The Ultimate Shopping Guide: Paris Mon Amour
60Out of question Paris is THE Mecca of shopaholics. If there was nothing else artistic but the fancy shop-windows, people would definitely depart for Paris because these alluring places are worth watching, at least.
The French capital is the home of different kinds of art including a very special one: the haute couture. Fifteen fashion houses sell their unique, tailor-made gowns minimum from 1500 Euros and only the sky is the limit. They can be found around Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Avenue Montaigne and Place Vendôme, but after Dior, Chanel, Hermés, Colette, Lanvin, Cartier, Van Cleef, etc. let's turn to the world most prestigous shopping street, the Champs-Élysées. Unfortunately only the building of Louis Vuitton drawn up in its iconic suitcase style reminds the visitor of the olden gold ages of luxury as during the last years the glamour has faded. Today fast-food restaurants, banks and the exclusive divisions of casual brands like Zara or Promod share the place with old time retailers.
Who wants to find some affordable shops should discover Rue de Rivoli, Les Halles and Quartier Marais. At Rue Rivoli every international casual brand have a store with fine quality goods of reasonable price. In several shops of the overcrowded and subterranean Forum des Halles penniless fashionistas can find cheap duplicates of branded pret-á-porter products and also fake haute couture dresses, shoes, cluches or bags. For anti-mainstream-lovers-who-are-also-hip Marais is highly recommended because this is the home of designers with unusual taste and not too expensive antique dealers.
The two ancient rival department stores, Primtemps and Galeries Lafayette are situated on Boulevard Haussmann and the latter is definitely are worth watching for its architechtural design. Even if only a few can afford its prices. A pair of shoes can be purchased for 4000 Euros, which is exactly ten times more expensive than Dior shoes on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Considering this those Diors are quite reasonable, aren't they? However, Lafayette offers 5-15 per cent off on tourists showing an underground travelcard. In addition an almost compulsory program isa visit to the other two main department stores: the fashion, style and design center Le Bon Marché together with Bazar de l’Hotel de Ville where household commodities and accessories are must-haves.
Who prefer books to fashion items should walk along the bank of Seine where stands of book retailers are waiting for bookaholics for some good bargaining. With watchful eyes anyone can become a proud new owner of substantial books or collection of stamps. Furthermore bargain hunters have to note that les Parisiens follow the vivid tradition of going to markets. The flea market of Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt is the most famous around Paris. It attracts 70000 Parisians every weekend and from gifts to vintage clothes, from tiny gadgets to antique furnitures everything is on sale.
Travel to Paris for a retail therapy is profitable in January and July when big sales are on with 40-70 per cent off. During Les Soldes of January Paris is flooded with shoppers hunting for the best bargains. Most of the tourists try to prey on les parisiennes how to be très chic in July. Get ready!
