caroll, Virgin and others. Plus, the Carrefour hypermarket in the basement, where you can buy groceries for a picnic or household goods. And, of course, bistros, restaurants and sushi bars.
Address: 4 Place Europe, Charenton-le-Pont (Metro Liberté)
Bercy Village
A small shopping center in the building of a former wine warehouse. The entourage of antiquity is still preserved in the entire appearance of the trading floor - an indescribable charm. Not a very large assortment of shops, but you can visit.
Address: 28 Rue Francois Truffaut
Another large shopping center, first of all, will appeal to those who like to beautifully equip their house or cottage. There are not very many clothes and shoes here, but the prices in such departments are low. From the inside, the shopping center is not so festive and lush, but maybe it's for the best. What is not here! And furniture, and bed linen, and paintings, and vases are different - beauty! Do-it-yourself crafts lovers can go to the Bricolore department.
Address: 55, rue de la Verrerie (Metro Hôtel de Ville)
Here, as you can see, a whole mountain of shopping centers! Happy shopping!
What to bring from Paris: where to buy souvenirs and fashion brands, wine and cheese, perfumes. Flea markets and souvenir shops in Paris. Expert advice and reviews of tourists about shopping in Paris on the "Subtleties of Tourism".
Return from empty handed from Paris is strictly contraindicated. The dream city will definitely require a reminder of itself already on the plane, and friends and comrades with their beloved relatives will unanimously anathematize a tourist who came from the capital of France with a pile of stories, but without a suitcase of gifts. What is interesting to bring?
One of the first items on most "Buy a must!" lists. The selection of quality perfumes and cosmetics is chic. The same budget brand Yves Rocher is presented in Paris with a much wider assortment, which you can’t wait for in Russia. Noteworthy are the products of the brands Serge Lutens, Caron, Tom Ford and Balenciaga. Prices in departments located in large shopping centers are often lower than in individual boutiques and stores.
High-quality skin and hair care products live in pharmacies. Focus on the brands COPAR (white clay cosmetics), Arkopharma, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Avene, Decleor, Darphin, Science et Mer, Garancia, Biotherm, Klorane, Nuxe, Bioderma and others.
The price tags for cosmetics in pharmacies in the tourist districts of Paris are sometimes overpriced by 30-40%. It is better to explore the arsenal of pharmaceutical departments and shops in areas remote from the center.
They say that the highest quality and original perfumes are sold in the Fragonard perfume shop. There certainly will not be fakes. On the Champs Elysees, Guerlain branded boutique is recommended, offering not only new items, but also vintage and limited editions. A more popular souvenir is natural olive soap with lavender, honey and other delights.
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Without the Eiffel Tower, nowhere, we understand. "Friend" asked to bring, good. The main rule is not to buy frankly tourist souvenirs in frankly tourist areas and shops, and even more so - near the sights themselves. All this small things can be found in the quieter districts of Paris, but it will cost several times cheaper. Do I need to say that 99% of the "Eiffel turrets" are stamped in China?
A short geographical guide to buying souvenirs in Paris. Trocadero - no. Embankment of the Seine - perhaps, but carefully. Montmartre, Rochechouart, Blanche and Pigalle - yes.
For those for whom the world of souvenirs from trips does not end with plates and magnets, please go to one of the many second-hand bookshops - to your right are rare cookbooks with pictures, albums about fashion, museums and iconic places in Paris and France, straight ahead - posters, lithographs, near the cash desk - postcards, old magazines and records. And all this at reasonable prices.
Then we go to the flea markets. The most important are Puces de Saint-Ouen, Puces de la porte de Vanves, Puces de Montreuil and Marché du Livre Ancien et d'Occasion. What you find is all yours. Bargaining is not accepted. The banks of the Seine are home to artists of all ages and trends. You can help one of the so far unrecognized geniuses by exchanging 5-10 EUR for a small watercolor.
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The famous French wine can seduce even a desperate teetotaler. It is important to understand that a decent wine cannot be absolutely cheap, even if it is made literally a hundred kilometers from the store. Wine for 1-3 EUR is usually pickled meat, but drinks for drinking with this meat start from 6-10 EUR. Naturally, we are talking about mass-produced wine here, collectible items cost hundreds and thousands of euros.
