Where to Do Your Christmas Shopping in Paris

Trust me when I say that it's hard to shop in Paris. People often say that the city is the ultimate shopping destination—and it is—but that also means that you're faced with an overwhelming plethora of options. I can't tell you how many times I wasted just thinking of where to shop, especially when the holiday season comes around. So if you'll be doing your Christmas shopping in Paris this year, let me help you whittle down your choices. If you're looking for luxury, go to Galeries Lafayette or Printemps! Planning on buying toys for the little ones? Try La Grande Récré or Nain Bleu. I assure you that any of these have what you're looking for!

Christmas Markets

Trust me when I say that shopping at the Christmas markets in Paris is completely worth it. Not only are they a staple when celebrating Christmas in Paris, but they're also extremely charming and fairly affordable. I'm gonna say this now—most other places on this list are expensive. This is Paris we're talking about! What did you expect? Thank God we still have these annual holiday markets so that we can still shop for great gifts without breaking the bank! As for which ones to check out, I personally love the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market the most. But the famous La Magie de Noël at the Jardin de Tuileries is a classic too.

Covered Passages

Shopping in Paris is more than just buying new things. It's an entire experience! And in my opinion, a truly authentic Parisian retail experience includes going to the covered shopping passages. Not only do they house the finest stores in the city, but they also offer a peak into the fascinating and elegant history of Paris. This mix of old-world France and contemporary high fashion is unlike any other! The 2nd arrondissement's Galerie Vivienne is you go-to for designer goods, from Jean-Paul Gaultier or Nathalie Garçon. There's also Passage des Panoramas, which is so vintage-looking that you'll feel like you traveled back in time!

Galeries Lafayette

When people talk about how great shopping in Paris is, they're usually referring to Galeries Lafayette. This is undoubtedly the city's most famous department store, a treasure trove of haute couture brands and designer labels. I've never shopped here myself—or more accurately, I've been here but I could never afford what's inside!—but I do know that everything about it screams luxury. You can pop over to Chanel to buy your mom a new bottle of No. 5, for example, or head to Gucci to see if they still have their iconic slides. I'm sure your dad will love those!

Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

Printemps Haussmann

If there's any other department store in Paris that could conceivably rival Galeries Lafayette, it's Printemps Haussmann. They're both literally in the 9th arrondissement, so if you can't find what you're looking for in one, you can always pop on over to the other. But perhaps what makes it slightly better, or more fairly, a nice other option from Galeries Lafayette is that there are more brands here. I've actually bought some clothes here because the store has tons of affordable labels. What's not to love?

Address: 64 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

Le Bon Marché

Not only is Le Bon Marché the oldest department store in Paris, but I also consider it the most complete. Beyond the usual clothes & accessories offerings, the place also has homeware, toys, food, and more. If you want to buy your Christmas gifts from a store you're sure will give you quality items, Le Bon Marché is for you! It's still expensive though! So if you're not earning at least €50,000.00 a year, you're probably better off shopping somewhere else!

Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France

Centre Commercial

Truth be told, Centre Commercial is my go-to mall in Paris. I live in Beaugrenelle in the 15th arrondissement of Paris and there's one that's only a hop and a skip away from my place. Luckily for me, this one isn't filled with designer brands that'll leave me bankrupt with one dress alone. Admittedly, the stores here are mostly local and unknown, at least to those who don't live in France. But your gifts don't have to be branded, do they? If you're looking for quality items that you know your friends and family will like, you'll find them in Centre Commercial!

Address: 12 Rue Linois, 75015 Paris, France

La Grande Récré

Now, let's talk toys! Let's admit it—the people we're truly shopping for are our kids, right? I've spent many Christmases in Paris when I forgot to give some friends something and I easily made it up to them by inviting them over and cooking them a warm meal during the holidays. But my kids? They'll never forgive me if I forget to give them anything for Christmas. Fortunately, La Grande Récré is near my workplace. One year, I just popped on over a day before Christmas Eve and to my surprise (and absolute luck!), the exact Barbie doll my daughter wanted was still there.

Address: 126 Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France

Nain Bleu

Nain Bleu is another great toy store in Paris but it's more for the younger ones. If your kids are under the age of 5, will find a great gift for them here. From vintage-like wooden toys (don't worry, they're new!) to soft plushies, the toys here are absolutely darling. They're also the type of toys you can always pass down to younger kids. That's how classic and how good of an investment they are too!

Address: 14 Rue Saint-Roch, 75001 Paris, France

Le Ciel Est À Tout Le Monde

Another great store for classic toys is Le Ciel Est À Tout Le Monde. Located on Rue Gay-Lussac in the 5th arrondissement, it's a very classic toy shop that looks and feels straight out of a 1940's Christmas ad. I've received a couple of things from here myself when I was pregnant with my daughter. Many of my close friends got their gifts from Le Ciel Est À Tout Le Monde and honestly, they were some of the best I got in my baby shower.

Address: 10 Rue Gay-Lussac, 75005 Paris, France

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen

Let's go back to shopping for adults. If you're the type to give vintage and extremely unique items as Christmas gifts—yes, I know you guys are out there!—I suggest shopping at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. It's one of the most famous and biggest flea markets in Paris; an entire treasure trove of the rarest things you'll ever get your hands on. I will never forget the Rococo-style tea set I bought from here. I swear it could've been used by Marie Antoinette herself! I honestly doubt it, but what I don't doubt is that the tea set came from the exact time period!

Address: 110 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

La Vallee Village

I saved this one for last because it's technically not in Paris. La Vallee Village is Serris, France, which is only 25 miles away from the city center. So if you don't mind going on a day trip from Paris for your Christmas shopping, La Vallee Village is where you'll want to go. This is a designer outlet department store fashioned to look like a French countryside town. Not only can you buy designer goods for less here, but you'll also get charmed by the provincial appeal of it all! It's even more enchanting when it's all decorated for the holidays. Going here is a Christmas gift in and of itself!

Address: 3 Cr de la Garonne, 77700 Serris, France



If you're doing your Christmas shopping in Paris, you have to know the best places to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. From luxury goods to vintage finds, these are where you'll get your hands on the best gifts ever!