Paris is the global capital of fashion and the concept of the artisan shop — the idea that a single boulangerie or fromager can be the best at one thing. This guide covers luxury, vintage, markets and the independent boutiques that make Paris shopping unlike anywhere else.
One of Paris's best multi-brand concept stores (111 Boulevard Beaumarchais), with clothing, homeware, books and a fantastic basement used-book café. Proceeds go to Madagascar education charity.
Le Marais's main shopping street — a mix of independent French labels, international brands and the kind of small concept stores Paris does best. Less touristy than the Champs-Élysées, far better quality.
Fuel up at the oldest covered market in Paris (1615). The Friday and Saturday markets have the best range — Japanese bento, Moroccan tagine, French cheese platters, organic juice.
Le Marais has the best concentration of vintage shops in Paris. Episode (brand-name vintage), Frip'in (designer secondhand) and Free'P'Star (affordable quality vintage) are all within walking distance.
The arcaded galleries around Paris's oldest square house high-end galleries, jewellers and the occasional concept store. More browsing than buying, but the arcade atmosphere is superb.
A rooftop bar with a retractable roof and views over the Marais rooftops. Natural wines, good cocktails, and the Parisian ritual of the evening apéritif done perfectly.
The undisputed king of the Parisian macaron. The flagship on Rue Bonaparte is the place to try the Ispahan (rose, lychee, raspberry) and seasonal creations. Worth every euro.
Boulevard Saint-Germain between Rue du Four and Rue de Rennes has the best concentration of French luxury labels — Dior, Isabel Marant, A.P.C., Sandro. More approachable price points than Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
The bakery that put French artisan bread on the map. The sourdough miche is baked in wood-fired ovens in the basement of the Rue du Cherche-Midi shop. Buy a whole loaf — it keeps for a week.
The world's first department store (1852) and still the best. La Grande Épicerie de Paris in the neighbouring building is the finest food hall in Paris — worth a long visit even if you don't buy.
One of Paris's best streets for home design and lifestyle shopping — Flamant, Le Creuset, artisan ceramics. Less fashion, more beautiful objects.
A classic Left Bank brasserie-café that hasn't changed since Cézanne and Braque drank here. Classic bistro menu, natural wine list, outdoor terrace. The quintessential Paris evening.
The largest antique market in the world (15,000 dealers) in Saint-Ouen, just north of Paris (Metro: Garibaldi). Vintage fashion at Marché Paul Bert, antique furniture at Marché Biron, art deco at Marché Serpette.
The market has excellent street food and bistros. Chez Louisette is a legendary accordion-and-song lunch spot inside the market — very French, very theatrical.
The most famous department store in Paris for fashion. The Art Nouveau glass dome (1912) is the most beautiful interior in Paris retail. The rooftop terrace is free and has excellent city views.
The world's most prestigious fashion street: Hermès (24 Rue du Faubourg), Chanel, Balenciaga, Givenchy. Even if you're not buying, the flagship interiors are worth a look.
The concept store that revolutionised the perfume industry — each fragrance credited to the master perfumer, like a literary publisher credits its authors. An education in modern perfumery.
End the day at this legendary wine merchant inside the Galerie Vivienne arcade — the most beautiful 19th-century covered passage in Paris. Buy a bottle to take home or taste at the bar counter.