There is an opinion that in the middle price category the rule works well - "An empty shelf is a worthy wine." In other words - without understanding the material, take what the French themselves take.
For lovers of a stronger taste, a local variety of Pastisse anise vodka, real Gascon Armagnac (Canaglia! Take two bottles!) or fortified sweet Flock de Gascogne are suitable as a gift. If good Armagnacs cost from 30 EUR per bottle, then the prices for a really high-quality product from one of the famous cognac houses start from 80 EUR per bottle.
Cheese. A wonderful world is hidden in these three letters. But the whole universe will grow this world, if you combine the words "cheese" and "French". France offers its guests more than 350 species and varieties of this magical product. Many will have to be tried on the spot - it will be too difficult to take them away. For transportation, it is better to take portions packed in a vacuum. Hard cheeses will survive the longest journey well.
You can and should buy cheeses (as, by the way, many other edible souvenirs and gifts) in ordinary chain supermarkets - it's cheaper that it does not affect the quality, it remains at the proper level. The most affordable price tags are in ED and Leader Price stores, there is more choice, but prices are higher in G20, Leclerc and Franprix. Hypermarkets have the best deals, but they are harder to get to. Important representatives are Hypercontinent, Auchan, Super U, Intermarche, Euromarche, Carrefour. Discounts and promotions are indicated by the words "Promotion" and "Notre prix".
Foie gras pate, of course, is better to taste fresh on the spot, but there is an opportunity to take it home in tin or glass jars. To it we take a jar of Dijon mustard, a couple of bottles of interesting sauces, vegetable oils with unusual additives for culinary experiments and several bags of Provence herbs. For those with a sweet tooth, we bring candied violet petals with almonds, Provence honey, pasta cakes (ideally from Laduree and Pierre Herme confectioneries, but this is an expensive business, about 20 EUR for a small box of 6 cakes. In simpler confectioneries and supermarkets, prices are 2 times below), handmade chocolate and cookies in beautiful tins.
At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing complicated in shopping. But in fact, this is a whole art, success in which is ensured only by those who know special secrets. For example, avid visitors to foreign stores know that it is impossible to shop in tourist areas.
Paris is a city with an ancient history and many attractions. The most famous are the Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral Notre Dame of Paris. The city is one of the most developed European capitals with many cafes, restaurants, hotels and excellent infrastructure. World fashion shows are held here, and Faubourg-Saint-Honoré boutiques attract fashionistas and fashionistas from all over the world with their offers from world-famous fashion designers.
Souvenirs from Paris
The Eiffel Tower is a souvenir that almost everyone brings from Paris, but few people know that a purchase in Montmartre will cost 2 times cheaper than in the stalls at the foot of this attraction. The quality is similar though.
It is rather difficult to answer the question of what can be brought from Paris. It all depends on the tourist himself. Someone loves fine wines, while another needs a keychain with the inscription "I love Paris!". Accordingly, advice on shopping in the shops of the French capital will be different.
Various gifts and souvenirs from Paris are what will make your trip memorable, so you should carefully weigh your decisions when making a purchase.
Many people think about how to bring gifts from France to relatives and friends, but not spend a lot of money. There is only one answer - to buy small souvenirs. They cost little and can be transported by plane without prohibitions, which cannot be said, for example, about cheeses or alcoholic beverages.
Souvenirs from France
What souvenirs can be purchased:
Additional Information! Representatives of the Negroid race are engaged in trade on the Field of Mars. Do not be afraid to start trading with them. Despite the refusal, many jokes and stories about the complexities of life, they can make a very tangible discount, and what originally cost 10 euros is given for 1 euro.
When choosing souvenirs, you should remember that you can not buy at the Trocadero. On the banks of the Seine, you need to be very careful in choosing. In Montmartre, Blanche and Pigalle you can shop without fear for quality.
