By Kasia Dietz
A Paris fashionista shares the best areas to shop till you drop in the City of Light.
There’s no better city in the world than Paris — long heralded as a fashion capital — to shop for everything from high-end luxury labels to artisanal design. As a collector of local designer wares and a good dose of vintage, I’ll share the top addresses from Paris’ most chic neighborhoods. Pack lightly (or bring an extra bag) and prepare to indulge in a shopping spree that would make any Parisian fashionista proud.
The Marais
In a neighborhood dotted with boutiques, the Marais is a treasure trove for discovering both independent designers and ready-to-wear fashion labels. While navigating the tangle of narrow lanes in the center of Paris, keep an eye on the inspiring street style, particularly entertaining during Paris Fashion Week (held in late winter and early fall) when the art galleries turn into showrooms. Tucked away on one of these stylish Marais streets, designer Zoe Lee’s handmade sculptural shoes are a fashion-forward statement not to be missed. Next door, pop into Lille-born Méert for chocolate truffles in flavors like praline, coconut, and dark chocolate, or a signature waffle.
Just a block away at imaginative boutique Histoires de Parfums, founder Gérald Ghislain crafts scents in his perfume library that reference significant historic dates and personalities, including the author George Sand and the notorious Casanova. The result is a sensory experience. Around the corner, discover one of the first designers to set up shop in this stylish quartier. A Parisian of Swedish origins, Anika Skärström has been crafting modern separates for men and women for more than two decades, custom tailoring each edgy piece in her in-shop atelier. Her selection of Italian shoes and bags complements her wares impeccably.
In contrast to Anika’s hues, the airy shop Erotokritos Paris invites you into a vibrant universe of knitwear and denim for every style and gender. Next door, concept shop Merci, with its monthly themes and well-curated selection of clothing, housewares, books, and beauty supplies, offers something for everyone, kids included.
Golden Triangle
All that glitters really is gold when you shop in Paris’ Golden Triangle. Stretching along the 8th arrondissement from avenues Montaigne, George V, and the Champs-Élysées, this sophisticated shopping district includes luxury labels Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Saint Laurent, and the Dior flagship.
Maison Goyard, a leather goods maker dating to 1853, recently opened a boutique around the corner from Hermès for an even more lavish selection of iconic French bags. Over on Avenue Montaigne, step into the highly esteemed Celine boutique for the latest in luxury bags, shoes, and ready-to-wear. Historic fashion house Loewe will satisfy the senses with modern separates and au courant accessories for men and women. For the blossoming fashionistas, Bonpoint can dress all ages under 14. To complement any outfit, Japanese-inspired French niche perfume house Floraïku will add the final touch in the form of a fragrant haiku.
Opéra District
Culturally rich and chic, the Opéra district of Paris is known for its theaters and holds endless shopping options. Dip into history at the celebrated department store Galeries Lafayette Haussmann on Boulevard Haussmann with its Art Nouveau details, dating back to 1893. More than 2,000 brands from around the globe are delightfully displayed — including the store’s namesake label — in the largest department store in Europe. There’s even a separate Galeries Lafayette Homme for men looking to upgrade their wardrobes. It’s also worth a stop at Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet to taste some of Paris’ best sweets, from Pierre Hermé macarons and pastries to Alléno & Rivoire chocolate, the latter a new brand founded by two culinary masters.
Stay for lunch at one of the many in-store restaurants, including a canteen helmed by rising star Mory Sacko, or head upstairs to the housewares department for a cooking class led by an accomplished chef. In case all the shopping and dining has worn you out, recharge both mind and body at La Wellness Galerie, an entire floor featuring products, treatments, and classes.
Nearby, pick up a pair of timeless ballerina flats at flagship store Repetto, whose pointe shoes are often found donning the graceful feet of Palais Garnier’s dancers. Your eyes will sparkle when passing stately jewelry shops like Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Chaumet surrounding Place Vendome. For a sustainable option, pop into Courbet, whose recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds compose glamorous Paris-inspired collections that can be customized upon request.
