Paris is widely known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, but it is also a mecca for shoppers hoping to pick up a few chic numbers in the capital of French sophistication itself.
The iconic streets of Paris may hold history and romance at every turn, but they are also home to a range of boutiques and shops beloved of shopping fans the world over. And, what better time is there to indulge in a shopping trip than in winter? Not only do the streets hold an extra frosty allure, but the winter sales means that shoppers can take advantage of the chance to get their hands on some of the best names in fashion at a fraction of the price.
The winter sales in Paris typically take place from the first or second week in January and last for a whole month, meaning you have plenty of time to pick up a bargain. However, as with all sales periods, it’s likely that a large number of the best deals are likely to go in the first few days and weeks.
This is not to say that there won’t be treasures to find later in the season, but if you’re a die-hard shopper the chances are you will be happier if you arrive sooner rather than later. It’s worth remembering that the discounts tend to get bigger as the period passes, although there’s no guarantee the item you have your eye on will hang around long enough.
By the same token, shops in Paris tend to open at 8am during the sales period, so you might want to grab a hot coffee and hit the streets early. The bigger shops and businesses in Paris are likely to be packed during the sales so small designer boutiques can be a good choice for those who wish to kit themselves out in designer gear. And with discounts ranging from around 30 per cent in the early days rising to up to 70 per cent as the sales season draws to a close, finding the ideal outfit to take back home could be easier than you thought.
To make sure that you are likely to find the fashion you’re shopping for it’s a good idea to choose hotels in the Paris areas that best suit your shopping style. For example, luxury hotels in Paris that are nearby the Faubourg-Saint-Honoré are ideal for those who like to be on the cutting edge of style while those hoping for designer classics will be better suited to hotels near Champs Elysées.
Choose your area wisely then make a sales plan as soon as you arrive in Paris and you’re sure to leave the city with treasures galore.
