What are the must-visit pharmacies when you visit Paris?
Why are french pharmacies in Paris a must‑visit ?
Paris is home to some of the most renowned pharmacies in the world.
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!
Looking for a 24 hour pharmacy in Paris ? Check our guide.
Key takeaways : the best pharmacy Paris spots (quick list)
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Best pharmacy for discounts : Citypharma (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
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Best pharmacy for huge selection : Pharmacie Monge (Latin Quarter)
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Best if you’re already shopping : Galeries Lafayette Wellness (Haussman)
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Need a late-night pharmacy : Pharmacie de la Place de la République
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Tax-free tip : non-EU visitors can get VAT back if conditions are met.
Top pharmacies in Paris for skincare and wellness
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 beauty 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, 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: 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, Embryolisse, RoC and 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 or Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Website: pharmacie-citypharma.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
- : wellness.galerieslafayette.com
Pharmacie du Forum des Halles — Paris Châtelet Les Halles
A super central option if you’re staying around Châtelet, Le Marais, or visiting the Louvre area. Great for a broad parapharmacy selection and a “one-stop” run before heading back to your hotel.
- Which brand do they carry? Avène, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Nuxe, Vichy, Uriage, Puressentiel (and more).
- When? Monday to Saturday 8:30 am to 8:20 pm and Sunday 10 am to 7:50 pm.
- Where? Westfield Forum des Halles, Floor -2, 75001 Paris
- Metro: Les Halles (lines 1, 4, 7, 14) / RER Châtelet–Les Halles (A, B, D).
- Website: pharmacie-forum-halles-paris.com
Pharmacie de la Place de la République — République (Paris 3)
If you need a pharmacy Paris address at odd hours, République is a reliable hub. It is also very convenient if you’re moving between the Right Bank neighborhoods.
- Which brand do they carry? La Roche-Posay, Caudalie, Filorga, Dermaceutic, PiLeJe (and more).
- When? Open 24/7.
- Where? 5 Place de la République, 75003 Paris
- Metro: République (lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11)
- Website: lapharmaderepu.com
Pharmacie Paris 15 Eiffel Commerce
A great pharmacy Paris option if you’re staying on the Left Bank (15th arrondissement) or visiting the Eiffel Tower area. This is a large, modern pharmacy with a huge beauty/wellness selection.
- Which brand do they carry? La Roche-Posay, Avène, Bioderma, Vichy, Nuxe, Uriage, SVR, Caudalie, Filorga, CeraVe, Ducray, Klorane (and many more).
- When? Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Where? 13–15–17 Rue du Commerce, 75015 Paris.
- Metro: La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle (lines 6, 8, 10).
- Website: pharmacieeiffelcommerce.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
How to get a VAT refund on pharmacy shopping in Paris
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 form (with barcode), which you can then scan at French Customs or at an electronic kiosk (called PABLO kiosk) 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.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hunting for iconic French skincare, looking for the best deals, or simply need a convenient pharmacy Paris stop during your itinerary, these addresses will save you time.
And if you’re eligible for tax-free shopping, keep your invoices and plan a quick PABLO validation at departure, this is where the VAT refund becomes real.
FAQ
1. What is the biggest pharmacy in Paris?
One of the largest pharmacies in Paris is the Forum des Halles pharmacy (often referred to as the Grande Pharmacie du Forum des Halles. It is huge (around 2,050 m²) and feels more like a beauty-and-wellness store than a traditional pharmacy.
2. What is the oldest pharmacy in Paris?
For a little piece of Paris history, Pharmacie Saint-Honoré (115 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 1) has been operating since 1715, right in the heart of the city.
3. What is the cheapest pharmacy in Paris?
If your goal is beauty and skincare deals, Citypharma (26 Rue du Four, Paris 6) is the classic stop. It is the kind of place where people go to stock up on French pharmacy favorites because prices are often lower than elsewhere.
4. What’s the difference between a pharmacy and a parapharmacy in Paris?
A pharmacy sells medicines (including prescriptions) and also dermocosmetics; parapharmacy focuses more on beauty/wellness products.
5. Are Paris pharmacy products cheaper than in the US/UK?
Often yes, especially in high-volume pharmacies, but it depends on the brand, exchange rate, and promotions.
