Shopping in France: must-see places and hidden gems

17 February 2023 · Alexandre

France is a must-visit shopping destination for international travellers. Between the great Parisian department stores, local markets and specialty shops, there is no shortage of options. Here are our favourite places to shop in France, plus a few hidden gems worth discovering.

First things first: download the SkipTax app

SkipTax is your shopping companion in France! If you live outside the European Union, the app refunds at least 80% of the VAT on your purchases. All the more reason to treat yourself.

How does it work? It's very simple:

  1. Download the app on your phone and sign up.
  2. When you shop, ask the store for an invoice made out to SkipTax.
  3. Upload photos of your invoices in the app.
  4. When you leave, scan your form's barcode at a tax refund kiosk, before checking in your luggage and going through security if you are flying.
  5. Receive your refund straight to your account.

Visit the great Parisian department stores

Paris is a world-famous shopping city, and its iconic department stores are a must. On Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps offer a huge selection, from fashion and beauty to homeware. On the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché, the oldest department store in Paris, also has a wide range of high-end products.

Soak up the local markets

Next, explore the local markets. The markets of Provence, such as the one in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, are known for their fresh and artisanal products: olives, fruit and vegetables, as well as Provençal soaps and fabrics. For something completely different, head to the Saint-Ouen flea market, just north of Paris: it is one of the largest antiques markets in the world, with an incredible variety of objects from every era and every corner of the globe.

Step into specialty shops

Specialty shops are another cornerstone of shopping in France. Local cheese shops, bakeries and chocolatiers are full of culinary treasures. In a different register, French designer boutiques, such as Christian Louboutin's, are well worth a visit for their style and craftsmanship.

Stroll down the shopping streets

France's shopping streets offer a unique experience, with a wide variety of stores selling quality products. In Paris, Rue Saint-Honoré is one of the most famous, home to high-end houses such as Hermès and Lanvin. Also in Paris, Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, the historic home of the city's cabinetmakers, is a popular address for furniture stores, antique dealers and artisans' workshops.

Find the hidden gems

Finally, for shoppers in search of hidden gems, France is full of small boutiques waiting to be discovered. The Merci concept store in Paris is one of a kind, with a selection of fashion, homeware and accessories, plus a café and a bookshop. Interior lovers will also enjoy the world of Sarah Lavoine, with its furniture and home accessories in modern, colourful designs.

Something for every taste

With its iconic department stores, lively markets and unique specialty shops, France has something for every taste and budget. Whether you are after luxury goods, handcrafted souvenirs or simply an authentic shopping experience, make sure to explore these places on your next trip!

And to get the VAT back on your purchases, sign up for free with SkipTax.