Welcome to the ultimate guide on ‘What to Buy in Paris’! Whether you’re a tourist seeking the perfect Parisian souvenir, a shopper on the hunt for unique and specialty items exclusive to the City of Light, or looking for that ideal gift to bring back for a loved one, my article has got you covered.
1) Macarons
These delicate sweet morsels come in a multitude of flavors, from classic chocolate to more daring combinations like pistachio-raspberry.
Their elegance and variety make them the ideal choice for a gourmet moment, whether for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself.
Where to buy it?
There are many stores selling macaroons, here are just a few:
- Pierre Hermé (find a store)
- Ladurée (find a store)
- Maison Arnaud Larher (website)
- And you’ll find them in many specialized stores, boulangeries, as well as in supermarkets. See my article on the best macaron spots in Paris.
Price:
From €25 (8 macaroons) to €115 (40 macaroons) depending on the set/collection at Pierre Hermé, for example.
2) A beret
The Basque beret is one of France’s most famous clichés, often associated with Parisian artists.
Although less worn today, it remains an iconic symbol and an excellent souvenir to bring back from Paris.
Choose a beret made in France for authenticity, rather than a cheap “Made in China” model.
Where to buy it?
You’ll find several Paris addresses in this article.
Price:
Around €35 on average.
3) A marinière (Striped Shirt)
The long-sleeved marinière, worn by the French Navy since the 19th century, has become a classic thanks to Coco Chanel and other designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Where to buy it?
BOUTIQUE AMOR LUX VAVIN
Several Paris addresses available on the website.
Price:
Between €40 and €85 depending on the model.
4) Cheese
In France, there are over 365 types of cheese, so you can discover a different cheese every day of the year.
You can explore this diversity and give your favorites as gifts.
Where to buy it?
- SAISONS PARIS
30 rue du Grenier Saint Lazare, 75003 Paris
www.saisons-paris.fr - FROMAGERIE QUATRE HOMMES
62 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
https://www.quatrehomme.fr/ - You’ll also find them in the cheese section of supermarkets. Some are really extensive.
Price:
From €4 to €8 for a cheese, and around €37 for a cheese platter.
5) A bottle of wine
France is famous for its wine, produced in every region and consumed throughout the country.
You’ll find a wide range of choices to suit all tastes and budgets.
Visit a wine merchant to explore red, rosé, white or yellow wines, and find the perfect bottle for you and your loved ones.
Where to buy it?
- In Nicolas stores. They’re wine specialist and will advice you according to your taste. Slightly more expensive than supermarkets but still decently priced.
- In supermarkets. Some have an extensive selection.
Price:
From €5 to several hundred euros, with an average price of €10-15 for a bottle.
6) A bottle of Champagne
Champagne is the quintessential French alcoholic beverage for festive occasions.
Originally from the Champagne region, it is now appreciated throughout France and internationally.
Perfect for celebrations or as a gift for those who love good things, champagne is sure to delight your loved ones.
Where to buy it?
DILETTANTES
22 rue de Savoie, 75006 Paris
www.dilettantes.fr
LE PETIT BALLON
43 Rue du Rocher, 75008 Paris
https://www.lepetitballon.com/
You’ll also find it in Nicolas boutiques and supermarkets.
Price:
On average between €20 and €45 per bottle.
7) Saucisson (Dried Sausage)
Saucisson is a delicious French culinary specialty, often made with pork, but sometimes with wild boar, donkey or poultry.
Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be asking for more!
Why not share it?
Where to buy it?
Le Roi du Saucisson
22 rue du Poteau, 75018 Paris
www.epicery.com/epiceries/roi-saucisson
You’ll also find them in the delicatessen sections of supermarkets.
Price:
About €7 each.
8) Foie Gras
In France, foie gras is a must-have for the festive season.
This duck or goose delicacy, eaten raw, half-cooked or cooked, is almost a Christmas tradition.
It’s the perfect gift for sharing the magic of the French festive season with your loved ones.
Where to buy it?
In most supermarkets, but for quality foie gras go to Fauchon (find a store).
Price:
Around €50 for a 150 g tin.
