What to Buy in Paris

I’ll never forget my first trip to Paris as a wage-earning adult. It wasn’t my first visit there ever, but it was as an independent adult. The story is kind of amusing, as many of my travel stories are. I was dating a guy who I was in a spasmodic relationship with, and I told him that the only way he could come with me to Paris is if he bought me $1k of clothes while there. He agreed, and off we went to Paris. There wasn’t any particular thing I wanted, but I knew I wanted to have some French girl style. That, my friends, is when I discovered my still-favorite brand Maje, and several others that I continue to buy when I'm there.

Back then, I wasn’t as focused on skincare products, but I have evolved. Paris offers the most amazing items that a person could ever want. And I’m going to share the ones I love the most with you. I have a very close relationship with this city, and I’ve bought many a thing there. You’ll get some good ideas when we are done here, and you’ll feel good about what to purchase. I’m excited to share them.

Bar at the Luxury Hôtel de Crillon

Since I shop in Paris every time I go, I am very familiar with many different products. My familiarity with and love of certain brands and products continues to lure me back for more. I love some element of tradition. There are items that are considered expensive and some that are not so expensive. It all depends on what you want to buy, which department stores you go to, and even which French pharmacie you choose. You can go as luxury or as lower budget as you want there. And I’ve done much in between, too. It may help to note that I am not a luxury designer person, so I’m not going to harp on brands like Louis Vuitton, but do know that I like nice things and will pay for them - especially in Paris.

Brocante in Place des Vosges

Shopping in Paris can be expensive if you want it to be, as I stated. Moi, I’m a savvy shopper (that’s code for thrifty), so Paris doesn’t cripple me with her prices. One of the things I’ve discovered over the years is that many people save their luxury purchases for their Paris trip because they are less expensive in Europe than in the United States. If you didn’t know that, it’s a good thing to notate if you want a new luxury item and have an upcoming trip to Paris. I’ve walked by the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysées and seen a line wrapped around the building. To each her own - you will not catch me doing that.

I’m also a bigger fan of the smaller local brands, but I’ll get into those later. If you are in Paris during the months that the huge sales happen, you are in big luck. In January and June, the stores have what is called SOLDES - sales. These are mandatory months that retailers can put their items on sale.

Some of my favorite places to shop  are Le Bon Marché  and BHV for a department store setting. Otherwise I will hit individual shops in Le Marais, where there are vintage shops galore and major brands as well. For an elevated and more luxury (and more expensive) department store experience, go to Galeries Lafayette, and don't miss their rooftop view. One other really cool thing to do is to go to a flea market or the local pop up brocantes. You can find some really cool and unique pieces at these, and they will not break the bank. You’ll have much to bring home with you, so be sure to pack an extra bag for your goods. Pick your favorite shopping poison and wear comfortable shoes. You’re in for a treat.

Nessy's Shop in the 5th

This question of what the best things to buy in Paris is purely subjective, right? I would say yes, so if you like my style, you will like what I have offered here. Whether I’m helping you with what to wear in Paris, France or telling you what to take home with you, I’m only here to assist in some ideas. As I’ve said, I go to Paris frequently and like to try new things all the time, and go back to what I know if I love it. So, we are going to get into all of it here. I’m very excited to share this with you because all of it lights me up when I get it back to my house in the United States. Let’s check out my roundup now.

What Bags to Buy in Paris

Purely subjective and based on your own taste, I’m going to run through a few brands that I think are noteworthy and worth checking out. They aren’t going to scream a brand name that the entire world will know, but you will be Paris chic to the core. First, Fleuron is a beautiful brand located directly next to Sézane in the 2nd arrondissement. Another beautiful brand is Fauvette. The dainty flower on the front of the bags makes me want to buy them all. An affordable and beautiful brand, PÖ&ME is a fantastic option. I’ll likely get one next time I go to Paris, in fact. Finally, Pourchet is a gorgeous and very well priced bag brand in Paris that I will most definitely be purchasing sooner than later.

What Clothes to Buy in Paris

Clothes are a big deal for me. I absolutely love assembling an outfit nearly every single day, so I’m going to recommend some of my favorite brands that I love in Paris. As I mentioned earlier, Maje has been a favorite for over a decade, and my love has not wavered. More recently I warmed up to Sandro, and I purchased some items at BHV when I was in Paris on one of my last trips. Sézane has been a years long relationship as well, and while you can buy the brand online, I will only buy in person for nostalgic purposes. If you want to be super French buy a classic piece from agnès b. Everything in there will make you feel Parisienne. There are so many more, and as you walk around, go in where you see fit. Don’t forget to start with a “Bonjour!” when you walk into a shop for some good service and politeness!

What Beauty Products to Buy in Paris

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this is a bit subjective because my choices of French skincare and beauty products only continues to grow and evolve based on my needs. However, some of the favorite items for me have been ones like Avene Retrinal day cream with sunscreen, and for nighttime I use the same one without sunscreen. My most recent visit was filled with another amazing Avene product, which was mascara. One of my dear friends showed it to me while we were perusing the pharmacie at Les Halles (which took me twice to find). It’s the best mascara I’ve ever used.

Another brand I have adopted into my routine is Embryolisse. The particular item I purchased was Lait-Crème Rétinol-like and I use it at night as my lotion. It’s fabulous. Another crowd favorite brand is La Roche Posay, which is also age-defying. I’m in my mid-40s and have never felt like I looked so good. Switching to French beauty products (and drinking lots of water) have never done a girl so well.

What Souvenirs to Buy in Paris

Under this general category of souvenirs from Paris, I’ll include all the other random items I have purchased and would highly recommend if you’re going to Paris and your credit card is burning a hole in your pocket. I stay on the right bank, so my trek across the Île de la Cité where the lovely Notre Dame sits leads me to Messy Nessy’s Cabinet of Curiosities (my favorite store in Paris), where one of her books or silk scarves have reeled me in. She has so many cool things, including water from the Seine in a bottle, so do spend some time in her shop.

Tea is also an item that always makes its way into my bag, and Mariage Frères is my go-to. I always get an Earl Grey and the de-stress tea is on repeat for purchase. While we are on liquids, French wine is always purchased. It’s so inexpensive there and absolutely delicious. You can go to a wine shop or just go to Franprix (chain grocery store) where you can buy some off the shelf. They’re all good - I would know. One other little thing I love to buy are caramels from my favorite crepe restaurant called Breizh Cafe. Ask for a bag at the end of your meal and enjoy them when you get home.

Crepe from Breizh Cafe

To be perfectly honest, it’s taken me a while to learn how to shop in Paris. There are so many stores, so many shops, and so much you could potentially purchase. Your best bet is to get a game plan together. And also take an extra foldable bag in your luggage for your loot. Trust me on this one, the extra bag is invaluable for taking things back with you from wherever you come. Don’t get too bogged down with what to buy. Decide if wine is your thing, or clothes or a purse.

Paris has it all, and it is absolutely a delight when you can enjoy your time perusing the different items you might want to buy. As you’re walking through this beautiful city and see a shop you want to enter, go in and soak it up. The joys of being in Paris are usually enough. But we all like to come away with a little reminder of our stay there. My summary is: enjoy the experience. It’s a shopper’s paradise.

Now that I’ve given you my hack list of things worth purchasing in Paris, I can’t wait for you to decide what it will be for you. This list has been curated over many trips to my favorite city, and I will continue to add to it as I go and find more things that are interesting. For now, create your own list and enjoy the excitement of shopping in Paris. It’s an excellent city for discovering new things.

For other information on Paris trips, check out my blog “Is Paris Safe for Solo Female Travelers?” Here.

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