Palais-Royal
Transforming from Paris’ royal palace to a spectacular shopping complex in the 19th century, Palais-Royal continues to reign supreme, both as a place of respite and as a fashion hub. Many à la mode treasures are tucked beneath these regal arches, including Maison Fabre, family-run glove makers dating back to 1924.
After dressing your hands in bespoke elegance, outfit your feet at Bégum Paris, where avant-garde shoes are handcrafted with urban strolling in mind. Some of the city’s top luxury vintage shops also line these historic halls that French author Colette once called home. With mannequins decked out in haute couture classics by Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent, shopping at Didier Ludot is akin to visiting a museum. Gabrielle Geppert, a longtime resident and shop owner, reveals an impeccably curated collection of vintage gems from every era. Ask to see her contemporary creations, too. For a Parisian glam-up, opulent perfume store Serge Lutens, with a signature selection of fragrances and cosmetics, proves the perfect spot.
Saint-Germain
Cross the River Seine to Saint-Germain for fragrances, artisanal housewares, and high-end womenswear with a sustainable twist. At the bijou boutique Spiritum, numerology defines each intoxicating scent in their perfumes and candles. North of the river, Alix Depondt-Reynis decorates her flagship boutique with poetic porcelain plates, bowls, candlesticks, and lamps, all crafted in Limoges, France, as well as a jewelry collection inspired by medieval ornaments and Tuscan pottery.
Ready-to-wear designer Mari Samvelyan of Koshka Paris opened her second shop in the heart of this notable neighborhood, giving her loyal clientele even more space to play dress up. Try on the brand’s signature jeans, paired with a silk blouse and a trench coat, and you’ll be ready for cocktails. Nearby, Béatrice Ferrant’s label Uncouture will style you for any occasion with flattering dresses and sporty blazers in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Venture south toward the Luxembourg Gardens to discover designer Charlotte Bialas’ one-of-a-kind dresses composed of vintage fabrics in an array of modern silhouettes. Delicate silk and cashmere sweaters and oversize scarves also fill her mod boutique. Down the street, enter Marin Montagut’s whimsical world of housewares and accessories. This talented artist’s creations include glasses and porcelain plates painted with Paris street names, and silk scarves depicting Right and Left Bank neighborhoods, all intricately illustrated in watercolor.
Wherever you stroll the streets of Paris, you’ll be certain to discover gems unique to this center for high style. And you’ll be brimming with inspiration all the way home.
Shop the House of Mouse
Interval has member resorts in Paris and close to Disneyland Paris. In addition to the thrills and magic of this famous attraction, there are also many opportunities to shop at the House of Mouse, just 27 miles (43 kilometers) east of Paris, or an easy, 40-minute train ride. Encompassing two theme parks, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, plus a golf course, there’s no lack of things to do for every age and appetite.
A premium selection of housewares and art from Harrington’s Fine China & Porcelains will undoubtedly make your wish list. Don’t miss a stop at the Walt Disney Studios store for a Mickey Mouse mug or Minnie Mouse marionette. At the Disney Silhouette Studio, paper artists will create hand-cut black silhouettes of your (or a favorite Disney character’s) head.
In between rides on Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Indiana JonesTM and the Temple of Peril, shop for souvenirs to commemorate this foray into fantasy. The whimsical shop World of Disney will keep you as exhilarated as the roller coasters, with an endless supply of plush toys, figurines, apparel, and accessories. Just behind the entrance to Adventureland, find La Girafe Curieuse (The Curious Giraffe), where unique safari-style merchandise — perfect for a sojourn in the lush jungle — lines the cavernous space.
Kasia Dietz is a Paris-based travel writer who contributes to Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and France Today. When not exploring her adopted city or embarking on an adventure, she’s designing namesake handbags or leading fashion tours.