9) A scarf
Parisian scarves are very popular abroad.
Why not give one as a gift to share a little Parisian chic?
In Paris, you’ll find scarves to suit every budget, material and style.
Where to buy it?
ARTICLES DE PARIS
Several Paris addresses available on the establishment’s website.
Price:
Around €50 for a 90×90 cm silk model.
Where to buy it (option 2)?
GALERIES LAFAYETTE HAUSSMANN
40 boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
https://www.galerieslafayette.com/
Price:
From €30.
10) A Louis Vuitton Handbag
For a prestigious gift, visit the Louis Vuitton boutique on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
This famous French leather goods company attracts millions of visitors with its world-renowned bags and trunks.
Where to buy it?
LOUIS VUITTON PARIS CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
Several Paris addresses available on the brand’s website.
Price:
From €800.
11) Books, Posters or Postcards
Stroll along the banks of the Seine and you’ll discover Paris’s bouquinistes, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011.
These famous green boxes offer second-hand books, postcards and posters at all prices.
Where to buy it?
LES BOUQUINISTES DE PARIS
Bords de Seine – Du Quai de la Tournelle au Quai Voltaire, 75004 Paris
Les bouquinistes de Paris
Price:
From a few cents to over €20, with an average price of around €10.
12) A miniature Eiffel Tower
Although classic, the Eiffel Tower miniature is an emblematic souvenir of Paris.
This monument, symbol of the city of lovers, offers one of the most beautiful views of Paris.
Share a piece of this experience with your loved ones by offering them these miniatures.
Where to buy it?
SOUVENIRS DE PARIS
103 quai Branly, 75015 Paris
www.souvenirs-paris.fr
And in many other souvenir stores in Paris.
Price:
- Miniature 4.5 x 2 cm: €1
- Medium 8 x 3.5 cm: €1.90
- Large 30 x 12 cm: €19
- XL 48 x 18 cm: €39
13) A French Knife
For a practical, authentically French gift, opt for an Opinel.
These folding knives made in Savoie are a symbol of Made in France, perfect for the outdoors or the home.
Where to buy it?
You’ll find several points of sale in Paris on the brand’s website.
Price:
Around €15 for a classic stainless steel model.
14) Antiques
In Paris, even with the forthcoming closure of the Louvre des Antiquaires, you’ll find a vast selection of antiques and unique objects in various antique shops, markets and brocantes.
Where to buy it?
BOUTIQUE ALASINGLINGLIN
1 Rue du Marché Popincourt, 75011 Paris
PUCES DE SAINT-OUEN
Porte de Clignancourt, 93400 Saint-Ouen
www.pucesdeparissaintouen.com
Price:
Prices vary according to condition and rarity.
15) Beauty Products
In France, skincare brands such as Bioderma, La Roche-Posay, Avène and L’Occitane are highly prized and often more affordable here than abroad.
Take advantage of your stay in Paris to discover these quality products and share them with your loved ones.
Where to buy it?
L’OCCITANE
Several boutiques in Paris, available on the brand’s website.
But also in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Price:
From €20 for a facial beauty set.
16) Perfume
Pour un cadeau raffiné et enivrant, offrez un parfum.
Du parfum d’intérieur au parfum personnel, les grands parfumeurs parisiens ont de quoi ravir vos proches et les faire voyager dans Paris.
Where to buy it?
LA MAISON GUERLAIN
68 avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
www.guerlain.com
Price: Around €120 for a 100 ml perfume.
FRAGONARD BOUTIQUE
196 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris
www.fragonard.com
Price:
- Home fragrances: around €30
- Perfume: between €30 and €90
17) French Linens
Bring back a touch of French elegance with Parisian linens.
Our tablecloths, napkins and tea towels are renowned for their quality and refined patterns, perfect for bringing a touch of sophistication to your home.
Where to buy it?
LINVOSGES
33-35 Rue Nicolo, 75016 Paris
www.linvosges.com
Price:
Between €10 and €20 for a set of 2 napkins.
18) Mustard
French mustard is second to none, with varieties ranging from strong Moutarde de Dijon to mild and flavored options.
