I’ve Worked for Cartier and Louis Vuitton — Here’s My Ultimate Guide to Luxury Shopping in Paris
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Paris, France: the city of lights, the city of love, the capital of fashion.
It’s no secret that the best luxury shopping in Europe is on offer in Paris.
PARIS OFFERS AN UNPARALLELED LUXURY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN EUROPE.
Not only is Paris home to more luxury houses and designer brands than any other country in Europe, but it also has the most extensive assortment of luxury boutique types and luxury shopping districts.
In addition to this wealth of choice, luxury goods are often cheaper in Paris than in other parts of the world.
But why take my word for it?
I’VE WORKED FOR LUXURY MAISONS LIKE CARTIER AND LOUIS VUITTON, AND I HAVE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE OF THE INDUSTRY.
I also live in Europe (👋 from Germany!) and spend at least one week a year in Paris.
So without further delay, here are my insider recommendations and tips for you!
My Ultimate Guide to Luxury Shopping in Paris
Luxury Shopping is Cheaper in Paris
Make a list of your favorite luxury goods brands, and chances are that a few of them call Paris home:
LOUIS VUITTON, CHANEL, HERMES, AND DIOR ALL ARE BASED IN PARIS.
When these brands sell in the United States or Asia, they have to include overhead costs like transport and duty fees into the price that client’s pay for each item.
Buying the same goods in their European boutiques usually comes with a relatively lower price tag, because they don’t have these extra costs.
(It’s the same for U.S. brands being sold in Europe. Nikes, for example, are pricier in Europe than the U.S. because of the added transport and duty.)
The Dior flagship boutique on Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris.
The currency exchange rate-adjusted price differential on luxury handbags, jewelry, and watches can be substantial.
This pricing difference often extends to clothes and accessories from designer brands like Saint Laurent, Celine, and Balenciaga, too.
France’s VAT Refund for Luxury Shopping
As if the cost savings of buying luxury goods in their country of origin were not good enough, tourists and other non-EU residents are eligible for VAT refunds.
What’s a VAT Refund, you ask?
In countries that use value-added tax (VAT), like France, the tax is included in the purchase price.
It’s kind of like the sales tax that we use in the U.S.
In France, the standard VAT is currently 20%.
NON-RESIDENT CAN OFTEN CLAIM BACK THE VAT PAID ON GOODS THAT THEY TAKE OUT OF THE COUNTRY.
The refund is not for the entire amount of VAT, but it’s still a substantial amount of savings.
Most luxury brands in Paris recommend Global Blue for processing your VAT refund.
Wonder how you can claim your VAT refund at Paris airports and train stations? Click here.
Best Time to Visit Paris for Luxury Shopping
If shopping is the focus of your visit to Paris, then plan your visit to coincide with the end-of-season sales typically found in independent boutiques and the large luxury department stores.
THIS MEANS LATE-JANUARY TO LATE-FEBRUARY IN THE WINTER AND LATE-JUNE TO LATE-JULY FOR THE SUMMER.
Bear in mind that luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Chanel never discount or go on sale.
Never as in — Not. Ever.
If someone tells you that they have access to a sale for these luxury brands, be very cautious about the items’ authenticity.
Gucci’s Paris flagship boutique on Avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Designer brands like YSL, Chloe, or Balenciaga do go on sale, though, so be on the lookout for deals.
If you’re traveling to Paris in the busy summer months, be aware that long queues outside luxury boutiques are not uncommon.
IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TO ENSURE A HIGH LEVEL OF SERVICE AT LUXURY BOUTIQUES.
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🍾 when to ask for champagne at a luxury boutique!
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How to Prepare for Luxury Shopping in Paris
First, I always recommend creating a luxury wish list before shopping in Paris.
A luxury wish list helps you to avoid making an impulsive purchase that you might regret later.
In the era of superfakes, I choose to not engage with the luxury resale market.
THAT MEANS IF I BUY A PIECE, I PLAN TO OWN IT FOREVER.
It's incredibly useful to have a list of luxury goods that you covet; and always important to refer back to it as your tastes or priorities change.
Luxury goods are handmade pieces of art; you really want to put some thought into which ones you'll acquire and add to your personal collection.
It’s not uncommon for certain items to fall off of my wishlist the longer I go without them, and that’s ok!
I would definitely add a few items from Prada to my luxury wish list.
A sweet spot of 3 - 7 pieces that you're seriously considering buying is manageable for a luxury wish list.
