Souvenir shop in Paris : your guide to best gifts - 2025
Discover Paris and its best souvenir shops
You’ve just spent days wandering the romantic streets of Paris, soaking in its culture, cuisine and charm. Now, you want to take a piece of it home, for yourself or your loved ones. But how do you avoid the overpriced tourist traps and find souvenirs that actually mean something?
In this guide, we reveal the top souvenir shops in Paris, from elegant concept stores to artsy boutiques and traditional French institutions. We also share local insights to help you choose meaningful souvenirs and save money on your shopping with Zapptax.
Whether you're after a hand-painted map, a gourmet gift box, or a limited-edition art print, we’ll show you exactly where to look.
Let’s dive into the heart of Parisian shopping !
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How to find the right souvenir shop in Paris ?
Paris is brimming with souvenir shops. But not all are created equal. While keychains and Eiffel Tower miniatures abound, the real treasures lie off the beaten path.
To uncover them:
- Venture beyond tourist hubs: Explore artsy neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Montmartre.
- Look for local creators: Choose shops that promote local artists or French-made products.
- Avoid bulk souvenirs: Mass-produced items often lack the charm or quality you seek.
The best areas for souvenir shopping in Paris
Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements)
Stretching across the Right Bank, Le Marais is one of the oldest and most charming districts in Paris. A blend of historical Jewish quarter and trendy boutiques, this neighborhood is ideal for discovering refined papeteries, designer concept stores, and artisanal shops. Stroll down Rue des Francs-Bourgeois or Rue Vieille-du-Temple for a shopping experience that mixes heritage and creativity.
Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
Perched on a hill in northern Paris, Montmartre is the artistic soul of the city. Known for its bohemian vibe, this neighborhood offers vintage poster shops, handmade jewelry stands, and small art galleries. Wander around Place du Tertre, where painters sell their works, or explore the cobbled streets leading up to the Sacré-Cœur for picturesque, memory-worthy finds.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
On the Left Bank, Saint-Germain-des-Prés exudes classic Parisian elegance. Once the hub of intellectuals like Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, it now hosts chic boutiques, artisanal chocolatiers, antique bookstores, and high-end souvenir stores. Head to Boulevard Saint-Germain or Rue Bonaparte for a mix of sophistication and culture.
Champs-Élysées and Boulevard Haussmann (8th and 9th arrondissements)
These two major avenues are synonymous with Parisian shopping. On the Champs-Élysées, you’ll find flagship stores and tourist-favorite boutiques. On Boulevard Haussmann, especially around the Opéra Garnier, explore grand department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. These areas offer both typical and luxury Paris-themed gifts under one roof.
Top 10 souvenir shops in Paris you shouldn't miss
1. La Monnaie de Paris
Founded in 864, La Monnaie de Paris is France's oldest institution still in operation. Their boutique offers elegant coins, medals, and rare objects made on-site. Each item tells a story, whether it's a piece honoring French heritage or a bespoke creation born from a collaboration with contemporary artists. A must for collectors and history lovers alike.
📍 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris
2. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
More than just a department store, Galeries Lafayette is an emblem of French elegance. The 6th floor features a curated souvenir corner: elegant notebooks with Parisian illustrations, miniature Eiffel Towers in unique colors, exclusive mugs, and limited-edition home items designed by French artists. But that's not all, you’ll also find renowned French brands in fashion, beauty, and accessories. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Paris, so you can shop and snap the perfect souvenir photo in one visit.
📍 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
3. Marin Montagut
Step into a dreamlike Paris at Marin Montagut’s boutique. This designer and illustrator has created a whimsical space inspired by vintage curiosities and old Paris maps. The shop’s walls are lined with hand-blown glass tumblers painted with Paris landmarks, hand-bound journals with watercolor illustrations, wooden keepsake boxes, and silk accessories. Each piece is handmade, many in collaboration with local artisans. The boutique near the Luxembourg Garden feels more like a gallery than a store, personal, intimate, and utterly Parisian.
📍 48 Rue Madame, 75006 Paris
4. Galerie Portfolio
Formerly "Paris est une photo", this Parisian gallery features limited-edition photographs of Paris and beyond. Set in the heart of Montmartre, Galerie Portfolio is the go-to destination for lovers of fine photography. Specializing in black-and-white and color prints of Parisian life, this gallery offers a carefully selected collection of signed and numbered art pieces. You can choose a moody shot of the Seine at twilight or a lively snapshot of a Montmartre street musician; each photograph is printed on museum-grade paper and framed to last. A perfect memento for art lovers wanting to take a visual piece of Paris home.
📍 21 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
5. Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
Located in the chic 7th arrondissement, Le Bon Marché is the epitome of Parisian refinement. Wander through curated aisles of artisanal candles, bespoke fragrances, embroidered linens, and designer stationery. You’ll also find limited-edition collaborations with top French brands and artists. The shopping experience here is quieter and more upscale than Galeries Lafayette, ideal for those seeking luxury souvenirs that reflect the French art de vivre. 📍 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
6. Merci
An institution in the Haut-Marais, Merci blends sustainability, aesthetics, and French flair. Housed in a former fabric factory, the boutique is a labyrinth of creative vignettes, ceramic tableware, handmade throws, quirky notebooks, and accessories crafted by emerging designers. The store also features rotating collections and pop-up exhibitions. Don’t miss the little red Fiat 500 parked inside the courtyard, it’s become a symbol of the boutique’s eclectic spirit.
