What to buy in Paris France : discover 20 unforgettable souvenirs
You are in one of the most beautiful, romantic, and iconic cities in the world. Unfortunately, when it comes time to bring something home, you are bombarded with Eiffel Tower magnets and plastic snow globes. Where are the authentic, high-quality souvenirs that actually capture the spirit of Paris?
In this guide, we’ll share 20 must-have souvenirs that go beyond clichés, and we’ll show you how to save money on your purchases with Zapptax.
Shopping in Paris is not just a pastime, it is a real experience. From the aisles of Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché, to tiny boutiques in cobbled lanes, the City of light invites you to explore. This guide is your shortcut to smart and Parisian shopping.
Looking for beauty products? Or maybe you are more into gourmet pleasures? Don’t forget the fashion french style, you will love it. Plus, you will also learn how to get a VAT refund on your purchases, no paperwork headaches, just smart savings.
Let’s dive into the 20 best things to buy in Paris, with a smart way to shop tax-free.
Get your VAT refund faster and easier with Zapptax, discover the app now.
Top 20 best things to buy in Paris, France
1. Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé
More than just sweets, these pastel-colored delicacies are a symbol of Parisian elegance. Ladurée's ornate boxes are almost as coveted as the macarons inside, while Pierre Hermé’s bold, modern flavors (like rose-lychee or passion fruit-chocolate) make them a standout souvenir for gourmands. Light, beautiful, and easy to pack, they’re the perfect edible memory.
📍 Ladurée: Multiple locations, including 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
📍 Pierre Hermé: Multiple locations, including 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
2. Art prints from local artists or museum gift shops
You can not visit the city of art, and come home without taking a piece of its culture.
From iconic posters of the Eiffel Tower to abstract works by contemporary illustrators, art prints make personal, affordable souvenirs. Many museum boutiques offer limited-edition prints inspired by their collections.
📍 Louvre Gift Shop: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
📍 Centre Pompidou Boutique: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
3. French skincare like La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is more than just a brand in France, it’s practically a national treasure. Backed by dermatologists and powered by thermal spring water from the city of La Roche-Posay itself, the brand is beloved for its gentle, clinically-proven formulas.
If you're dealing with sensitive skin, acne, or just want a minimalist, effective skincare routine, this brand is a must-have for beauty insiders worldwide.
📍 Widely available in all pharmacies.
4. A Hermès silk square
Though Hermès scarves can be found worldwide, buying one directly from their flagship store on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré brings a special kind of magic. These silk squares are much more than a fashion statement, they are true works of art, meticulously crafted in France and passed down like heirlooms.
Available in dozens of prints and colors, they can be worn around the neck, on a handbag, or even framed. A Hermès carré is the kind of souvenir that becomes a lifelong treasure.
📍 Hermès: 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
5. Perfume from Fragonard or Guerlain
Perfume is a quintessential Parisian luxury. You can not visit the city without bringing home a signature scent.
At Fragonard, you’ll find charming boutiques filled with timeless, affordable fragrances made in Grasse, the perfume capital of France.
For something even more prestigious, head to Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées, a symbol of Parisian elegance since 1828. Their boutique offers exclusive collections, personalized bottles, and a truly immersive experience.
📍 Fragonard: 5 Rue Boudreau, 75009 Paris
📍 Guerlain: 68 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
6. Luxury beauty products from Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette is a paradise for beauty lovers, it is the temple of luxury brands in Paris.
This iconic department store boasts an entire floor dedicated to high-end skincare, fragrance, and makeup. You will find exclusive French brands like Sisley, Clarins, Lancôme, Guerlain and niche labels like Byredo or Maison Francis Kurkdjian. With expert staff on hand, curated gift sets, and frequent limited-edition launches, it’s the perfect place to splurge on high-quality beauty items and enjoy Parisian glamour while you're at it.
📍 Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
7. Marinière shirt from Saint James
The classic navy-striped shirt is a fashion item with timeless French appeal.
A symbol of effortless French chic, the marinière striped shirt was originally worn by sailors and later adopted by icons like Coco Chanel and Brigitte Bardot. Today, Saint James continues the tradition with soft, durable cotton shirts perfect for all seasons. Stylish, gender-neutral, and practical, it’s a fashion-forward souvenir with deep French roots.
📍 Saint James: 44 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
8. Soaps from Savon de Marseille or Compagnie de Provence
Handmade using age-old methods, Savon de Marseille soaps are renowned for their purity, longevity, and gentle scent. Compagnie de Provence modernizes the tradition with chic packaging and fragrances like fig, verbena, and olive wood. These soaps are as decorative as they are practical and easy to tuck into your suitcase.
