Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEED TO KNOW
Opening Hours
Shops generally open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Saturday. Smaller shops of-
ten shut all day on Monday and/or may close from around noon to 2pm for lunch. Many
larger stores hold
nocturnes
(late-night shopping), usually (but not always) on Thursday,
until around 10pm. Sunday shopping is limited; the Champs-Élysées, Montmartre and
Le Marais are liveliest.
Sales
Paris' twice-yearly
soldes
(sales) generally last around five weeks; they start in mid-
January and again in mid-June.
Tax Refunds
Non-EU residents may be eligible for a TVA (VAT; sales tax) refund (
Click here
).
Top Shopping Tips
The most exclusive designer boutiques require customers to get buzzed in - don't be
shy about ringing the bell.
Particularly in smaller shops, shopkeepers may not appreciate you touching the mer-
chandise until invited to do so.
Head to a
cabine d'essayage
(fitting room), or check sizes at
If you're happy browsing, tell sales staff '
Je regarde
' - 'I'm just looking'.
Practically all shops offer free (and very beautiful) gift wrapping - ask for
un paquet
cadeau
.
A
ticket de caisse
(receipt) is essential for returning/exchanging an item (within one
month of purchase).
Bargaining is only acceptable at flea markets.
Parisian Souvenirs
For authentic quirky and/or nostalgic souvenirs, browse the City of Paris'
Paris Rendez-
Vous boutique
or online store (
http://boutique.paris.fr
), which ships worldwide.
