Out of ideas? Here's where to shop for Christmas gifts in Paris
As the festive season approaches, Paris transforms into a magical wonderland, epitomizing the joy and enchantment of Christmas. The city of lights lives up to its moniker, with streets and avenues glittering with festive illumination, and the aroma of spiced mulled wine and roasted chestnuts permeating the air.
The city's iconic department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, become destinations in their own right, drawing visitors from around the globe to marvel at their elaborate window displays and festive decorations. Meanwhile, the charming Christmas markets, dotted across the city, offer a more traditional and cozy shopping experience. Here, amidst the wooden chalets and twinkling lights, shoppers can find unique artisanal gifts, savor local delicacies, and bask in the warmth of Parisian hospitality.
Image: Galleries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette
An emblem of Parisian shopping, Galeries Lafayette is not just a department store but a cultural experience. Famous for its spectacular Christmas displays and architecturally stunning interior, including its iconic dome, it offers an array of high-end fashion and lifestyle products. With designer brands, gourmet food, and home decor, it's a shopper's paradise. During the festive season, its window displays and in-store decorations are a major attraction, making it a must-visit for those seeking the quintessence of Parisian Christmas shopping. 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris. Galeries Lafayette
How to get to Galeries Lafayette:
Take Line 7 or Line 9 and get off at the Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette station.
Printemps
Printemps Haussmann stands as a beacon of Parisian elegance and luxury. This historical department store is renowned for its impressive architecture and a wide selection of high-quality products. From latest fashion trends to exquisite home decor, it caters to a discerning clientele. The store is particularly famous for its Christmas window displays, which transform the Boulevard Haussmann into a winter wonderland, drawing tourists and locals alike to indulge in a festive shopping experience. 64 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris. Printemps Hausmann.
How to get to Printemps: Take Line 3, 7, 8, or 9 and exit at the Havre - Caumartin station. From there, Printemps is just a short walk away. Alternatively, you can use the Saint-Lazare station, served by Lines 3, 12, 13, and 14, which is also within walking distance to Printemps.
BHV (Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville)
Situated in the heart of Paris, BHV Marais is a venerable institution that offers a diverse shopping experience. This department store has a comprehensive selection of goods ranging from trendy fashion, beauty products, and home decor to hardware and DIY materials. It's a one-stop-shop for a broad audience, combining practicality with Parisian chic. BHV is especially popular among locals, making it a more authentic Parisian shopping experience compared to some of the more tourist-focused destinations. 52 rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris, France. BHV.
How to get to BHV: Take Line 1 and get off at the Hôtel de Ville station.
From there, BHV is just a short walk away, located across from the Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville). This route is straightforward and the metro station is very close to the department store, making it a convenient option for reaching BHV.
La Vallée Village
Located just outside Paris, La Vallée Village offers a unique open-air shopping experience. It's a haven for those seeking luxury designer brands at reduced prices. With over 110 boutiques offering significant discounts on previous seasons' collections, it's ideal for fashion enthusiasts looking for high-end bargains. The village-like setting provides a relaxed shopping atmosphere, a pleasant alternative to the bustling city centre stores. 3 Cr de la Garonne, 77700 Serris. La Vallée Village.
How to get to Vallée Village: Take the RER train on Line A to the Val d'Europe station. After exiting the station, turn right and walk through the Val d'Europe shopping mall. La Vallée Village is just a few minutes' walk from there.
Fleux
Fleux is a renowned concept store in Paris, particularly celebrated for its emphasis on lifestyle, design, and decoration. It features an extensive and carefully curated selection of items, ranging from furniture and lighting to tableware, fashion accessories, and high-tech products. With its six boutiques, Fleux offers a diverse range of products that cater to various tastes and preferences, making it a popular destination for those seeking unique and stylish items for their homes and lives"‹. 39 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris, France. Fleux.
How to get to Fleux: While it has a total of six boutiques, all of the stores are situated on the same street of rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie. To get there, the closest metro stations are Hôtel de Ville, served by Lines 1 and 11, and Saint-Paul, served by Line 1. From either of these stations, Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie is just a short walk away, located in the Marais district of Paris.
Merci
Located in the trendy Le Marais district, Merci is a concept store known for its eclectic mix of products and its philanthropic business model. The store offers a variety of items including fashion, furniture, jewellery, and household products. Housed in a reconfigured 19th-century fabric factory, its interior is a blend of industrial and contemporary design. Merci is particularly noted for donating its profits to charity, adding a feel-good factor to every purchase. 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France. merci-merci.com How to get to Merci: The nearest metro station is Saint-Sébastien - Froissart on Line 8. From there, Merci is a short walk away.
Les Fleurs
Nestled in the Bastille area, Les Fleurs is a charming boutique known for its unique and whimsical collection. It offers an array of funky jewellery, stylish bags, and quirky home decor items. The store is a treasure trove for those looking for distinct and offbeat gifts. Its vibrant and artistic atmosphere reflects the creative spirit of the surrounding area, making it a delightful stop for gift hunters. 6 Passage Josset, Paris 75011, France. Les Fleurs.
Nature et Découvertes
Nature et Découvertes is a store with many outlets for eco-conscious and gadget-loving shoppers. It offers a range of environmentally friendly products, innovative gadgets, and natural wellness items. The store is committed to ethical practices and contributes to environmental causes, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer responsible and sustainable shopping. www.natureetdecouvertes.com
Image: La Samaritaine.
La Samaritaine
La Samaritaine is a historic department store located by the Seine, near the Pont Neuf. Recently reopened after an extensive renovation, it now stands as a luxurious shopping destination blending contemporary chic with its Art Nouveau and Art Deco heritage. It offers a wide range of high-end goods, including fashion, beauty, and home decor, and is known for its exceptional customer service and gourmet food court. The rooftop offers stunning views of Paris, adding to the unique shopping experience. 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris, France. La Samaritaine.
How to get to La Samaritaine: The closest metro station to La Samaritaine is Pont Neuf, served by Line 7. L'Ourson en Bois Located on rue de Charenton, L'Ourson en Bois is a delightful store specializing in wooden toys and teddies. It's a nostalgic journey into a world of traditional toys, offering a variety of handcrafted items, from dolls and farmyard animals to educational toys. The store's focus on quality and European-made products makes it a special place for finding timeless gifts for children. 83 Rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France. L'Ourson en Bois
How to get to L'Ourson en Bois: The closest metro station is Ledru-Rollin, served by Line 8. Top image by Marcus Loke on Unsplash