Where to buy it?
LA BOUTIQUE MAILLE
6 place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris
www.maille.com
Also available in most supermarkets.
Price:
From €12.50 for 5 small jars to €70 for truffle mustard boxes.
19) Salt
France offers a wide variety of salts, from the famous Sel de Guérande to flavored, truffled or colored salts.
Where to buy it?
In every supermarket, but for a better quality salt go here:
LA GRANDE ÉPICERIE
38, rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
www.lagrandeepicerie.com
Price:
Around €5, with prices rising to around €20.
20) Madeleines
Madeleines are the beloved snack cakes made famous by Marcel Proust in Du côté de chez Swann.
The gift of madeleines is to share a typically French childhood memory.
Where to buy it?
MESDEMOISELLES MADELEINES
37 rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris
For quality madeleines, but they are also available in most supermarkets.
Price:
- Mini madeleines: €0.70
- Flavoured madeleines: €2.50
- Filled Madeleines: €3.50
- Gourmet madeleines: €4.50
21) Authentic French Cookbook
To explore French cuisine, give the gift of an authentic Parisian recipe book.
Recreate classics like quiche lorraine, coq au vin, macaroons and more.
Where to buy it?
In all cultural stores such as Fnac or Cultura.
Price:
Between €10 and €20
22) La Paille d’Or
The Paille d’Or, with its thin layers of raspberry-filled cookie, is a light, fruity treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
It’s an ideal option for those looking for a sweet but not too calorific break.
Where to buy it?
Available in most supermarkets.
Price:
Around 2€ according to taste.
23) Petit Écolier
Petit Écolier cookies are a French snack staple.
With their delicious combination of crunchy cookie and melting chocolate, they remind many of childhood moments shared with friends and family.
Where to buy it?
Available in most supermarkets.
Price:
Less than €5 a pack.
24) La Barquette
Barquettes are soft cookies with a melting fruit center.
Their tray shape makes them easily recognizable and perfect for little hands.
Ideal for children’s snacks and nostalgic adults.
Where to buy it?
Available in most supermarkets.
Price:
Around €2 a pack.
25) Les Tartelettes
Tartelettes, small cookies filled with jam or cream, are the perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee.
Their crunchy texture and generous filling make them a gourmet pleasure with every bite.
Where to buy it?
Available in most supermarkets.
Price:
Less than 5€ depending on the package chosen.
26) Navettes de Provence
Navettes de Provence are Provencal cookies scented with orange blossom. Their elongated shape and delicate flavor are an invitation to travel to the South of France. They are the perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea.
Where to buy it?
Available in most supermarkets, but also at Fauchon for a higher-quality product.
Price:
Usually less than €5 a bag.
27) Shopping bag
The reusable shopping bag has become an essential accessory for combining elegance and practicality. Thanks to its reusability, it allows you to carry your shopping while respecting the environment.
Where to buy it?
Disponible dans chaque supermarché, en caisse généralement.
Price:
A few euros or even less, depending on the supermarket.
28) Breton Butter
Breton butter, with its rich flavor and creamy texture, is a staple of French cuisine. Perfect for spreading on fresh bread or for cooking, it adds a gourmet touch to all your dishes.
Where to buy it?
Disponible dans la plupart des supermarchés.
Price:
Around 2€ or 3€ for a lump of butter.
29) Pâté de Sanglier (wild boar pâté)
Wild boar pâté, with its robust, wild flavor, is a delight for charcuterie lovers. Perfect on a slice of fresh bread or as an appetizer, it evokes the forests and hunts of autumn.
Where to buy it?
LA GRANDE ÉPICERIE DE PARIS
80 Rue de Passy, 75016 Paris
https://www.lagrandeepicerie.com/
Also available in most supermarkets.
Price:
Between 5€ and 10€ depending on jar size.
30) Cassoulet
Cassoulet, the traditional dish of southwest France, is a symbol of conviviality and generosity. Made with white beans, duck confit, sausage and bacon, it’s perfect for a comforting meal with family or friends.
Where to buy it?
Available in most supermarkets.
Price:
5€ per 850g tin.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