📍 Compagnie de Provence: 3 Rue Ferdinand Duval, 75004 Paris
9. Pastries from Parisian bakeries
Let’s continue with pastries. You can not leave Paris without tasting its pastries. Bakeries and pâtisseries are not just shops here, they are part of the city’s rhythm, filling the air with the buttery scent of fresh-baked delights.
You probably already love croissant and pain au chocolat, but do you know the other refined pastry world ? The mille-feuille, the cream-filled religieuse, the Paris-Brest, the showstopping Saint-Honoré, or the elegant éclair. It is now your time to taste the French savoir-faire.
For an iconic taste of old-world glamour, stop at Angelina, the legendary tearoom on Rue de Rivoli, where their famous Mont-Blanc dessert, a chestnut cream vermicelli on a meringue base, is a must-try.
For cutting-edge pastry artistry, book in advance to try the creations of Cédric Grolet, named the world’s best pastry chef, whose hyper-realistic fruit-shaped desserts are as sculptural as they are delicious.
📍 Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001.
📍 Du Pain et des Idées, 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010
📍 Cédric Grolet Opéra, 35 Av. de l'Opéra, 75002
10. Treasures from Paris thrift shops
Step into a world of vintage charm and retro elegance by exploring some of Paris’s best thrift shops. These hidden gems are full of pre-loved treasures, from designer fashion and antique books to quirky collectibles and home décor, perfect for travelers hunting stylish, sustainable, and unique souvenirs with an authentic Parisian flair.
Many of these second-hand boutiques are more than just stores, they’re true institutions that support circular fashion and often work with charity organizations.
If you’re planning to claim a VAT refund, opt for thrift shops instead of flea markets. Only establishments that provide invoices are eligible, and thrift shops are much more likely to comply.
📍 Guerrisol: 17 Boulevard Barbès, 75018 Paris
📍 FREE’P’STAR: 8 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
📍 Come On Eileen: 40 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
Want to explore more vintage boutiques? Check out our full guide of the best thrift shops and flea markets in Paris.
11. Le Creuset cookware
Le Creuset’s iconic enameled cast-iron cookware is beloved by chefs around the world. Whether you opt for a small cocotte or a statement Dutch oven, these colorful, durable kitchen pieces last for generations.
Paris is the perfect place to invest in one, especially with the option of a VAT refund through Zapptax.
📍 Le Creuset: Le Bon Marché, 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
12. Books from Shakespeare & Company
A literary institution on the Left Bank, Shakespeare & Company is more than just a bookstore, it is a Parisian legend.
Specializing in English-language literature, it’s a beloved haven for readers, writers, and dreamers. With creaking wooden shelves, handwritten notes tucked between pages, and a view of Notre-Dame just across the Seine, it offers one of the most atmospheric book-buying experiences in the world.Every book purchased is stamped with the shop’s iconic logo.
📍 Shakespeare & Company: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
13. Chocolates from À la Mère de Famille or Patrick Roger
Parisian chocolatiers elevate sweets to an art form. À la Mère de Famille, founded in 1761, charms with its vintage décor and traditional pralines, orangettes, and chocolate bars.
For bold and sculptural creations, Patrick Roger delivers a sensory experience. His boutiques are as much art galleries as chocolate shops.
📍 À la Mère de Famille: 35 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris
📍 Patrick Roger: 45 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris
14. Homeware and lifestyle from Merci and Le Bon Marché
For lovers of design and everyday elegance, Merci and Le Bon Marché are two essential stops in Paris.
At Merci, tucked away in the Haut Marais, you will step into a beautifully arranged concept store offering everything from artisanal kitchenware to fine linen towels and original home accents.
Meanwhile, Le Bon Marché on the Left Bank, is the gold standard for upscale department stores. It’s an emporium of tasteful living: think contemporary furniture, designer tableware, elegant fashion, and a luxurious food hall.
📍 Merci: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
📍 Le Bon Marché: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
15. Fine jewelry from Place Vendôme
For a luxurious Parisian keepsake, few things rival the timeless beauty of fine jewelry. The Place Vendôme is home to France’s most legendary jewelers, including Cartier, Boucheron, Chaumet, and Dinh Van.
Whether you’re investing in a signature piece or simply admiring the artistry, visiting these flagship boutiques is an experience in elegance and craftsmanship. From diamond-studded rings to minimalist gold bangles, these maisons offer exquisite pieces that carry the spirit of Parisian refinement.
📍 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris
16. Gourmet food products from Paris
If you’re a foodie, you will be welcome in Paris. Beyond pastries and chocolates, the city’s gourmet shops offer a range of delicacies perfect for travel: foie gras, dried mushrooms, truffle oils, artisanal jams, and beautifully packaged pâtés or sardines. While soft cheeses don’t travel well, many other French specialties are vacuum-sealed or jarred to survive the journey home.