I wouldn’t advise a list of more than 10 pieces unless you’ve dedicated a couple days of your trip itinerary to shopping.
Second, I advise you to research the price difference between your home market and the Paris boutiques.
The easiest way to do this is to visit the brand’s website, make note of the piece’s price in USD, and then change the location to France in order to see that same piece’s price in EUR.
The website options for changing a brand’s website location differs by each brand; for Louis Vuitton, the option is all the way at the bottom of their site in the footer on the left-hand side, while for Hermès, the option is at the top of the site header in the upper right corner.
KEEP IN MIND THAT PRICES ADVERTISED IN THE EU ALREADY INCLUDE VAT (VALUE-ADDED TAX) BY LAW.
This is different from the United States, where the advertised price has sales tax included on top at time of purchase.
Finally, I suggest that you choose the best boutique type for you.
LUXURY FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUES ARE LARGE AND EXCITING - BUT THAT MAY NOT BE YOUR VIBE.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere with less traffic, try choosing one of the brand’s secondary boutiques.
And if your plan is to shop at multiple luxury boutiques in a single afternoon, head to a luxury department store, where the main level is populated by a wide assortment of shop-in-shop boutiques.
Make an appointment directly with the brand online to ensure the highest level of customer service!
Where is the Best Luxury Shopping in Paris?
Paris has a true wealth of luxury boutiques, from the flagships lining the Champs-Élysées to the intimate secondary boutiques of Saint-Germain on the Left Bank.
The heart of luxury shopping in Paris is located in the Triangle d’Or, or Golden Triangle - the unofficial district in the 8th arrondissement bordered by the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V.
It’s home to the flagship boutiques of many of the largest luxury and designer brands in the world, as well as the haute couture showrooms where made-to-order fashions are previewed for clients.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées is synonymous with the best luxury shopping in Paris.
Though the Champs-Élysées is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to navigate, it is home to several luxury flagship boutiques.
If the grand, flagship maisons are your favorite type of luxury boutique, then this is where you should shop.
The nearby Avenue Montaigne is a smaller, more intimate street featuring high-end shopping destinations like Dior, Céline, and Brunello Cucinelli.
I FIND THAT THESE BOUTIQUES OFFER A MORE EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITHOUT THE CROWDS.
Also in the 8th arrondissement, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, features similar luxury boutiques, like Prada, Bottega Veneta, and is also home to the Hermès flagship boutique.
For fine jewelry and watches, Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement is the destination for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Patek Philippe.
I personally think of Place Vendôme as the most expensive shopping street in Paris.
Sure, the Champs-Élysées has a lot of flagships and plenty of pricey high-end shopping, but the high jewelry and haute horlogerie on offer at Place Vendôme are even more expensive.
What are the Best Luxury Department Stores in Paris?
Paris’s luxury department stores are captivating and creative, from the works of art in their window displays to the bustling excitement of their ground-level bazaars.
Le Bon Marché is a must-see, located in the charming 6th arrondissement on the Left Bank.
ESTABLISHED IN 1838, IT’S CONSIDERED ONE OF THE WORLD’S FIRST DEPARTMENT STORES.
It has a sophisticated, curated atmosphere with high-end shopping, gourmet food at La Grande Épicerie, and an impressive art gallery.
It’s perfect for those seeking a refined shopping experience away from the crowds.
Le Bon Marché is one of my favorite luxury department stores in Europe.
LE BON MARCHÉ
📍 24, rue de Sèvres 75007 Paris
Galeries Lafayette, with its flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann, is a true Parisian icon.
The flagship is famous for its grand Art Nouveau architecture and the stunning stained-glass dome.
It features multiple levels of luxury brands and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Paris.
Galeries Lafayette also has smaller locations throughout the city, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods.
Galeries Lafayette has multiple locations throughout Paris, but luxury shoppers will be best served by the flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann.
GALERIES LAFAYETTE HAUSSMANN
📍 40, Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
The latest addition, La Samaritaine, reopened in 2021 after a 16-year renovation led by LVMH.
Situated in the 1st arrondissement, it blends historic 19th-century Art Nouveau architecture with modern touches.
The department store offers an upscale selection of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle items, plus 2 chic cafés and a staggering 10 restaurants.
La Samaritaine also houses a luxury hotel, Cheval Blanc, for those who want the ultimate Paris luxury shopping experience.
LA SAMARITAINE
📍 9, rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris, France
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I claim my VAT refund at Paris airports and train stations?
