Paris Shopping Guide: Stylish, Affordable Finds Beyond the Designer Boutiques

I always save room in my suitcase to do some shopping in Paris. Though many larger brands are now available globally and online, I like to shop for brands and styles I can’t find at home. Many of you have asked for suggestions for more affordable places to shop for fashion in Paris, so I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites. And, on the heels of my recent visit, I’ve added some new finds!

How to Shop Like a Parisian (Without the Designer Price Tag)

With Paris being one of the (or THE) top fashion capitals of the world, you’ll find plenty of high end designer boutiques in most of the central arrondissements. But you don’t see many Parisians trotting around in head-to-toe designer outfits (or if they are, they’re subtle “stealth wealth” pieces). I’m sure most Parisiennes of more modest means have favorite one-off shops. But as a visitor I’ve sussed out a few accessible favorites of my own.

(While I realize everyone has their own definition of “affordable,” my frame of reference for the purpose of this post is prices comparable to US brands like J.Crew, Madewell, Talbot’s, Gap.)

Comptoir des Cotonniers

This is a chain, and you’ll find stores of various sizes all over Paris (and in other parts of France). I *always* make a point to visit while I’m here, and usually find something that works for me. They have great simple casual basics in natural fibers. And they often have ” x% off” promotions.

The sales associates are friendly and helpful. Sizing varies by item, but I find most to be generally true-to-size.

Caroll

Caroll is another chain with some great basics at reasonable prices. (Think Boden, but French.) They were a lifesaver when we were in Paris during a canicule (extreme heat wave) in 2019. I was able to find some linen trousers and tops that kept me (more) comfortable in the heat.

They have several shops in Paris, and also have periodic promotions.

Merci

Merci is a unique “concept store” in the Marais, which sells not only clothing but gifts and housewares. Clothing styles skew Bohemian, and prices range from budget-friendly to “bridge.” Think Anthropologie, but with a wide range of brands.

It’s a fun space to browse through, and there’s a nice cafe if you get peckish.

It’s also a good place to find little unique gifts to bring home.

Jimmy Fairly

Paris is brimming with eyewear boutiques offering everything from timeless classics to bold, fashion-forward styles you won’t find anywhere else. For affordable, stylish frames that are also well-crafted, I always recommend Jimmy Fairly. I’ve picked up a few pairs over the years, and they’ve all held up beautifully. There are several locations around the city, but I usually stop by the one on Rue du Four (just a few doors down from CityPharma, see below).

Monoprix

No, really! The larger Monoprix stores have quite a wide selection of clothing and accessories. If you need something in a pinch (and on a budget) they’re definitely worth checking out. (Le Monsieur bought a couple of Monoprix linen shirts on one of our earlier visits, which he wore for several years.)

I always pick up a few of their re-usable nylon shopping bags for gifts and to keep in the car.

Sézane

Yes, you can shop online from the US, and we even have a few stores now, but it’s so much fun going to the original l’appartement, and you’ll find prices are slightly lower there.

It can get quite crowded, so I suggest visiting in the morning.

It’s a charming emporium, with clothing, bags, shoes, accessories…all with a Parisian attitude. They also have a smaller (and usually much less crowded) shop on Rue du Bac in the 7th arrondissement.

Cecile & Jeanne

I first discovered this French jewelry brand online a few years ago, but it’s much more fun to shop in person. They have a lovely collection of pieces from delicate to bold. I really love their “earring parties,” earring styles that can be worn in multiple combinations. You can find many lovely pieces under 100 euros.

They have a few locations throughout Paris; I usually visit the one on Rue St. Honoré.

Doré Doré

One of my “musts” in Paris is a visit to Doré Doré. They have simply the BEST socks.

Yes, you can find cheaper socks, but the quality is outstanding and the designs and colors are so fun. I especially love their lightweight cotton socks, and have purchased several pairs over the years. They wear like iron, even when put in the dryer.

