My Favorite (Affordable) Shops in Paris
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.
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.)
Shopping in Paris: my favorite brands
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.
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.
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.
(I took some videos in the store, but forgot to take photos, so here are a few of my favorite pairs I’ve purchased over the years…😆 ) 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.
More tips for shopping in Paris
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!
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.
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 an earlier date, and has been updated.
*This can vary by country or shop. Just ask an associate what the minimum is.
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What a very useful and informative article. Now that the UK is no longer in the EU , we Brits might be able to reclaim the VAT tax. Even if we can’t, it was a lovely, tempting tour around Paris. Thank you.
Love your travel posts; so many great ideas to replicate at home. You have friends abroad which must help when travelling. Although I have travelled to some great countries, I haven’t been abroad since my husband died. Any pointers for a woman travelling through Paris alone?
This is wonderful, Susan! I can’t thank you enough! I am in Paris now, and this information is all very helpful. It is colder here than I expected and, by chance, I found a beautiful jacket at Caroll. How fun to see that store on your list. And I LOVE Monoprix! I did see a lot of nice men’s clothes there, as well as ladies’. I was so looking forward to visiting Sezane, but sadly, it was pretty picked over when I went. Maybe I will try again later. Merci beaucoup!
I love Caroll – it’s my favorite French brand!
Love Monoprix: have some of my best , fun jewelry from there! I’m headed over in February again so will keep this list handy!
Monoprix was my discovery this year. I was at their store in Les Halles, and so surprised by the wide variety. Of course, their pricing is quite good.
Wonderful review Susan! My husband and I hope to get back to Paris soon. I remember running across Comptoir des Cotonniers when I was in Paris in 2004. What a find! Thank you for your review. We’ve just sold our house so I’m in the midst of chaos right now. I hope to get down to Mill Valley’s EF to get the Wren top and pants that you reviewed. They look perfect.
Susan
Comptoir Cotton is my favorite store – very up to date looks at moderate prices. I used to be a big Carroll fan. But recent visits have left me cool on their looks. But still worth a visit and look around when there. I think you hit the best of moderate priced stores. i would suggest a visit to BHV where many of these stores have an area. One can see a lot in a short amount of time.
Be sure and take care of the detax paperwork before going through security. There is a detax office on the other side of security but it was closed, and though I deposited my forms in a “slot” I received no refund.
I love your cute novelty socks, Susan, but don’t see anything like them on the website. Assistance requested please! 🙂
Hi Mary, I’ve never shopped from their website (they don’t ship to the US), but the stores have a great selection of fun colors and prints.
Thanks Susan. And yet another reason to finally visit Paris!
Thank you so much for this, Susan. I always love your recommendations! I’ve added these shops to my list for our upcoming trip.
Embarrassing question- but do the shops carry XL sizes or should I just focus on jewelry and socks!
Hi Michelle, many shops and brands do carry a decent range of sizes, probably up to the equivalent of a US size 16. There is a shop on rue St. Honore that specializes in larger sizes, but I can’t remember the name. There’s Elena Miro, which is Italian but they do have a couple of locations in Paris. Check the department stores, too.
One of the worst parts of shopping in Paris (I’m a 14). Of the brands listed in this post, the only one that even makes sizes over 42 or 44 (US 10 or 12), much less carries them in store, is Monoprix.
Thank you! I guess I’ll stick to perfume!
Bonjour!
We were just in Paris and loved Monoprix and the Pharmacie. I brought home scarves for all the lovely ladies in my life (and myself) and some cute clothes for the grandchildren. My husband found a belt ….now that we are retired it’s usually stretchy waistbands for him, so he had forgotten his.
Paris was lovely but so crowded. I was lucky to travel to Europe when I was young in the 70″s and this was my first trip back since. Paris has become a much more diverse city and so many more tourists…I seem to remember French people being much more formally dressed back in the day. I never remember seeing a woman over 40 in trousers or jeans. Perhaps college students in jeans but never a working woman or young mother…sadly they still smoke.
I hope I can go back again …so much to see.
Carol
We used to have Comptoir des Cotonniers and Cecile et Jeanne outposts in San Francisco — now sadly departed, along with many other retail brands. But if you’re curious about Comptoir, check out Uniqlo’s new collab.
I just saw that one yesterday at the store near me! And they just launched a J.W. Anderson collab too.
Speaking of Uniqlo, British designer Claire Waight Keller (who worked at Chloe and Givenchy) is now creative director of Uniqlo.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/17/style/clare-waight-keller-uniqlo-givenchy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.TE4.jOcK.AGn8wPZ9B_8O&smid=url-share
Sezane is a new and wonderful addition to my online shopping. It is expensive but the fit is so beautiful. And City Pharma is my Louvre!
Merci! This is awesome and I will save for my next trip to Paris. Went to Merci last year on a shopping tour and loved it.
Thank you for this post. Could you do one for London too? As you have been a few times recently. I am in London next year, but may not get to Paris.
Sweet earrings. This is a useful guide for Paris shopping. I didn’t know about BHV. Departement stores area dying breed. We only have one left in the Netherlands with only 4 branches.
Greetje
The détaxe threshhold is set by law at €100 for all stores. It used to be €175, but was lowered in 2021 as part of the Covid-recovery effort. Variation comes in whether stores choose to participate or not and whether you can combine multiple purchases (on the same or consecutive days) to meet the minimum. The former is basically whether they are willing to deal with the paperwork, and the latter I’ve never understood!
hi,
Comptoir Des cotonnier is my absolute favorite French chain – the prices are cheaper than Banana republic and Madewell but so simply chic… I was hoping I would have been trying to use a US credit card to ship to an address in FRANCE and it doesn’t work- i have, of course, been able to buy while in Paris using a US credit card while in Paris but i was hoping to be able to purchase stuff from the US and have it shipped to a friend in France who would then ship them to me.
Do u know of any work around? Thanks!
Sorry, I haven’t had any experience with that.