The French healthcare industry is known for its excellence and constant innovation, with specialized laboratories that produce top-quality products to meet every individual's needs.
When you visit France, make sure to stock up on these amazing products and take them home with you. You'll have the chance to find all the major French brands at discounted prices, making it a perfect opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy!*
So, where can you find these must-visit Parisian havens of well-being? Look no
further, we've got you covered!
La pharmacie Monge
A landmark among Parisian pharmacies, the Monge pharmacy was popularized
internationally by a Korean blogger. It has adapted to welcome visitors from all
over the world. Advisors are on hand to help you find what you're looking for, and to make your experience as pleasant as possible. You can speak to them in many languages, including Chinese, Korean, Arabic and Spanish.
What's more, you'll have access to the full range of products from leading French brands such as La Roche-Posay, Caudalie, Vichy, Biotherm, Avène, Nuxe, Algologie and Phyto. You'll find it all in a boutique of over 500 m². Another positive point: prices remain reasonable. The only downside to the Monge pharmacy is its popularity and high visitor flow.
Which brand do they carry? Major French brands: La Roche Posay, Caudalie, Vichy, Biotherm, Avène, Nuxe, Caudalie, Algologie and Phyto, all at market prices.
When? Monday to Saturday 8 am to 8 pm and Sunday 8 am to 7 pm. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Where? 1 Place Monge 75005 Paris
Metro: Place Monge
Website: https://pharmacie-monge.fr/
Citypharma
This major pharmaceutical chain, located in the legendary Saint-Germain-des-
Prés district, is organized over several floors. You'll find a wide range of beauty, health and wellness products.
This pharmacy's strong point? The prices! The cheapest in Paris. You'll save on products that are less expensive than at home, but also compared to other pharmacies in the capital. The staff are attentive and take the time to answer your questions and inform you about what you need.
If you didn't have enough time during your in-store visit, you can also find a whole range of products on the pharmacy's online store!
Which brand do they carry? La Roche Posay, Caudalie, Vichy, Bioderma, Filorga, Nuxe, Caudalie, Embryolisse, RoC et Phyto.
When? Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 9 pm, Saturday 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 8 pm. For a more pleasant experience, it's best to come in the morning or late evening to avoid peak times.
Where? 26 rue du Four, 75006 Paris
Metro: Mabillon ou Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Website: https://pharmacie-citypharma.fr/fr/
Les Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
You'll find it all at Galeries Lafayette, even a beauty and skincare department called the Wellness Galerie, where you can work out, pamper yourself and buy the cosmetics and wellness products you need.
In one place, you'll find hairdressers, restaurants and, of course, all the major skincare brands. Galeries Lafayette is a must for any visitor to Paris. So make the most of it and treat yourself.
Which brand do they carry? According to the stores in the Wellness Galerie.
When? Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 8.30 pm and Sunday 11 am to 7 pm.
Where? 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Metro: Chaussée d’Antin - La Fayette
Website: https://wellness.galerieslafayette.com/
This is just a selection to make your journey easier. You can also visit one of the many other pharmacies in the Paris region. You'll also find the products you're looking for.
Here are a few addresses:
• Pharmacie de la gare du nord (18, rue de Dunkerque)
• Pharmacie Paris Eiffel (114, rue Saint-Dominique)
• Pharmacie Saint-Lazare (87, rue Saint-Lazare)
Finally, don't forget to get a tax-refund! This means reclaiming the 20% VAT (value added tax) paid on products you buy when you're in the European Union (EU) and take with you in your suitcases to your country of residence. You must meet two conditions to benefit from a tax refund: you must be resident outside the EU and over 16 years of age.
Use ZappTax, a simple and practical mobile application that allows you to reclaim up to 90% of the VAT paid!
It couldn't be simpler. Download the application and register for free. When making purchases, whether in a store or online, request invoices in the name of ZappTax. Take a photo of them and upload them to the app. Use the app to generate your tax-free from (with barcode), which you can then scan at customs or at an electronic kiosk (called PABLO) at the airport (CDG, Orly...), train station (Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord) or road crossing point (French-Swiss border).
The app allows you to save money by being reimbursed on all your purchases, especially when it comes to health and well-being where it's the quality of the product that counts.
Now it's your turn ;-)
* Please note that pharmaceutical products reimbursed by a French social
security organization are not eligible for tax exemption.