Shopping in France
Returning from France without a single purchase is probably impossible even for the most busy person. The very name of this country is associated, first of all, with the concepts of style, fashion, and elegance. This is why the anticipation of shopping in France makes the heart of every fashion-monger. And even those who are relatively indifferent towards shopping will inevitably get carried away during visits to the stores of France.
It is important that not just the guests, but the French people as well take pleasure in shopping during this period. Regardless of the fact that the variety of wonderful things found in shops can make your head spin, and the prices are very competitive too, especially during sales in France, one should try to avoid unreasonable haste in making impulsive purchases.
It is important to make calculated choices, because the product you buy on sale, usually cannot be exchanged, returned, or refurbished. As a rule of thumb – massive sales take place in winter and in summer – in the beginning of January, and the beginning of June.
Generally speaking, when planning to do some shopping in France, one should keep in mind the special working schedule in the stores of France: specializing in certain products depending on the time of the year. For example, the first months of the year – January and February – are suitable for purchasing warmer clothing, as there are sales in France at this time, while March is the month of spring and summer novelties.
April through June is the best time for vacation and holiday related products. During Summer the sales in France continue and in Fall you will be shown everything that will become fashionable in Winter.
Once in Paris many people rush to the stores located on noisy and crowded "tourist" streets. However, one should keep in mind that the true shopping in France, which cannot be compared with anything else, doesn't start on these busy streets.
If you wish to dive into real French luxury then go to Faubourg-Saint-Honorе street for example. It is not so crowded and relatively quiet, and in the same time this is the place where most of the elite fashion stores of France and boutiques of the world's best fashion houses are located. The service that you will encounter here, and the purchases you make will most certainly become your brightest memory of France.
Those who love big malls and shopping centers are advised to visit Galeries Lafayette, Au Printemps, Montparnasse Shopping Centre. The local assortment of goods can impress even those who have seen a lot – this is what makes shopping in France so special.
If the goal of shopping is rare items, antiques, or something unusual, like a souvenir for yourself or a friend, to take home as a memory of France, then you need to visit the flea markets which have always enjoyed unmatched popularity both among local French people and tourists.
If you are in Paris, then visiting the antique shops called Louvre des Antiquaires is a must. The shops are located near the Palais-Royal city subways station. The real chic and glamour awaits all the fans at the Place Vendome – all the jewelry stores are located here. It is very hard to find such beautiful jewelry anywhere else.
By the way, every time you buy something expensive remember that upon leaving France you will be able to obtain a sales tax return at the customs (approximately twelve per cent). This is valid for all goods except alcohol, tobacco, and food. Therefore do not forget to take the receipts for your purchases – this will be very useful later, when you want to make your shopping in France a bit more economical.
