Paris travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Paris, Île-de-France, France.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Macarons from Ladurée (flagship at 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008) or Pierre Hermé (72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006) — authentic Parisian gift; boxes from €20 (~$21.80)
French mustard and condiments from La Grande Épicerie de Paris (Le Bon Marché, 75007) — Maille, Edmond Fallot, and artisan producers
Eiffel Tower miniatures — avoid hawkers around the tower (overpriced, can be counterfeit); buy from licensed tabacs or souvenir shops on Rue de Rivoli for ~€3–€15
French wine — Nicolas wine shops throughout Paris (decent mid-range cellar selection); Lavinia (3–5 Boulevard de la Madeleine, 75001) for premium bottles with international shipping
Perfume — Fragonard (3 Boulevard des Capucines, 75002 and factory tour available), Guerlain (68 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008), or Galimard at niche perfumers in the Palais Royal galleries
Books and prints — Shakespeare and Company (37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005) for English-language literature; Librairie Antoinette Faure (flea market prints) for vintage Paris maps and artwork
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
World's largest antique market (2,000+ dealers across 14 sub-markets); Art Nouveau furniture, vintage jewelry, 20th-century design, art; negotiation expected
Where: Saint-Ouen, north of Paris
Hours: Sat–Mon 10:00–18:00
Marché Dauphine
Indoor flea market within Saint-Ouen; vintage posters, vinyl records, vintage fashion, books, and art on two floors
Where: Saint-Ouen flea market complex
Hours: Sat–Mon 10:00–18:00
Marché d'Aligre
Paris's most authentic neighbourhood market; covered food hall (Marché Beauvau) plus outdoor bric-a-brac; cheap produce; very local atmosphere
Where: Bastille, 12th arrondissement, Paris
Hours: Tue–Sun 07:00–13:00
Marché de la Bastille
One of Paris's largest outdoor markets (200+ stalls); fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, flowers, clothing
Where: Bastille, 12th/11th arrondissement, Paris
Hours: Thu 07:00–14:00; Sun 07:00–14:30
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:30–20:30; Sun 11:00–20:00
Le Bon Marché
Hours: Mon–Wed, Fri 10:00–20:00; Thu 10:00–21:00; Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun 11:00–20:00
Forum des Halles
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun 11:00–19:00
Italie Deux
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–20:00
La Vallée Village (Designer Outlets)
Hours: Daily 10:00–19:00 (extended hours in peak season)
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Tax refund (détaxe) — non-EU residents spending over €100 in a single shop can claim 20% VAT refund; look for 'Tax Free Shopping' sticker; complete forms at purchase and present at airport customs kiosks (Global Blue or Planet) before departure, Luxury goods — bring copies of receipts for items over €500 through customs if declaring goods on return, Open hours — most independent shops close on Sunday and may close for a 2-hour lunch on weekdays; Monday openings are patchy in smaller boutiques