📍 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
7. Par'ici Paris
For travelers looking for a balance between fun, functional, and fashionable, Par'ici Paris is the perfect stop. This shop in the Latin Quarter offers a playful take on Parisian iconography, think colorful canvas tote bags with cheeky slogans, Paris skyline umbrellas, graphic tees, and mugs with vintage Metro maps. It's less upscale than designer boutiques but feels curated and local. Ideal for casual yet clever keepsakes.
📍 114 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
8. La Grande Épicerie de Paris
Part of Le Bon Marché, La Grande Épicerie is a culinary paradise. In addition to gourmet items, spices, chocolates, and teas, you’ll find a refined range of gifts: hand-decorated tins, elegant table accessories, recipe books, and themed gift boxes. Their Paris-themed packaging turns even the simplest cookies into memorable presents. It’s an experience that engages all the senses, ideal for travelers who savor taste and aesthetics.
📍 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
9. Eiffel Tower official shop
This boutique at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is no ordinary tourist trap. Its curated range includes high-quality clothing, jewelry, and office accessories, many bearing the official Eiffel Tower logo. Items are licensed and produced in partnership with French manufacturers, ensuring authenticity and a polished look. It’s the place to get that one quintessential souvenir, with a story and stamp of quality.
📍 Allée des Refuzniks, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris
10. Astier de Villatte
This boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré is a temple of artistic living known for their handcrafted ceramics. Each piece is unique and made with a signature milk-white glaze. Astier de Villatte also offers scented candles, vintage-style notebooks, and delicate glassware. The atmosphere evokes an old Parisian atelier with a twist of fantasy. These are luxury items, but their craftsmanship and timelessness make them cherished souvenirs.
📍 173 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
How to shop tax-free in Paris with Zapptax?
If you live outside the EU, you're entitled to a VAT refund on pretty much all purchases made during your trip to France. With Zapptax, claiming your refund becomes so easy: no paperwork, no confusion, and no stress.
What is Zapptax?
Zapptax is a digital VAT refund solution for non-EU residents shopping in France and other EU countries. Zapptax simplifies the entire tax-free process through an easy-to-use mobile app. Whether you're shopping at outlets, boutiques, or even online, you centralize all your invoices in one place and receive your VAT refund quickly, securely, and with fewer fees. It is the best way to shop tax-free.
Why choose Zapptax?
- Higher refunds: Get back up to 90% of the VAT, corresponding 15% of the total price (including VAT), much more than traditional operators.
- Flexibility: Combine all your purchases, from different days and shops to reach the minimum €100 required.
- Fully digital: No paperwork, no stress. Your tax-free form is filled for you in the app.
- Responsive customer support, available 24/7, in multiple languages.
- Fast, secure refunds: Receive your refund by your preferred payment method (credit card, PayPal, or bank account).
How it works:
It is very easy, even if you’re shopping in multiple stores:
- Shop in any store, including souvenir shops (if they issue invoices), or vintage boutiques. You can also shop online.
- Ask for an invoice made out to “Zapptax” (details provided in the app).
- Upload your invoices in the Zapptax app during your trip.
- Once your total spending reaches €100 (VAT incl.), Zapptax generates your tax-free form.
- Before you leave the European Union, you must validate your tax-free form with French Customs. At most exit points (airport, train station, sea ports and road border crossings), you’ll find PABLO terminals where you can scan the barcode on your form for validation. If there are no electronic terminals, a Customs agent will be able to validate your form electronically with a hand-device or by typing the number of your form.
- Receive your refund via your preferred method: credit card, PayPal, or bank account.
Who can benefit from tax-free shopping in France and on which purchases?
Before submitting your VAT refund request, it's essential to check whether you're eligible and which types of purchases qualify for VAT refund.
You are eligible if:
- You reside outside the European Union (with permanent address proven by passport or residence permit).
- You are 16 years old or over.
- You are staying in France or the EU for less than six months.
- You have spent at least €100.01 (VAT incl.) during your stay in France (this total can be accumulated using Zapptax).
- You are leaving the European Union within three months from the purchase date.
Which purchases qualify for a VAT refund?
You can get your VAT refunded on new goods intended for personal use (non-commercial), which you take with you when leaving the EU. These include:
- Clothing, shoes, and fashion accessories
- Beauty products and perfumes
- Decorative items, design objects, and artisanal crafts
- Cultural goods such as books, posters, and photographic prints
- Electronics and small household appliances
- Souvenirs and collectible items
- “Consumables” items (such as food and beverages), never opened or used.
Excluded from VAT refunds:
- Services (hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc.)
- Items consumed or opened on-site (food, cosmetics, etc.)
- Tobacco, weapons, fuel, vehicles, and reimbursed medications
Conclusion
Paris offers far more than cliché trinkets. Its souvenir shops range from traditional to trendy, offering every visitor a chance to bring home something meaningful. By planning ahead and using tools like Zapptax, you’ll enjoy a smarter, richer shopping experience.
So next time you wonder, "Where can I find a good souvenir shop in Paris?"—now you know exactly where to go.
Bon shopping in Paris !
FAQ
1. What are the best souvenirs from Paris?
Art prints, handmade ceramics, gourmet items, and chic fashion accessories are among the best. They capture the city’s style and charm.
2. Where should I buy souvenirs in Paris?
Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre are ideal for authentic shopping. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché also offer premium selections.
3. Is it worth claiming VAT refunds in Paris?
Absolutely. With Zapptax, you can reclaim up to 15% with little effort. It’s fast, flexible, and supports many stores.
4. Are souvenir shops open on Sundays in Paris?
Some are, especially in tourist zones like Montmartre or near the Eiffel Tower. Major department stores may also open during holidays.
5. Can I use Zapptax for online purchases?
Yes, as long as the invoice is issued to Zapptax and the items are eligible.
