Paris is the city that effortlessly weaves style into every seam of its being. As you lose yourself in its charming streets, the temptation to shop ’til you drop is real – and rightly so. This is, after all, the fashion capital that inspired Coco Chanel to revolutionize style and made haute couture a household name. But when it comes to souvenirs, do you really want to settle for a generic Eiffel Tower keychain or an ‘I Paris’ t-shirt that screams ‘tourist’?
Probably not. Whether you’re planning a speedy little getaway to Paris or enjoying a longer escape, the city offers plenty of chic, Parisian buys that will transport you back to the City of Light long after your trip is over. So, what to buy in Paris? Let’s find out:
10 Luxury Things to Buy in Paris, France
1. French Fragrances Including Custom Options
Paris is famous for many things, but French perfumes are probably among the best souvenirs to buy in Paris. France has been in the perfume game for a long time, and its scents are known everywhere. You might know Paris has been a perfume hotspot since, like, forever—even back in the medieval days. Big-name perfumers call it home. Using these perfumes? The scent can almost transport you straight back there.
Thanks to the royals being so into perfume, Paris ended up becoming the spot for Europe’s best perfumers to showcase their craft. Now, if you’re ever strolling around the city, why not take a chance to feel like royalty yourself by crafting your own unique fragrance? Prices for this kind of thing can go from under €100 to way over €5,000 (roughly $110 to $5,500).
One popular choice is Fragonard—probably one of the most famous perfumers out there. They’ve got this cool apprentice workshop where, with the help of a professional perfumer, you can whip up your very own fragrance. At the end of it, not only will you walk away with a personalized Parisian Eau de Cologne, but you’ll also get a diploma and a perfumer’s apron.
On the pricier end, there’s Stéphanie de Bruijn’s brand. For a romantic gesture, like an Eiffel Tower-inspired proposal (even if not the actual proposal, the thought counts!), a custom, luxurious 100ml perfume from Stéphanie de Bruijn, presented in an antique container, might just be the perfect, thoughtful gift. Imagine gifting this while staying in one of the rooms with the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris, making the moment even more unforgettable. You can find many other stunning backdrops for your photos throughout the city, perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy locations.
A custom perfume created by her will set you back around €1,000 (about $1,100). You get a luxurious 100ml bottle, delivered in an antique container. And here’s the cool part: the fragrance ingredients are saved, so every time you’re in Paris, you can get it refilled. How fancy is that?
Places to shop:
- Check out Fragonard Boutique Francs Bourgeois by hailing a taxi for 51 Rue des Francs Bourgeois or go for La Maison Guerlain at 68 Rue des Champs-Elysées.
- Price: €1,000 or US$1,100
2. Scarves
Known for its iconic fashion scene, The City of Lights has one accessory I think is a must-have—French scarves. They’re just… everywhere. So, why not grab one for yourself? French scarves are pretty stylish and can be worn in so many different ways. You can go with a light silk scarf or pick up a thick one if you need that extra warmth. Trust me, Paris has all kinds of options that won’t break the bank. If you’re into the fancy stuff, Hermès has a store right in Paris where you can get their famous silk scarves.
Places to shop:
- Visit the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store at 40 Bd Haussmann or try Hermès. The latter is located at 24 rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré.
- Price: From affordable $20 to high-end $200+
3. French Beret
A beret is a soft, round flat hat and is one of cliché Parisian souvenirs. Its roots trace back to Ancient Greece, evolving through Basque and Scottish influences, before being popularized in 19th-century France by Napoleon III and later adopted by various military and cultural groups. Today, it is an iconic symbol of French culture, intellectualism, artistic expression, and nonconformist style, worn in various settings, from traditional to fashionable, with a characteristic nonchalant inclination.
In my opinion, they’re probably one of the most elegant wool hats out there, keeping your head warm while also giving you that sophisticated, intellectual look. You can find French berets everywhere in the city; they’re the best souvenirs to buy in Paris, honestly. They come in all kinds of colors and patterns, for men, women, and even kids.
Places to shop:
- Visit Laulhère boutique or Le Béret français. The former locates at 14 – 16 Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré while the latter is at 6th floor Galeries Lafayette.
- You can also check out Faubourg Montmartre Souvenirs. The address is 24 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre
- Price: From €59.00 to €200.00+
4. Stamped Books
An old tradition that’s still alive today, Stamped Books have a long history of bookmaking. You can find all sorts of artistic touches at places like workshops or little boutiques. They offer services like stamping, gilding, or even embossing books. Especially popular around the Latin Quarter—an area known for its deep-rooted artistic and literary culture.
Shakespeare and Company, an English-language bookstore, has been standing near Notre Dame on Paris’s Left Bank since 1951. Back in the day, it was the hangout spot for big names like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Now, it still carries that old-school charm, packed with authentic English books. You can grab a stamped book, which would make a perfectly romantic Parisian gift for a book-loving sweetheart.
