Shopping in Paris

Historically, les Grands Magasins were an actual store. But the name became a generic expression in French to designate department stores in Paris. Le quartier des grands magasins designates an area on boulevard Haussmann near the Garnier Opera House where Printemps and Galeries Lafayette have their flagship stores. Many smaller clothing stores and other sorts of boutiques can also be found there, offering a virtually unlimited shopping experience. The neighborhood is predictably packed with tourists and traffic. 

Printemps has an entire building dedicated to men's fashion: le Printemps de l'Homme, which just moved to new quarters in 2017, at 64 boulevard Haussmann. There is a panoramic terrace on the ninth floor. It gives an up-close look at the department store building itself, as well as the Paris skyline. Le Printemps de la Mode features a stunning restaurant, La Brasserie du Printemps, on its sixth floor; its dome will enchant you.

The Galeries Lafayette might not be as thrilling an experience but is still notable for its impressive wine cellar. 

If you're looking for a (slightly) more authentic experience, you might want to try the BHV (Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville) we mentioned earlier in the Right Bank section of the blog. Note that it has a men's store, le BHV l'Homme, and a pet store, la la Niche. All three stores are located together in the Marais.

Also mentioned earlier is the famous Bon Marché Rive Gauche. Located across the river on the Left Bank, it's in another very active, yet less famous district: the 7th arrondissement. The Bon Marché offers a solid selection of men's clothes and a great wine cellar, but it's the grocery store (something other department stores gave up a long time ago) that makes it worth a trip. La Grand Épicerie de Paris is an absolute must, featuring foods and delicacies from around the world. If you're thinking of organizing a little pique-nique, this is the place to go!

Last, you might want to know about the Carrousel du Louvre and its many stores (a Printemps spinoff, an Apple Store, etc.). It's open on Sundays and is directly accessible from the Louvre (or vice versa.)

Many criticize department stores for their impersonalized service. If you're craving a more human touch, try these favorites:

- Paraboot sells 100% made-in-France shoes (they make their own rubber!) and has several stores in the city (notably, rue Vignon near the Madeleine Church). Can you believe I bought a pair of boots from them 13 years ago and still walk around in them in snowy New York? They're indestructible!

- Perigot has all sorts of home accessories.

IMPORTANT: Visitors from outside the European Union are generally eligible for a refund of any value-added tax (VAT) paid on their purchases of more than €175 (including tax). This can represent savings of 12% or more. Details are available where you shop or at the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau.