Bringing a piece of Paris home with you is a delightful part of any trip. While the city is filled with souvenir shops, finding authentic, high-quality, or truly unique items can be a treasure hunt. This guide will help you navigate the best places to buy souvenirs in Paris, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems loved by locals.
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1. For Iconic & Classic Paris Souvenirs (with a note on avoiding traps)
- Museum Gift Shops (Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, etc.):
- Why it’s great: These are fantastic for high-quality, tasteful souvenirs related to art and culture. You’ll find beautiful prints, art books, replica jewelry, stationery, and unique gifts inspired by their collections. Prices can be higher, but quality is assured.
- Highlights: Replicas of famous artworks, art books, museum-branded items.
- Location: Directly within the museums.
- Official Eiffel Tower Boutiques:
- Why it’s great: Located within the tower itself (on the Esplanade, 1st, and 2nd floors), these shops offer official merchandise, ensuring quality and authenticity.
- Highlights: Eiffel Tower replicas (better quality than street vendors), keychains, apparel, and gifts.
- Location: Inside the Eiffel Tower.
- Department Stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le BHV Marais):
- Why it’s great: These grand stores offer a vast selection of French and international brands. Their “souvenir” sections often feature more curated, upscale Parisian-themed gifts, and their gourmet food halls are perfect for edible souvenirs.
- Highlights: French fashion accessories, beauty products, home goods, and gourmet food (see “Food Gifts”).
- Location:
- Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris.
- Printemps Haussmann: 64 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris.
- Le BHV Marais: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris.
- Where to Avoid Tourist Traps (Eiffel Tower & Major Landmarks):
- Street Vendors: Around major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Sacré-Cœur, you’ll find numerous street vendors selling very cheap, mass-produced items (mini Eiffel Towers, keychains). While tempting due to price, these are often of low quality and sold by undocumented migrants. It’s generally better to avoid them for quality and ethical reasons. Purchasing from official shops ensures better quality and supports legitimate businesses.
2. For Cultural & Unique Items
- Bouquiniste Stalls (Along the Seine River):
- Why it’s great: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a quintessential Parisian experience. These iconic green metal boxes along the Seine offer a treasure trove of literary and artistic souvenirs.
- Highlights: Vintage books, antique prints, old postcards, small artworks, and unique Parisian memorabilia. It’s a fantastic spot for a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.
- Location: Primarily along the Left Bank (Quai de la Tournelle, Quai Voltaire) and Right Bank (Quai du Louvre, Quai de la Mégisserie).
- Shakespeare and Company Bookstore (Latin Quarter):
- Why it’s great: An iconic English-language bookstore with a rich literary history. More than just a shop, it’s a legendary literary institution.
- Highlights: English-language books, literary gifts, branded tote bags, and unique Paris-inspired literature.
- Location: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris.
- Merci (Le Marais):
- Why it’s great: A trendy, eco-conscious concept store known for its unique collection of gifts, homeware, fashion, and curated Parisian souvenirs. They also donate profits to educational projects in Madagascar.
- Highlights: Stylish tote bags, quirky stationery, design-forward homeware, and curated fashion.
- Location: 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris.
- Marin Montagut (Saint-Germain-des-Prés):
- Why it’s great: A charming boutique that feels like a cabinet of curiosities. Marin Montagut is a designer known for his whimsical, hand-illustrated Parisian-inspired items.
- Highlights: Beautiful silk scarves, elegant stationery, illustrated prints, exquisite porcelain, and unique home decor items, all with a distinct Parisian charm.
- Location: 48 Rue Madame, 75006 Paris.
- Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Flea Market):
- Why it’s great: One of the largest and oldest flea markets in the world, offering an incredible variety of antiques, vintage items, art, and unique curiosities.
- Highlights: From antique furniture and vintage fashion to old maps, posters, and one-of-a-kind mementos. Be prepared to haggle.
- Location: Porte de Clignancourt (Metro Line 4). Open Sat, Sun, Mon.
- Pylones (Multiple Locations):
- Why it’s great: A French brand known for its quirky, colorful, and playful gifts, kitchenware, and home decor items.
- Highlights: Whimsical everyday objects with a unique design aesthetic.
- Location: Multiple locations, including Rue de Rivoli, Boulevard Saint-Germain, and near Centre Pompidou.
- Monoprix:
- Why it’s great: A French variety store chain (similar to Target but more chic) that offers a surprising range of stylish everyday items, including home goods, stationery, and even basic fashion.
- Highlights: Look for French-designed linens, fun stationery, and unique, affordable souvenirs that feel genuinely French.
- Location: Numerous locations throughout Paris.
3. For Delicious Food Gifts
- La Grande Épicerie de Paris:
- Why it’s great: A sprawling gourmet food hall that is a paradise for foodies. It offers an incredible selection of gourmet French and international products.
- Highlights: Artisan cheeses (ask for vacuum-sealed for travel!), specialty mustards (e.g., Maille, Fallot), high-quality butter (e.g., Bordier), artisanal jams, premium chocolates, foie gras, gourmet biscuits (like Michel et Augustin), and unique French condiments.
- Location: 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris (Left Bank, part of Le Bon Marché department store) and 80 Rue de Passy, 75016 Paris (Right Bank).
- Specialty Food Streets & Covered Markets:
- Rue des Martyrs (9th Arr.): Lined with artisan food shops, bakeries, cheese shops, and chocolatiers. Great for picking up gourmet edibles.
- Marché des Enfants Rouges (3rd Arr. – Marais): Paris’s oldest covered market, with various food stalls offering prepared meals and local produce.
- Marché Beauvau (12th Arr. – Place d’Aligre): A traditional market with both outdoor stalls and a lovely covered market, great for local products.
- Artisan Chocolatiers:
- À la Mère de Famille: The oldest chocolate shop in Paris (since 1761), offering traditional confectionary, pralines, nougat, and fruit jellies.
- Jean-Paul Hévin: Renowned for his exquisite chocolates and macarons.
- Patrick Roger: Known for his bold chocolate sculptures and unique flavors.
- Pâtisseries (e.g., Pierre Hermé, Ladurée):
- Why it’s great: Perfect for delicate, individually boxed macarons, gourmet biscuits, or beautifully packaged chocolates that make elegant gifts.
- Highlights: Macarons are easy to transport (buy special travel boxes).
- Location: (See previous guides for specific locations).
- Local Boulangeries (Bakeries):
- Why it’s great: Grab a fresh baguette for immediate consumption, or look for local honey, artisanal jams, or specialty biscuits.
- Highlights: Traditional bread, viennoiseries (croissants, pain au chocolat).
- Location: Everywhere! Your neighborhood boulangerie is best.
Affiliate Angle:
- Souvenir Boxes & Curated Gift Packs: For a unique and thoughtful gift, look for online shops that curate Parisian-themed gift boxes or allow you to build your own with artisanal French products. These are great if you want to skip the shopping yourself or send gifts directly.
- Search for “curated Paris gift box” or “French gourmet gift basket online.”
- Amazon Travel Gifts: Before you leave, check Amazon for travel-themed gifts that can remind you of Paris, like Eiffel Tower models (for higher quality than street vendors), French-themed home decor, or coffee table books about Parisian art and culture.
- Search for “Paris travel gifts” on Amazon.
Happy souvenir hunting, and may your Parisian memories last a lifetime!