Rue Saint-Honoré, chic shopping in Paris
Located in the heart of Paris’s 1st arrondissement, Rue Saint-Honoré is one of the city’s main shopping streets. It stretches for nearly 2 km between Les Halles and Rue Royale, running parallel to Rue de Rivoli.
Here, you’ll find a concentration of high-end brands, trendy boutiques and iconic Parisian institutions — perfect for both window shopping and those irresistible “love at first sight” purchases.
You can also explore our guide to the best shopping addresses on the Champs-Élysées and VAT refund tips in Paris.
In short
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Rue Saint-Honoré is one of the most popular shopping streets in Paris, with a high density of premium boutiques and carefully curated addresses.
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You’ll come across brands such as Goyard, Balenciaga, Longchamp, Dior, Louis Vuitton (Maison Vendôme), and further along, Hermès and Chanel on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
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If you reside outside the European Union, you can recover part of the VAT on your purchases made in Paris. With Zapptax, you centralize your invoices, generate your tax-free form and validate it at departure to trigger your refund.
Rue Saint-Honoré vs Faubourg Saint-Honoré: the nuance that changes everything
A quick clarification: from Rue Royale onwards, Rue Saint-Honoré continues as Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
It’s the same axis, but the atmosphere evolves. Rue Saint-Honoré blends luxury, beauty and unique concept stores, while the Faubourg concentrates an impressive density of ultra-luxury fashion houses (Hermès, Lanvin, Loro Piana, etc.).
The must-visit boutiques on Rue Saint-Honoré
Here is our selection of must-visit addresses, with their street numbers, to make the most of your Rue Saint-Honoré shopping session in Paris.
- 173 – Astier de Villatte
A cabinet of curiosities and art de vivre destination: ceramics, candles, tableware… the aesthetic is instantly recognizable, and you’ll often leave with a timeless Paris souvenir.
- 209 – Penhaligon’s
The British perfume house, often associated with an aristocratic imagination. Ideal if you’re looking for a distinctive fragrance trail, different from mainstream bestsellers.
- 231 – Jean-Paul Hévin
A high-end chocolate stop, renowned for elegant gift boxes — perfect for offering as a present.
- 233 et 352 – Goyard
Two addresses dedicated to the iconic trunk and leather goods house, highly sought after by international travelers.
- 256 – Aesop
One of the most appreciated beauty destinations. The interior features wood-cut design by Rodney Eggleston, making the visit a true aesthetic experience.
- 336 – Balenciaga
The boutique of the iconic fashion house, known for its spectacular glass façade and carefully designed interior, imagined by Nicolas Ghesquière himself.
- 404 – Longchamp
The unmissable flagship on Rue Saint-Honoré. If you love Longchamp’s leather goods universe — especially the Le Pliage collection — this is the place to go.
Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the ultra-luxury extension
Once you pass Rue Royale, the street becomes Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. This is where you’ll find a spectacular concentration of major luxury houses (Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, Lanvin, Loro Piana, Tod’s, Berluti, etc.).
Not to be missed: the legendary Hermès flagship at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Major fashion houses and watchmakers on Rue Saint-Honoré
Within this area, Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme (Place Vendôme) is undeniably a must-visit for high-end enthusiasts. Several of the house’s savoir-faire are brought together here, including fashion, leather goods, fine jewelry, watchmaking and fragrances.
On the watchmaking and jewelry side, Chopard and Omega are also key stops for a successful luxury shopping experience.
And for a broader fashion exploration in the neighborhood, depending on your preferences, you’ll also find major boutiques such as Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Loewe, Burberry, Dior, Chloé, Alexander McQueen, Armani, as well as more accessible premium brands (e.g. Sandro, ba&sh, Maje).
How to get a VAT refund on purchases made in Paris
Shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré often means investing in high-value pieces (fashion, leather goods, perfumes, art de vivre).
That’s why claiming a VAT refund can be particularly worthwhile if you reside outside the European Union.
Here’s how it works:
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Download the Zapptax app (iOS/Android).
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In-store, ask for an invoice made out to Zapptax (the details are provided in the app).
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Upload your invoices in the app: you can combine multiple purchases, even from different stores.
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Once the minimum threshold is reached, Zapptax generates your tax-free form.
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On the day of departure, validate it at a PABLO kiosk (or with a customs officer). This step triggers your refund.
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After validation, you will receive your refund within a few weeks.
You enjoy your shopping, Zapptax simplifies the VAT refund process — and when your VAT is reimbursed, the pleasure truly doubles.
FAQ
1. What is the best area in Paris for shopping?
For premium and quintessentially Parisian shopping, the Rue Saint-Honoré – Place Vendôme area is one of the most pleasant: everything can be done on foot, with a high density of beautiful boutiques.
If you prefer a grand showcase avenue with flagship stores and a very wide offer, the Champs-Élysées are a must.
And if efficiency is your priority (many brands in one place, beauty, accessories, services), the Haussmann / department stores district remains unbeatable.
2. Is Rue Saint-Honoré worth visiting?
Rue Saint-Honoré is one of Paris’s major shopping arteries. If you love beautiful window displays, established luxury houses and trendy addresses, you’ll absolutely enjoy Saint-Honoré.
3. Where is the Saint-Honoré district located in Paris?
Rue Saint-Honoré mainly runs through the 1st arrondissement and extends west toward the Madeleine area, before becoming Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the 8th arrondissement.
4. What famous brands are on Rue Saint-Honoré?
Among the emblematic houses and brands on Rue Saint-Honoré, you’ll find Goyard, Longchamp, Balenciaga, Aesop, Penhaligon’s, Astier de Villatte and Jean-Paul Hévin, Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme, Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Christian Louboutin, Loewe, Burberry, Lanvin, Loro Piana, Tod’s, Berluti, La Perla and Hogan.
5. What is the name commonly given to the Saint-Honoré area in Paris?
In common usage, people often refer to “the Faubourg” (for the Faubourg Saint-Honoré area on the 8th arrondissement side), which is the most frequently associated name.
You may also encounter the expression “Saint-Honoré / Place Vendôme district” to designate the wider area around Place Vendôme and Rue Saint-Honoré.
