Shopping in France : Must-see places and hidden gems to discover...
France is a must-see shopping destination for foreign tourists. Between Parisian department stores, local markets and specialty stores, there are plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts. In this article, we present the best shopping spots in France, as well as some hidden nuggets to discover.
First of all : download the SkipTax application
SkipTax is your shopping ally in France! If you are a resident outside the EU, this innovative application allows you to get a minimum 80% VAT refund on all your purchases. What a pleasure!
How does it work? It’s very simple :
1. Download the application on your phone and register.
2. When you shop, request SkipTax invoices from the stores.
3. Upload your photo bills to the app.
4. When you leave, scan a barcode provided by the app on a customs terminal before checking in your luggage and going through security if you are leaving from an airport.
5. Receive your refund within 24 to 48 hours!
Visit the big Parisian stores
Paris is a world-renowned shopping city, and its iconic department stores are must-see destinations. These include Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann. These luxury stores offer a wide selection of products, from fashion to beauty to home. On the left bank, you can also find Le Bon Marché, the oldest department store in Paris with a large selection of high-end products.
Soak up the local markets
Then go and discover the local markets. The markets of Provence, like the one in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, are known for their fresh and artisanal products. Indeed, you will find olives, fruits and vegetables, as well as Provençal soaps and textiles. In another style, you can visit the flea market of Saint-Ouen. Located north of Paris, it is the largest antiques market in the world, with an incredible variety of objects from all eras and all origins.
Visit the specialized stores
Specialty stores are another key element of shopping in France. Indeed, the local cheese shops, bakeries and chocolate shops offer real gustatory treasures to discover. On another note, French designer fashion boutiques, such as Christian Louboutin’s, are also unique and worth a visit for their aesthetics and craftsmanship.
Stroll through the shopping streets
France’s shopping streets offer a unique shopping experience, with a variety of stores offering quality and unique products. For example, Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris is one of the most famous shopping streets in the city. Here you will find high-end stores such as Hermès and Lanvin. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine in Lyon is also a popular shopping destination, with antique stores, artisan workshops and furniture stores.
Find the hidden nuggets
Finally, for shopping enthusiasts looking for hidden nuggets, France is full of small stores and specialty boutiques to discover. The Merci concept store in Paris is a unique store offering a selection of fashion, home and accessories, as well as a café-restaurant and a bookstore. You can also discover the Maison Sarah Lavoine store. This store in Lyon is another original shopping destination, with a selection of furniture and home accessories in modern and colorful designs.
In the end, France is a must-see shopping destination for foreign tourists. With iconic department stores, bustling local markets and unique specialty stores, there is something for every taste and budget.
Whether you’re looking for luxury goods, handcrafted souvenirs or simply an authentic shopping experience, France has it all. So go ahead and discover these must-see shopping destinations on your next trip to France!