Follow these steps to obtain you VAT refund on luxury shopping in France through Global Blue:
SHOP AND COLLECT: Spend over €100.01 in a single store on the same day and ask for a Global Blue Tax Free Form when you pay.
GET CUSTOMS APPROVAL: Before leaving the EU, find a self-service PABLO kiosk or go to a customs desk at the airport or departure point. Scan or stamp your Tax Free Form to validate it. (This must be done within three months of purchase, so don’t worry if you don’t have enough time at the airport!)
CLAIM YOUR REFUND: With the validated form, visit a Global Blue Refund Office to get an immediate cash refund, or mail it to receive the refund on your credit card. Processing fees may apply, so the refund amount will be slightly less than the full 20% VAT.
Here’s where you can find Global Blue’s kiosks at the most common departure points in Paris:
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport:
Terminals 1, 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, and 3: PABLO kiosks are available in these terminals, usually located near the customs area or after security checkpoints, where you can validate your Tax Free forms.
Orly (ORY) Airport:
Orly 1-2: PABLO kiosks can be found near customs, close to the check-in areas.
Orly 4: There is a kiosk near the customs area in the public zone, allowing you to validate your forms before proceeding through security.
Gare du Nord Train Station:
The PABLO kiosk is located near the Eurostar terminal, just before the customs area, allowing travelers to validate their forms before heading to the platform.
What is the Best Luxury Shopping Street in Paris?
This is such a subjective question!
FOR MANY VISITORS, THE BEST PARISIAN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IS SPENT ALONG THE ICONIC CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES.
That said, I think some of the most expensive shopping in Paris actually happens in the watch and jewelry boutiques of Place Vendome.
I’ve seen a single watch or piece of jewelry sell for millions of dollars.
Savvy, repeat visitors to Paris will also find their favorite boutiques and build a relationship with their Sales Associate there.
The Hermès boutique on Rue de Sèvres is favored by loyal customers over the brand’s Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship for its impeccable client services.
The Hermès boutique on Rue de Sèvres is favored by loyal customers, and it’s an open secret that the Chanel boutique on Avenue Montaigne offers better client service than the brand’s flagship store at 31 Rue Cambon.
The best shopping street in Paris is whatever street offers you what you’re looking for with the least amount of stress. If that’s the Champs-Élysées for you, then so be it.
What Luxury Brands are Based in Paris?
Paris is home to major luxury brands like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermés, Chanel, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
It’s also home to popular designer brands like Celine, Saint Laurent, Chloé, Lanvin, and Balenciaga.
What’s the Difference between Luxury Brands and Designer Brands?
Luxury brands are those with a strong heritage of creating high-quality goods from the best available materials and craftsmanship techniques.
They tend to be less concerned with trend cycles, as their goods are meant to last for decades rather than a few seasons.
LUXURY BRANDS ASSOCIATE THEMSELVES WITH ART - THINK ARTIST COLLABORATIONS OR EXHIBITIONS OF THEIR ARCHIVES.
Their higher price point is mainly due to the high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship of their goods, as well as the ability of the wearer to afford the piece.
Designer brands, on the other hand, are those concerned with driving fashion trends season after season.
They often attempt to create and influence trend cycles, and their goods are meant to be statement-making, of-the-moment pieces that imbue the wearer with savoir-faire of the current fashions.
Designer brands associate themselves with contemporary, of-the-moment hallmarks to demonstrate their authority in shaping trends - think celebrities, influencer collaborations, and pop-culture related imagery.
While certainly well-made, designer brands are not always created from the best available materials.
THEIR HIGHER PRICE POINT IS MAINLY DUE TO THE LATEST DESIGN OF THEIR GOODS AND THE SIGNAL OF FASHION COMPETENCE THAT IT DECLARES FOR THE WEARER.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris offers an unparalleled luxury shopping experience that blends history, sophistication, and the thrill of exclusive, world-renowned brands.
From the grand boulevards of the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne to the intimate boutiques of Saint-Germain, the city’s shopping districts are a haven for luxury shoppers.
EVEN PARIS’S LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORES WARRANT A VISIT, FROM THE ELEGANT LE BON MARCHÉ TO THE GRAND GALERIES LAFAYETTE AND THE NEWLY REIMAGINED LA SAMARITAINE.
With the added perks of VAT refunds for non-EU residents and a potential price advantage compared to other global markets, luxury shopping in Paris can actually save you money - crazy but true!
Happy shopping!
xx,
Angela 🛍️
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