Top 10 sportswear shops in Paris & how to get a VAT refund
Are you spending some time in Paris and looking for a truly cool sportswear shop? Finding the right place can quickly turn into a treasure hunt: some stores are very “sneakers & streetwear”, while others focus more on “performance/outdoor”.
In this article, discover our selection of 10 streetwear, sneaker, and performance-focused stores, the neighborhoods to visit, and the simple way to get a VAT refund on your purchases (if you live outside the European Union).
Let’s lace up our sneakers — here are the best addresses!
Also discover the 15 best shopping malls in Paris with our guide.
In summary
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Paris’ must-visit sportswear shops range from multi-brand stores (Citadium) to major flagships (Nike, adidas), as well as technical/outdoor options (Salomon, Au Vieux Campeur) and specialized stores (running).
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Travelers who live outside the EU can get a VAT refund on their purchases in France.
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With Zapptax, the process is simplified: invoice issued in Zapptax’s name → add invoices to the app → combine purchases → generate the tax-free form → validate at departure → receive your refund (up to 90% of the VAT).
The 10 best sportswear shops in Paris
1. Citadium Haussmann
A department store dedicated to urban culture: sneakers, hoodies, denim, accessories, and many brands all in one place.
Citadium is also known for its “life in store” concept (pop-up corners, events depending on the season), making it an efficient stop for a first shopping session.
📍50-56 rue de Caumartin, 75009 Paris
2. Shinzo
A flagship address for sneaker and performance enthusiasts. The concept is unique and structured around several worlds (basketball, running, kids…), making it easier to find a pair suited to your stride, use, and comfort — not just looks.
Its location is strategic: ideal before or after visiting the Louvre, Palais Royal, or the Seine riverbanks.
📍23–39 rue Étienne Marcel, 75001 Paris
3. Kith Paris
A premium store with refined merchandising: sneakers, high-end sportswear, collaborations, and a highly sought-after lifestyle selection.
Kith is also a strong choice for gifts or unique pieces, located in a very touristy area (near the Champs-Élysées / Golden Triangle).
📍49 rue Pierre Charron, 75008 Paris
4. Nike House of Innovation Paris
A must-visit for Nike fans: wide product range, in-store services depending on the season (customization, experiences), and stock that is often broader than in standard stores. Ideal for securing the right size or discovering exclusive collections.
📍79 avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
5. Centre Commercial Outdoor
For a more “outdoor/urban” sportswear approach: technical jackets, walking shoes, and pieces designed for moving around the city, with a positioning often focused on more responsible consumption.
Very practical if you’re looking for a versatile item (rain, wind, walking, transport).
📍 10 rue de Marseille, 75010 Paris
6. Adidas Flagship Store (Champs-Élysées)
A simple and efficient address: a wide adidas selection, iconic products, shoes, clothing, and accessories. Convenient for a quick, stylish purchase or to complete a casual sportswear outfit without visiting multiple stores.
📍88 avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
7. Salomon Store Paris Madeleine
Salomon has become a reference in both performance (trail, outdoor) and street style. This store is especially suitable if your stay in Paris involves a lot of walking and comfort is a priority, without sacrificing style. Very convenient area (Madeleine/Opéra).
📍12 boulevard de la Madeleine, 75009 Paris
8. Au Vieux Campeur (Quartier Latin)
A Parisian institution for outdoor gear: hiking, mountain, travel, and technical accessories. While the approach is more “specialist” than “streetwear”, it’s an excellent option for travelers who want to gear up properly (layers, technical socks, accessories) before a road trip or a nature-focused stay after Paris.
📍80/80 bis boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
9. Running Conseil Paris Courcelles
A specialized store for runners: ideal for technical purchases such as adapted running shoes, expert advice, and running accessories. Relevant if performance and comfort matter more than a streetwear look.
10. Decathlon Paris La Madeleine
A safe bet for sports shopping in France, especially when you need to gear up quickly (technical clothing, accessories, luggage, shoes) with a very competitive price-quality ratio.
Central location (Madeleine), perfect between sightseeing and shopping.
📍23 boulevard de la Madeleine, 75001 Paris
What is tax-free shopping?
In France, prices include VAT (value-added tax). This tax applies to goods purchased to be used or consumed within the European Union.
On the other hand, when a traveler lives outside the EU and exports their purchases outside the EU, the principle is VAT exemption, applied after departure, since proof of export is required.
Who can benefit from tax-free shopping?
Eligibility criteria are:
- living outside the European Union
- being at least 16 years old
- staying temporarily in the country
- reaching a minimum purchase amount (often €100.01 incl. VAT in France)
- leaving the EU no later than the end of the third month following the month of purchase
- exporting the goods with you, in new and unused condition
How does Zapptax work to get your VAT refund?
The key point: tax-free shopping relies on a “Bordereau de Vente à l’Exportation” (BVE), also called a “tax-free form”. It is essential to trigger your VAT refund. This document must be validated by customs (often via a PABLO kiosk) before you leave the European Union.
To claim tax-free shopping with Zapptax, follow these steps:
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Ask for an invoice issued in the name of Zapptax at the time of purchase
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Import all your invoices into the app
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Combine your purchases to reach the required minimum for your stay (€100.01 in France)
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Generate a tax-free form and have it validated at departure. To validate it, scan it at a PABLO kiosk or go directly to a customs officer
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The refund process is triggered as soon as validation is completed, and you will receive your refund within a few weeks.
With Zapptax, get up to 90% of the VAT back, in just a few clicks on your phone!
Conclusion
Shopping in Paris offers a wide range of sportswear stores: large multi-brand selections, flagship stores, technical outdoor gear, or highly specialized sneaker shops.
For travelers living outside the EU, remember to download Zapptax. The app allows you to get a VAT refund on all eligible purchases made in France, turning your shopping session in Paris into real savings.
FAQ
1. What is the largest sports store in Paris?
Decathlon Paris 19th – Rosa Parks is often presented as the largest sports store and the largest Decathlon within Paris city limits, with a retail area of approximately 4,600 m².
2. What are French sportswear brands?
Among French (or France-born) brands frequently mentioned:
- Le Coq Sportif (founded in 1882 in Romilly-sur-Seine)
- Salomon (created in Annecy, in the heart of the French Alps)
- Millet (brand founded in Annecy, active since 1921)
- Babolat (founded in Lyon, also offers apparel depending on the range)
- In-house brands distributed by Decathlon (e.g. Domyos, Quechua)
3. What is the best sports retailer?
It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a wide selection at mainstream prices, Decathlon remains the most cost-effective option thanks to its broad multi-sport range. However, if you’re more into streetwear and sportswear trends, Citadium is a reference for comparing different styles in one place.
