Making Mom’s Paris Dreams Come True: Part 7 – Why Paris Is the Best Shopping Destination in the World

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Emily:   I love to travel, and my mom does, too!

When I was growing up in Ohio, we could only afford road trips to local amusement parks.  But collecting miles and points has opened a world of travel neither of us thought possible!

She and I decided to go to London and Paris for a mother-daughter getaway.  We flew Business Class and stayed in 5-star hotels.  I paid for this trip for a fraction of the retail cost by using airline miles and hotel points.

I’ve never traveled so long with my mom before, and at the end of the trip, I felt like I had a new best friend!  Without the miles & points hobby, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience the joy of traveling with my mom.

In the final part of this series, I’ll give you ideas about where to shop in Paris!

Making Mom’s Paris Dreams Come True Index:

• Part 1 – Introduction and Planning
• Part 2 – She Felt Like Royalty on This Flight
• Part 3 – How We Saved Up to 90% at the Hyatt Hotel du Louvre with Hyatt Points
• Part 4 – Our Hunt for Chocolate Eclairs, Raw Beef, and French Crepes
• Part 5 – The Secret to Avoiding Long Lines at Museums
• Part 6 – Sights to See in Paris
• Part 7 – Why Paris Is the Best Shopping Destination in the World

Achieve Shopping Nirvana in Paris, France

France is one of my favorite destinations for history, culture, and shopping!  Paris is a global trendsetter in fashion.  And luckily, you don’t need to spend a lot to bring the Parisian lifestyle home with you!  In this post, I’ll review some of my favorite shopping destinations, so matter what your budget is!

Connie:   Shopping in Paris was a real dream.  I just couldn’t get over the Galleries (a shopping mall in Paris).  There were over 4 floors of elite shopping.  Some were high-end and others very affordable.  The glitz and glamour of it all was breathtaking and picture-worthy.

1.   Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette has a large selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories from mid-priced to really high-end.  Plus, the gorgeous architecture makes it feel like you’re in a French museum!  Avoid the main floor because it’s usually overrun with tourists.  Take the elevator all the way up, then work your way down!

It’s one of my can’t-miss hot spots when I visit Paris.  My mom saw a fancy coat she liked, but decided to pass (it was a little too pricey for us!).

Everything (even the shopping!) is so artsy in Paris.  You can always find one of a kind pieces.  Ooh la la!

2.   Brentano’s Librairie Americaine

For high-quality artsy souvenirs, books, and paper products, visit Brentano’s Librairie Americaine on 37 Avenue de l’Opéra.

I try to visit this neat store every time I’m in Paris.  The first time, I think I spent 2 hours admiring all of their artistic stationery, stickers, and other handmade crafts.

Additionally, nearby (and well known!) Rue de Rivoli is lined with brand name shops.  Some of my favorites include Bershka, Zara, and Kiko Cosmetics.  And you can find sale racks in nearly every store!

3.   Avoiding Name Brands?  Head to Montmartre!

I LOVE to get away from the crowds and walk through Montmartre to find cheap vintage clothes, thrift shops, one of a kind jewelry, cute leather purses, and unique sweaters.  Get off on the Abbesses metro stop and spend half a day exploring the many streets lined with shops!

Connie:   There are many vintage shops in Paris as well.  I had to of course buy a few things to bring back to the states.  At one shop near Montmartre I bought a nice green sweater wrap jacket top.  Truly, Paris is the fashion capital of the world and I got to experience that!

This area isn’t as touristy as Galeries Lafayette and Rue de Rivoli.  But don’t forget that many shops close on Sundays!

Bottom Line

Paris is one of the best destinations in the world to shop!  There’s so much variety.  And I love that you find items that you can’t find anywhere else.

Shops like Brentano’s Librairie Americaine have high-quality souvenirs.  And if you’re looking for unique gifts and want a more authentic shopping experience, head to Montmartre!