Thrift Shop Paris : discover the best boutiques and flea markets
Are you a vintage lover ? Do you prefer unique pieces rather than fast fashion ?
In Paris, staying stylish can come with a hefty price tag, especially if you’re shopping in the wrong places. Many visitors and locals don’t realize the City of Light hides an incredible second-hand scene beneath its luxury surface.
This guide takes you deep into the heart of Parisian thrift culture: from kilo shops to boutiques solidaires, vintage flea markets to curated charity stores. You'll find out where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of every euro spent.
Expect timeless Parisian fashion, sustainability, and even the opportunity to get a tax refund on your thrifted treasures thanks to Zapptax.
Ready to shop smart and get a refund? Follow our guide to the best thrift shops in Paris!
The best Paris neighborhoods for thrift shopping
In Paris alone you will find dozens of shops specializing in everything from luxury vintage couture to cheap thrift clothing called “friperies”.
Le Marais is a mecca for lovers of fashion history and edgy trends. As you wander its narrow cobblestone streets, you might pass impeccably dressed locals sipping espresso on café terraces, and stumble upon boutiques that feel more like curated art galleries.
Here, the air hums with elegance and experimentation, perfect for shoppers who appreciate craftsmanship and individuality.
Montmartre blends bohemian charm with creative flair. The scent of fresh pastries wafts from neighborhood boulangeries as you climb hills lined with ivy-draped staircases. Thrift shops here often sit tucked between artisan studios and vintage bookstores. It's a dream district for romantic souls and artists seeking retro treasures and classic Parisian silhouettes.
Belleville and the 11th arrondissement are buzzing with youthful energy and multicultural influences. Murals color the walls, music seeps from open windows, and the vibe is unmistakably cool. Thrift stores range from minimalist streetwear spots to chaotic treasure troves. Expect to rub shoulders with students, stylists, and creatives who know exactly where to look for fashion gold.
Wherever you go, you'll find a store in Paris that offers more than just clothes, each neighborhood gives you a window into the city's soul.
Top thrift shops in Paris and boutiques solidaires to visit
- Kilo Shop
One of the best-known thrift chains in Paris, Kilo Shop offers a fun twist: you pay by weight. Each item is color-tagged, and scales let you calculate the cost on the spot. The selection is massive, ranging from denim and dresses to shoes and accessories.
The stores in Saint-Michel and Le Marais are particularly popular, often busy but well-organized.
- Free’P’Star
A must-visit for budget shoppers, Free'P'Star has a cult following. Known for its overflowing 1-euro bins and packed racks, it's the kind of place where you could spend an hour digging and leave with a 90s designer top or an embroidered vintage blouse.
Here is a tip: go early or on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
- BIS Boutique Solidaire
This boutique solidaire (solidarity shop) blends fashion with social responsibility. BIS employs people in professional reintegration programs, giving your purchases deeper meaning.
Shoppers love its more curated vibe, expect elegant vintage coats, Parisian-style dresses, and high-quality accessories without having to sift through piles.
Prices are fair and quality is consistently high.
- Emmaüs Alternatives
An offshoot of the iconic Emmaüs organization, these stores are goldmines for patient thrifters. From retro furniture to authentic vintage wear, you never quite know what you'll walk out with.
Some regulars recommend the Ivry-sur-Seine location for its broad selection and less touristy feel. Prices are very reasonable, and every euro supports an important cause.
Each of these stores offers a distinctive experience, whether you're hunting for fashion, flair, or a feel-good find.
Paris flea markets, where the magic happens
Flea markets, or “marchés aux puces”, are where Parisian second-hand shopping reaches legendary status, not just for the deals, but for the experience.
Picture the sounds of friendly chatter, the clinking of porcelain on metal tables, and the faint strains of an accordion in the distance. Add the scent of roasted chestnuts from a nearby street vendor, and you’re in the middle of a truly Parisian moment.
- Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Often considered the largest flea market in the world, this sprawling maze of over 1,500 vendors is more like a village than a market. Expect winding alleys filled with vintage designer fashion, antique furniture, and collectible curiosities. You'll pass vendors chatting with regulars, artists sketching quietly in the corner, and stylists on the hunt for set pieces. Arrive early and let yourself get lost.
- Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves
Smaller and more manageable, this weekend market has a cozy, neighborhood vibe. It's ideal for casual browsing: you'll find everything from vintage trench coats to vinyl records, all laid out on folding tables or from the back of vans. Locals mingle with tourists over espresso in paper cups, giving it an approachable, down-to-earth charm.
- Marché d’Aligre
One of the liveliest markets in the city, Marché d’Aligre blends food, antiques, and second-hand fashion into a sensory feast. Bargain with vendors over 70s leather boots, then wander into the adjacent covered market for fresh produce and cheese. It’s a perfect weekend plan—part treasure hunt, part gourmet detour.
These flea markets offer more than just bargains, they're immersive, vibrant snapshots of Parisian life. Come for the fashion, stay for the atmosphere.
Get a VAT refund on your thrift treasures
Thrift shopping in Paris gets even better when you know you can get money back on your purchases.
If you are a non-EU resident, Zapptax makes it easy to get a VAT refund, even on second-hand items.
What is Zapptax?
Zapptax is a free mobile app that helps non-EU residents get a VAT refund on their purchases in France (and other EU countries).
What makes it different ? It digitizes and simplifies the entire process, so no need to handle paperwork. With Zapptax, you manage everything from your phone and you get your refund within a few weeks.
And yes, it works perfectly for thrift shops.
However, a very important rule to keep in mind: VAT refunds are only possible for purchases made from a professional seller.
That means:
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If you're buying from a private individual at a flea market or brocante, no VAT is charged, so no refund is possible.
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If you're buying from a professional vendor (thrift shop or even at a market), and they provide a valid invoice with VAT, then the purchase may be eligible for a VAT refund.
Tip: You should ask the seller if they are a professional and if they can issue a VAT invoice. Most thrift shops are registered businesses. In some flea markets, both private and professional vendors may be present — so it’s worth checking before you buy.
How does Zapptax work?
It is very easy, even if you’re shopping in multiple stores:
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Shop in any store, including thrift shops (if they issue invoices), or vintage boutiques. You can also shop online.
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Ask for an invoice made out to “Zapptax” (details provided in the app).
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Upload your invoices in the Zapptax app during your trip.
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Once your total spending reaches €100 (VAT incl.), Zapptax generates your tax-free form.
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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 within a few weeks via your preferred method: bank transfer, to your credit card, PayPal, or bank account.
Why Zapptax is perfect for thrift shopping
Thrift shopping usually means hopping between small stores and finding unique pieces across.
Zapptax is ideal for second-hand fashion lovers, unlike traditional tax refund services, there is:
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No need to spend €100 in one store: Zapptax combines all your purchases to help you meet the threshold (€100 spent during your entire stay).
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No need for your passport when shopping. Only one identity validation per year is enough within the application.
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No paperwork hassle : Everything is digital and managed in the app.
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Higher refund amounts: On average, Zapptax returns up to 90% of the VAT, which is much more than traditional operators.
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Use it in any shop in France that can issue an invoice, even online, including Kilo Shop, Free’P’Star, Emmaüs, and even independent boutiques.
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Responsive customer support, available 24/7, in multiple languages.
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Works with vintage and second-hand items: As long as the store provides a valid invoice, thrifted goods are eligible, including clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.
Conclusion
Paris is truly a thrift shopping paradise ! Whether you're into fashion, sustainability, or just love a good deal, the city offers something for every style and budget.
And with Zapptax, you not only purchase unique pieces, you also get part of your money back, easily and hassle-free.
So get ready to uncover treasures all over Paris!
FAQ
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Can I get a VAT refund on thrift shop purchases?
Yes. If you do not reside within the EU, digital tax-free operators like Zapptax help you get your VAT refund on second-hand items.
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What are the best thrift stores for clothing and accessories?
You can check out Kilo Shop, La Cadette, Guerrisol, and Emmaüs Alternatives.
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Do Paris flea markets run every day?
Not all. Saint-Ouen is open from Saturday to Monday. Vanves runs Sat–Sun. Marché d’Aligre is open daily (except Mondays).
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What is the difference between a boutique solidaire and a regular thrift store?
Boutiques solidaires support social causes, so your purchase helps fund reintegration programs or charities.
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Is thrift shopping in Paris affordable?
Absolutely. With smart picks and a bit of time, you can find amazing pieces at a fraction of their original price.