Where to shop in Paris

Whether you’re on a spending spree or just after a little window-shopping and people-watching, Boulevard Haussmann is the place to be.

Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, two of the city’s grandest and most beautiful department stores, are the stars of the show.

Check out the impressive window displays – especially at Christmas – then step inside to explore everything from designer clothes to gourmet food in gorgeous art nouveau surroundings.

If it’s bargains you’re after and you don’t mind doing some digging, the enormous flea market in Saint-Ouen is a must.

It’s the biggest antiques and second-hand market in the world, so you could easily while away an entire weekend exploring its fascinating array of shops and stalls.

Head to Porte de Clignancourt station, then follow your nose up Rue des Rosiers picking up everything from vintage clothes and antique furniture to quirky bric-a-brac and delicious street food.

Known for its art, decor, antiques and fashion, this Left Bank neighbourhood is one of the best shopping areas in Paris.

For the finest foodie souvenirs, make a beeline for La Grande Épicerie on rue de Sèvres. Part of Le Bon Marché, the oldest department store in Paris, it’s a treasure trove of culinary treats in a beautiful setting.

To sample something sweet, head up to the rotunda and the Rose Bakery with its pretty pastries and art deco aesthetic.

For those in search of high street names and the chance to shop til you drop, Rue de Rivoli and Westfield at Forum des Halles could keep you amused for months.

Drop by global chains like H&M and Zara, or find a new favourite among the French brands like Pimkie and Celio.

If you’re in the market for something unique, check out the antique shops and galleries near the Louvre.

For original vintage posters, head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where this charming, wood-panelled shop displays an unrivalled array.

Many hark back to a golden age of travel, with yacht-dotted coves, sleek cruise-liners, and vignettes of life in the tropics.

Others run from Belle-Époque absinthe ads to iconic movie posters: Bond with one sardonic eyebrow raised, say, or Jane Fonda as Barbarella.

Three friends co-own this stylish brocante in the hip 11th arrondissement – and clearly have a keen eye for mid-century modern design.

Amid the retro rocking chairs and coffee tables, there are plenty of smaller treasures, from vintage china to sculptural sunburst mirrors.

They’re interspersed with contemporary pieces from Morocco, like colourful Berber rugs and hand-woven straw totes.

Opened by bonne vivante Sylvie Chateigner, this vintage clothing emporium is beloved by the city’s fashion in-crowd, including model Caroline de Maigret.

Tidy racks of high-waisted Yves Saint Laurent trousers and Hermès accessories fill the ground floor, while the basement is a treasure trove of handpicked garments at more modest prices.

The biggest – and most famous – in Paris is the flea market in Saint-Ouen, but there are plenty of others across the city that are well worth a rummage.

Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves is smaller, and some say friendlier than Saint-Ouen, though it only runs at the weekend. Drop by to browse everything from vintage dresses to 1950s haberdashery knick-knacks.

Marché Beauvau (also known as Marché Aligre) is a must for foodies. Housed partly in a historic market hall, but spilling out onto the surrounding streets, the market runs every day except Monday. Pick up fresh fruit and veg, cheese, wine and even some bric-à-brac at the flea market outside.

If the price tags at Printemps set your head spinning, take heart. Le BHV is a more budget-friendly department store on Rue de Rivoli. Stop by for everything from clothes and shoes to bedding and bakeware.

Monoprix is another local favourite, with the big stores stocking everything from toys to teapots, stationery to skiwear. You’ll spot their smaller offshoots, Monop’ all over Paris, where you can pick up snacks and drinks on the go.

Timing is everything if you’re being price-conscious in Paris. Plan your trip for January or July during les soldes (the sales) and save up to 80% on designer brands and high street names.

Bagging the best bargains is a fine balance though. Prices tend to drop as the days and weeks go by, but wait too long and you’ll miss out on whatever you’ve been eyeing up.