Places to shop:
- You can visit Shakespeare and Company easily. The address is 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris.
- Price: Varies depending on the book you select.
5. A French Designer Handbag
Paris is not just one of the best romantic places in France, it also has some of the best fashion in the world, no doubt. I know it sounds like a cliché, but seriously, if you’re in Paris for the first time, buying a French designer bag feels like something you have to do. It’s almost like you’re missing out if you don’t. Everyone knows the big names. Dior, Chanel, Goyard, Louis Vuitton—all of them started in Paris. Getting your first designer bag there feels kind of special, like a rite of passage. Actually, I got my very first Louis Vuitton bag on my first trip to Paris years ago. I was only 19 and could barely afford it, so I picked the smallest size possible. Funny enough, I still wear it now. The best time to visit Paris to snag these treasures is during the sales seasons in January or July when discounts are significant.
A lot of people—especially from the U.S.—ask if Chanel’s cheaper in Paris. Or Louis Vuitton, Dior, Goyard? Well, it’s not like they’re handing out bags for free, but you do save some money. One big advantage is avoiding the U.S. sales tax, which can be a pretty good chunk of change depending on how expensive your choice is. That can make a huge difference, really. You’re still paying a premium, but every little bit helps.
Places to shop:
- Try Les Ateliers Auguste at 8 Rue de Turenne or Brontibay at 13 Rue La Fayette.
- Price: From around $300 to over $432,000
6. Jewelry, Watches
People often ask me what to buy in Paris luxury. I suggest jewelry and watches, especially the ones crafted by French artisans. The “City of Lights” is a place where fashion and luxury have thrived for many years. The watches they make are pure-class, truly timeless pieces.
Places to shop:
- To grab the best souvenirs in Paris, visit Van Cleef and Arpels’ store at 22 Place Vendôme.
- Price: varies as per the brand and item.
7. French Beauty and Skincare Products
It’s kind of obvious, but worth mentioning. You could pretty much buy these skincare and makeup items from any place around the globe. However, here’s the kicker—they cost way less in France! While browsing for beauty essentials, consider pairing this with a culinary adventure in Paris. This would make it a perfect day to blend French luxury with its world-renowned cuisine.
Where to shop:
- For instance, if you’re looking for Lancôme, head over to 40 Boulevard Haussmann, Rez-de-chaussée, 75009 Paris, France. In the U.S., you’d pay around $315.00 for this stuff, but you’ll definitely save a bit in France.
8. Designer clothes
Designer clothes in Paris are always a solid pick. You can’t go wrong grabbing something from one of the big brands, but the city is full of cool new designers too. I’d love to get my hands on one of their unique pieces for a gift.
There are custom skirts over at Petites Jupes de Prune, or maybe something like Japanese tunics at Hazar and Co. They also have fun reversible tops at Bleu Tango. On the other hand, sixties dresses at Héroïne or funky pumps at Pring sound great too. The shops Pop Market and French Touche offer several designers together, making it easy to explore.
Where to shop:
- For the best shopping in Paris, I heard Le Marais is a great spot.
- Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, Paris, France.
- Price: Single items from top luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton can cost several hundred, even thousands, of euros.
9. Antiques
When I think of antiques in Paris, the Saint-Ouen flea market is the first spot that pops into my head. It’s huge, with countless merchants, and the vibe there is just wild. Definitely a place worth exploring. But it’s far from the only spot in town for cool finds.
Les Puces de Vanves in the 14th district is smaller but still packs a punch, with about 400 stalls every weekend selling everything from old luggage to art and clothes. If you’re a fan of retro furniture, then Puces du Design is your go-to. It runs every spring and fall and shows off designs from the ’50s all the way to the early 2000s. For second-hand clothes and vinyl, hit up the Montreuil flea market.
Exploring these markets is not only exciting but also one of the free things to do in Paris, especially for those who enjoy treasure hunting on a budget.
Where to shop:
- Saint-Ouen flea market
- Les Puces de Vanves
- Montreuil flea market
- Price: Ranging from €2 to over €1,400,000.
10. Paris City Pop-Ups
Not many folks even know ‘bout these little treasures, which is probably why they’re missing from the usual souvenir lists in Paris. I first stumbled on these hand-crafted pop-ups back in 2019, while wandering around a small print shop. No one in there spoke English, and, I remember—credit cards weren’t a thing either. But I didn’t care.
I grabbed three, each with its own little Parisian scene, and now they sit proudly on my dresser, a daily reminder of that trip. These souvenirs are a total win when it comes to things to buy in Paris—they pack flat, and slide right into your suitcase, with barely a sliver of space taken up.
Where to shop:
If you want one, don’t stress if you can’t find the exact place I got mine; you can still find these hidden gems in Paris at Boisnard. It’s a charming little shop that sells pop-up cities, with a touch of English and even accepts cards. They have everything from leather journals to pens, too—perfect for any stationery lover!