Unusual souvenir products
For many women, the question "What to bring from Paris?" not worth it: cosmetics and various perfumes. Men, being here, can choose real French perfumes for their beloved ladies. But when choosing, you should be quite careful, because fakes are common. To get a guaranteed quality product, you should remember:
Parisian clothing stores are a paradise for fashionistas and fashionistas. The prices here are appropriate, so the tourist should carry a rather impressive amount with him, otherwise there may not be enough money for the selected product.
Regardless of the budget, when in Paris, you need to look into the shops, especially if it is the season of sales and high discounts. Yes, there may not be enough money for an exclusive outfit, but you will definitely be able to buy a hat or scarf.
Note! Wardrobe items can also be found in the markets - prices are lower here, and the quality does not differ much, so you can safely go shopping.
Things from the Parisian streets
Children love entertainment, games and sweets. If the child had to be left at home or there was a desire to please a nephew or just a little friend, then you definitely need to go to Disneyland. In addition to standard souvenirs, you can bring sweets.
Gifts for children:
Note! The cost of paintings is determined by the authors themselves, so you can buy a piece of art for a few euros, as well as expensive canvases, the price of which reaches several hundred euros. But the picture will remind you of the time spent in this wonderful city.
Lovers of watercolor paintings should take a walk along the Seine embankment. Many artists of Paris gather here - from amateurs to real masters. The subject matter is also diverse - from ordinary everyday images to the most unusual subjects. Everyone here will find something for themselves, and the artist will be happy, because the purchases of tourists are his earnings.
You can also go to the Boulevard Saint-Germain or the Pont Alexandre Troyes. Artists of various styles of painting gather here, so the choice is much wider than on the embankment.
Where can you find real art while in Paris? At the flea market. This is an amazing place where you can find almost everything: unique retro postcards, vintage photographs and rare vinyl records. If you can’t find something in stores, you should definitely look at the flea market.
It is here that not souvenirs for tourists are sold, but real French things. Quite often unique and specific, therefore, after spending a little time, you can find really worthwhile gifts. At the same time, prices can pleasantly surprise you.
Keychains for memory
When the perfume for your girlfriend or wife has already been chosen, magnets have been bought for work colleagues, and a lighter or the Eiffel Tower for the boss, and even a picture for mom is securely packed, you can think about food.
The French are known for their love of food, so they cook excellently, especially when it comes to cheese. But for the Russian consumer, it may be unusual. On the one hand, this is a product that melts in your mouth, with a divine taste. You cannot find a similar product in Russia, so you can safely take it as a gift. But on the other hand, the smell is unpleasant. However, when else will there be an opportunity to taste real French cheese or treat friends with it, bringing it home? You have to take it, but you can get used to the smell.
Those wishing to buy the famous French cheese (or any other edible gift) should not invent anything. You should go to the nearest supermarket and, having found the variety you like, feel free to go to the checkout. Despite mass production, cheeses in stores are of very high quality.
Arriving in Paris, do not forget that it is a city of love. Here you can find not only standard souvenirs, but also gifts that can surprise or even cause a smile of embarrassment in the addressee who is intended for.
One of these souvenirs are dice, but they are not ordinary, but with poses from the Kamasutra. This gift, despite its intimacy, is quite popular with tourists. The next one they decide to buy is far from everything - this is a condom with the inscription "I love Paris".
More traditional, but still exotic gifts can be candied violets or chestnuts. Also popular are honey, herbs from Provence, pink salt and foie gras, a delicacy made from the liver of geese fed with walnuts, flour and figs.
Important! When buying spices and products, you should familiarize yourself with the rules for the import and export of products. It often happens that a product can be exported from France, but it cannot be imported into Russia.
In the store Des pieds et des mains, casts of hands and feet are made, but such a souvenir of the trip is expensive: you will have to pay 250 euros for a cast of an adult's hand.
In Fleux’ boutique you can buy unusual goods that you will not find in souvenir shops - hangers in the form of a bird, lamps in old jars, etc. All items are created by young Parisian designers, so the gift will be not only unusual, but also original.
Paris is the most romantic place on Earth, according to many, but you can come here not only for the sights and special atmosphere. There's a lot here interesting places where you can buy great products.
*Prices are valid for summer 2018.