These culinary souvenirs are thoughtful, flavorful, and easy to enjoy long after your trip ends.
📍 Maison Plisson: 93 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
📍 La Grande Épicerie: 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
17. Gourmet mustard from Maille
Maille’s boutique near Place de la Madeleine offers mustards infused with herbs, wine, or truffle, gourmet and giftable.
Here, you can taste freshly drawn mustard served from porcelain pumps, infused with ingredients like white wine, black truffle, or fine herbs.
The boutique also offers tasting counters, gift sets, and elegant packaging that makes these pantry staples truly gift-worthy.
📍 Maille: 6 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris
18. Parisian tea from Mariage Frères or Kusmi Tea
Tea lovers will be enchanted by the refined blends offered by iconic French houses like Mariage Frères and Kusmi Tea.
Mariage Frères, with its apothecary-style boutiques and vast selection of teas from around the world, is a sensory journey into French tea culture. Their signature black teas and floral infusions are elegantly packaged and make perfect gifts.
For a more modern twist, Kusmi Tea blends bold flavors and colorful tins with a hint of Russian heritage and Parisian flair.
📍 Mariage Frères: 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg, 75004 Paris
📍 Kusmi Tea: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
19. Eiffel Tower souvenir
Yes, it’s iconic and yes, it is so cliché. Skip the mass-produced plastic and opt for a sleek, minimalist metal Eiffel Tower statue, or even a locally crafted version in wood or stone. It is a simple yet symbolic piece that brings the magic of Paris home.
📍 Available at concept stores, museum boutiques, and select souvenir shops around Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower
20. Hot chocolate mix or chestnut cream from Angelina
Famous for its luxurious Belle Époque salon and thick, velvety hot chocolate, Angelina is a must-visit. You can bring the magic home with their hot chocolate mix or sweet chestnut cream, perfect for cozy mornings or elegant desserts.
Packaged beautifully, these treats make delicious and nostalgic gifts.
📍 Angelina: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 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.
Here is how Zapptax works:
- Download the Zapptax app on your phone
- Enjoy your shopping in Paris, from independent boutiques to major department stores.
- Request a VAT invoice in Zapptax name (details in the app).
- Upload your invoices directly to the app.
- Get your tax-free form in the app and validate it before leaving the EU.
- Track your refund straight from your phone.
Zapptax makes the entire process fast, intuitive, and user-friendly. That way, you can focus on enjoying your shopping and your savings.
Note that to be eligible for the VAT refund, your items must be transported outside the EU in your luggage. Which might be tricky if you had planned to bring home or gift some pastries or artisanal chocolates…Not because it's forbidden, but because there's a high chance they won't survive the journey. Yes, technically it's possible—but realistically? The challenge isn’t Customs, it is self-control. Let’s be honest, even if they somehow survive the journey in perfect condition, there is a high chance they still won’t make it home — because you’ll probably eat them all yourself before you even reach the airport. Hey, no judgment here, but those “éclairs au chocolat” don’t stand a chance.
Conclusion
Paris is an unforgettable experience. And what better way to remember it than by bringing home objects that reflect its style, taste, and creativity ? Timeless fashion, culinary delights, hidden treasures in flea markets, every souvenir is a story.
Thanks to Zapptax, you can shop with confidence and enjoy tax-free savings, making every purchase even more rewarding.
Make room in your suitcase : Paris has plenty of beauty to share !
FAQ
1. What is the best item to buy in Paris ?
Some of the most iconic items include luxury fashion accessories like Hermès scarves or Chanel bags, French perfume or simply artisan pastries. These represent the elegance, craftsmanship, and culinary heritage Paris is known for.
2. What to take home from Paris?
Popular souvenirs range from gourmet food products like foie gras and mustard to French skincare, designer clothing, wine, and cultural items like art prints or books. Choose items that reflect your interests and capture the essence of the city.
3. What is something you can only buy in France?
Certain beauty brands such as La Roche-Posay and Avène offer products and formulations only available in French pharmacies. Additionally, traditional mustard from Maille, aged cheeses, and regional wines are often exclusive or limited abroad.
4. Why are luxury goods cheaper in Paris?
Luxury items are often priced lower in Paris due to domestic pricing, the absence of international shipping/import fees, and eligibility for a VAT refund for non-EU residents, which can reduce the final cost.
5. What to buy cheaply in France?
High-quality yet affordable items include pharmacy skincare, Marseille soap, gourmet condiments, basic fashion pieces like the marinière shirt, and locally produced wines.
6. What are the most sold items in France?
France’s top-selling items include wine, cheese, beauty products, baguettes, and pastries. In retail, French cosmetics, leather goods, and ready-to-wear fashion dominate both domestic and export markets.