Every visitor to Paris goes shopping, if only for hotel rooms and meals. Here's what various travel items cost in Paris.

Here are tips on how to save money shopping in Paris, should you get serious.

Markets

Paris is known for its wonderful markets, and with good reason. Open air markets, covered markets, organic markets, and market streets all offer fresh delicious food—and much more. They're great fun and worth visiting, even if you're not planning on cooking. You might come away with a great picnic lunch. More...

Covered Passages

You can combine shopping and sightseeing by visiting some of the beautiful covered passages of Paris. These 19th century glass-roofed arcades were all the rage for a while, and over 100 dotted the city. Today about 20 remain, offering a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as interesting architecture and design. Some of the most interesting and accessible passages are located near the Palais Royal and off of the Grands Boulevards.

 

The lovely Passage des Panoramas.

Flower Market

The Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market), on Île de la Cité in Place Louis-Lépine, is just upstairs from the Métro's Cité station. Come any day of the week to enjoy the flowers, whether you buy or not. On Sunday, the flower market becomes a bird and small pet market.

Designer Shops

All of the great French fashion houses have shops in Paris, of course, and the great department stores sell all sorts of good French stuff. If you want to see a street full of top designers, stroll down the Avenue Montaigne (8th arrondissement).

Department Stores

Le Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville, more commonly called BHV (BEY-ahsh-VEY), just on the north side of the Hôtel de Ville by Le Marais, has departments for everything from fashions to furniture to table napkins and mailing envelopes. If you're lacking some travel need, chances are you'll find it here. (Métro: Hôtel de Ville)

Two of the largest and best known Le Printemps, 64 Boulevard Haussmann, and Galeries Lafayette, 40 Boulevard Haussmann, both behind the Opéra Garnier (Métro: Chaussée d'Antin).

The luxury end is occupied by Le Bon Marché and Samaritaine, which re-opened in 2021 after being closed for 15 years and renovated. Both are worth visiting for their remarkable buildings, and they offer many designer labels. Bon Marché is also known for its Grand Épicerie, a huge and comprehensive gourmet market. More...

Flea Markets

For a real shopping adventure, take the Métro to the Porte de Clignancourt station on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday from 09:00 am to 20:00 (8 pm) for an adventure in the vast Marché aux Puces de la Porte de St-Ouen, also known as the Clignancourt Flea Market, with several thousand stalls, carts, shops, and vendors selling everything from used blue jeans to antique paintings and furniture. From the station walk north on Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt. Watch out for pickpockets or your wallet, relieved of its contents, may be on exhibit the week after you visit.

Museum Shops

Most of Paris' great museums have marvelous museum shops selling arts, crafts, books, and souvenirs of high quality at very reasonable prices.

English-Language Bookshops

Looking for English-language books in Paris? You'll find them here.

Laundromats

Less adventurously, we all have to wash our clothing. Here's where and how to find a self-service laundromat/laundrette in Paris.

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Travel Costs in Paris Money-Saving Shopping Tips Markets in Paris Covered Passages of Paris Flea Markets of Paris Department Stores in Paris Top Paris Museums English-Language Bookshops What to See & Do in Paris Planning Your Time in Paris Laundromats/Laundrettes Paris Transportation