These make great gifts too, and don’t take up much room in your suitcase. Doré Doré carries women’s, mens, and children’s hosiery of all kinds.

CityPharma

This legendary pharmacie is almost always packed, and the aisles are narrow, but it’s worth the lines and the squeeze. If you’re looking for the best drugstore beauty buys, be sure to ask one of the knowledgeable staff for recommendations (you can’t miss them in their white coats). Also great prices on many OTC meds. I always stock up on Ibuprofen, Maalox tablets, and such, which are usually much less expensive than in the US.

Pylones

If you’re looking for colorful, whimsical housewares and personal items, or unique gifts to bring home, you must take a look at Pylones! Everything in the store is so fun and vibrant (and affordable!) that it’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed.

There are a few locations in Paris, including in the Carrousel du Louvre and Rue du Bac.

Maria de la Orden

A few days before I was scheduled to leave for Paris, I began seeing this brand popping up in my Instagram feed, so added to my list to check out. They happened to have a shop just a couple of blocks from my hotel at 38 rue de l’Université, so I made a beeline upon arrival.

If you like fun, colorful styles with a bit of a “folkloric” vibe, you should definitely visit this shop. Prices are (full-price) J.Crew/Talbot’s range, the fabrics are lovely, and the clothes seem to be well-made.

Chatelles

Cute, comfortable, customizable footwear for women & girls. Chatelles is located on Rue du Bac in the 7th arrondissement. Prices for women’s styles are generally in the 120-300€ range, and there are all kinds of accessories available to create a custom pair.

The Department Stores Where Parisians Actually Shop

Yes, the big department stores will have the most variety, but they can also be quite crowded. Best times to visit are mornings early in the week. My two favorite department stores are Le Bon Marché in the 7th (relatively upscale, great spot for chic people watching) and BHV in the Marais (you’ll find just about everything here from clothing to luggage to hardware to kitchen gadgets).

Also: don’t miss La Grande Épicerie next door to LBM…an amazing gourmet market and food hall!

How to Save Even More: Détaxe, Sales & Credit Card Tips

Don’t forget to ask about Détaxe (tax-free) paperwork on any purchases totaling over 100 euros*. If you live outside the EU you can get a refund on the VAT tax that’s automatically included in the price of most items.

• When you’ve finished shopping, ask for forms.
• You’ll need to have your passport with you at the point of purchase to get the forms.
• If you’ve paid by credit card, you can request that the refund (usually around 10-12%) go directly back to the card used.
• Be sure to scan the form(s) they provide before you leave the EU! (There are machines at the airports and Eurostar stations, and usually a customs officer standing by to help if you have any difficulties.)
• It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the refund to go through.

When paying by credit card, if you’re offered an option to pay in US dollars or Euros (or other local currency), always choose the local currency. You’ll get a better exchange rate that way. Many credit cards also offer no foreign transaction fees; those are the ones you’ll want to travel with.

You may find some new favorite shops just by strolling around and seeing what catches your eye in the windows. Prices for items in window displays will be posted, so you’ll know even before entering the shop what to expect.

What to Expect in Parisian Shops: Etiquette & Service Tips

Big seasonal clearance sales (les soldes) are strictly mandated by French law to a few weeks per year in summer and winter, though some brands get around that with “special promotions” (usually a % off select items, or BOGO type discount).

Be sure to say “Bonjour (madame or monsieur)” when you enter a shop. In most shops, the sales staff will want to help you take things off racks or shelves, so ask before you pick something up or try it on. It’s perfectly OK to tell a sales associate “je veux y réfléchir,” (I want to think about it) if you’re not ready to make a purchase. (And we’ve found that most sales associates speak English, or enough of it to be able to answer questions.)

Happy shopping!

This article was previously published at on October 16, 2024, and has been updated to add more destinations.

*This can vary by country or shop. Just ask an associate what the minimum is.

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