Shopper's Guide To Paris

Paris is filled with plenty of unique market areas where both travelers and locals love to shop. However, with so many different markets, boutiques, malls and places to shop, it is difficult to select which one is best to visit. Many suggest going from shop to shop, while others suggest to only go into those stores where you can purchase items that would not be available back home.Let's take a look at some of the top shopping attractions and tips for your next visit to Paris.

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Top Shopping Destinations

Once in Paris, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all of the shopping options. This city is definitely a shopper's dream vacation destination. If you are able to make it to Paris, make sure to stop by the Village Saint-Paul for a day of unique shopping among quaint antique shops. This area is a series of four connecting courtyards that will take you away from the big city lights and hustle and bustle of the city. This is definitely the perfect place to shop in peace while enjoying the atmosphere this area of Paris has to offer.

Those looking for some unique artisan jewelry and home décor will want to make sure they add the Bastille Arts Market to their Paris shopping list. This is the largest arts market in the city and features local artisans who work to hand craft unique items shoppers love. On Saturdays, there are more than 100 local artists out selling their latest watercolors, sculptures, jewelry and other handmade goodies. This is the place to be if you are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items while in Paris.

Rue Etinne Marcel is home to cobblestone streets and unique boutiques that everyone loves to shop at. Along this street you will find everything from vintage shops to street art and skating gear stores to quaint cafes. While shopping here, make sure to get a burger at Blend, which is located nearby on Rue d"Argout.

Related: Shopping Guide to New York City

Best One-Stop-Shopping Venues

There are many places throughout Paris where visitors can go for all of their shopping needs. Many of these one-stop-shopping venues offer everything a shopper needs, including stores, cafes and a variety of entertainment venues. Avenue des Champs-Elysees is one of the best one-stop shopping venues in the city. This area runs from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle and is home to many luxury shops, quaint cafes and high-end theaters.

Another popular place to get everything you need in one single location includes the flea markets at Saint-Ouen. Here, you can find charming accessories, vintage designs, antiques and other unique finds you would expect to find a flea market. This market has been dubbed the "largest market in Europe" because with so many vendors and stalls it is nearly impossible to not find what you are looking for.

The Canal at Saint-Martin and Rue Berurepaire in Paris is the place to go when looking for clothes and accessories. This area is set along a Napoleon-era canal that has a beautiful tree-lined landscape. This makes this area not only beautiful but the place to be for shopping, dining and entertainment when in Paris. While shopping at the Canal at Saint-Martin you will find hip boutiques, wine bars, eateries and so much more.

Related: Shopping Guide to Miami, Florida

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Money Saving Tips

Paris may be home to many high-end and luxury shops, but that does not mean you have to go broke while shopping your way through the city. There are many ways to cut costs on your trip and save money while shopping at some of the finest stores and boutiques in Paris. The best way to save a lot of money while shopping in Paris is to use the city's public transportation to get from location to location. This will save a considerable amount of money compared to hiring a cab or renting a car during your stay.

Pick up your food while shopping from local markets. These markets offer fresh bread, cheese, meat and other foods that you can purchase and enjoy under a tree in a nearby park. This will save a considerable about of money while you're out shopping.

Instead of shopping from major shopping venues, make plans to go to flea markets. Many of the flea markets offer funky and unique items that can be found in local boutiques, but for a fraction of the price. Or, when shopping from high-end designers such as Gucci, Chanel and Louise Vuitton, consider shopping for these items at department stores. They sell the same items, but offer lower prices than what shoppers would pay in a boutique.

Another money saving tip is to purchase the Paris City Pass. This pass entitles visitors to discounts at stores, museums, restaurants and at various attractions throughout the city. If you plan on doing a lot of shopping throughout your trip, the cost to purchase this pass may be worth the discounts you receive.

Those planning a trip to Paris will be pleased with the many shops available throughout the city. Many of the shopping venues are so glamorous that even the shops on Rodeo Drive are jealous. That is why you will want to pack an extra bag for all the goodies you purchase, and bring along comfortable shoes for all the walking you do going from shop to shop.

Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.