The ultimate guide to French Christmas shopping: gifts

Hannah Duke 12/11/12

Worrying about where to buy Christmas gifts in Paris? Never fear, My French Life™ is here!

Ladurée (and other treats)

Coco says… “I don’t really have one go-to spot as I like to look for unique gifts for everyone so the markets are quite nice for this.

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Christmas shopping has never been easier since I have moved to Paris. My family has a list of requests—from Ladurée’s tea to madelines to Bonne Maman jam – every year that I have to bring back!”

Galeries Lafayette

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An says… Galeries Lafayette, which is already worth a visit for its extraordinary Christmas decorations!”

Le Bon Marché & La Grande Épicerie de Paris

Emily says… “It depends on who I’m shopping for, but I definitely have good luck at the Bon Marché.”

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“Not only is it a great location for buying clothes and accessories, but the Grande Épicerie next door is perfect for specialty food items, which I’m constantly bringing back. Truffle foie gras, good Scotch whiskey, infused salt…”

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Norma says… “My preferred area has to be the prestigious rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which crosses the magnificent rue Royale and merges in to rue Saint-Honoré.”

“From affordable 5 euros treasures to ultra luxurious must-haves, this street has everything a person could ever wish for.”

Saint-Germain-en-Laye

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Coco says… “There is a town right outside of Paris called Saint-Germain-en-Laye that has a lot of high-end and unique stores. I loved to go there because it is not as crowded and overwhelming as Paris.”

Les Halles

Jacqueline says… For finding unusual and original Christmas presents, I recommend the same area (as Marché Montorgueil: Les Halles – 1er).”

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“Not only do you have all the clothing brands women in Paris dream of (Agnès b., Maje, Berenice, Zadig & Voltaire, Le Comptoir des Cotonniers, Antoine et Lili and more on rue Etienne Marcel, rue du Jour, rue Montmartre)… “…but you can also find rue Tiquetonne or Passage du Grand Cerf craftsmanship items: bags, jewellery, weird objects, hats.”

Where do you shop for Christmas gifts in Paris? We’d love to hear your recommendations!

Image credits
1. Ladurée, by Antoaneta on Flickr
2. Galeries Lafayette, by Virginia Jones
3. Le Bon Marché, by Angespawn on Flickr
4. Vase – Défense, by Campra on Flickr
5. Agnès B, by Jacqueline Dubois

About the Contributor

Judy MacMahon

Experience FRANCE beyond the CLICHÉ with MyFrenchLife.org MyFrenchLife is for Curious Savvy Francophiles wherever you are. Meet Francophiles in France, online, and/or wherever you live. You’re very welcome to join us - Judy MacMahon - MyFrenchLife.org

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