Our guide to the sales in Lyon
Soldes, Soldes, Soldes! Quelques petits conseils on where to find Lyon’s best bargains.
When finding fashion in France at a petit prix there are two pieces of information every savvy shopper should know. The French sales are fantastic, and their dates are quite rigid.
For those who pick their timing and know where to look, there are some brilliant bargains to be found.
Lyon is a great place to avoid large crowds and still find a good range. Here are a few tips to ensure your shopping experience comes out on top.
Where can I find my favourite French (and other) brands?
Sales periods are the ideal time to buy that perfect piece you’ve been eyeing off. Most big brands have post Christmas stock to clear and are vying for your business.
Whether you are a fan of French brands (New Look, Cache Cache, Etam) or global labels (H&M, Zara, Mango) you’ll be sure to find a good deal.
Where to find them is a question of shopping taste. Big brand stores are found in many of Lyon’s streets and shopping centres, but at sales time it is hard to go past Part Dieu, the city’s shopping mecca.
I’m not usually a fan of big centres, but Part Dieu has decent sized fit outs and an airy central space, allowing maximum browsing in minimum time.
Just be prepared for some French foules (crowds).
Can I avoid shopping centres and still enjoy the French sales?
Of course! If centres are not your cup of tea, I’d recommend Rue de la République and the surrounding streets for big brand sales browsing. Larger stores hold a wider range than their shopping centre siblings, and a little research on the location of your favourite brands (French and otherwise) will save you wandering around in vain.
Galleries Lafayette and Printemps can also be found in this area, and have some excellent bargains on offer. Well worth a look.
One of my favourite things to do in the French city of Lyon is admiring the beautiful shop fronts in the streets near Cordeliers. Normally the price tags are a little (or well) out of my price range but during the sales it is possible to find some real gems!
Here are a few French boutiques where I have had some luck:
– Karl Marc John 48, rue de brest 69002
– JB Martin Chaussures 6 Rue Childebert 69002
– Bo & Zin 13 rue Chavanne 69001
Lyon is also home to many concept stores, and although some don’t offer discounts, others have excellent deals at this time of year. Here are two that are worth a browse:
– AS IT IS 3 rue des 4 Chapeaux 69002
– Blush Store 4 Rue de Sèze 7 rue de Sèze 69006 Lyon
An expat needs more than her clothes
French sales are not exclusive to la mode française, there are bargains to be found across the shopping spectrum. Sports fans can find an incredible range at superstores Decathlon or Go Sport, whilst budding cooks will be in sales heaven at Alice Delice or du Bruit dans la Cuisine.
Books and homeware are always a matter of personal taste, so here are a few that show mine:
– Mathuvu Home 43 Rue de la Charité 69002
– Boutique d’Art Contemporain de Lyon quai Charles de Gaulle 69006
There are many bonnes affaires to be found in the sales, and this guide to the French sales is by no means exhaustive.
Do you have a favourite place to shop in Lyon or a secret French sales shopping tip? Tell us in the comments below!
Image credits:1. Soldes by Dave King on Flickr.
2. La Part Dieu by K.G. Hawes on Flickr.
3. Rue de la République by francesvirtual on Flickr.
4. Rue de la République by Caius Grachhus on Flickr.
5. Côté Cour by JaHoVil on Flickr.
About the Contributor
Jess Gregory
I’m to to Lyons in June. I’m interested in brocantes and flea markets. Any insider advice?
Most markets will have a brocantes section on a Sunday. My local market at Place Wilson is like this, as are many across Lyon. However, the piece de resistance would have to be Les Puces du Canal a permanent flea market in Villeurbanne. It is open on Thursdays, Saturdays (only 30% of shop owners operating) and Sundays. I highly recommend you have a look. And have a wonderful time in Lyon!