Paris Shopping Tips: 16 Iconic Brands Cheaper in France

Paris, the epitome of fashion and style, is a dream destination for anyone passionate about luxury and beauty. It's no wonder that some of the world's most prestigious brands have their roots in this stylish city. For international tourists exploring France, Paris presents a unique chance to acquire global brands at more affordable prices compared to other parts of the world, creating an unrivalled shopping experience.

Ready to enhance your shopping spree? Here’s our curated guide to top brands that are cheaper in Paris than back home. Dive into the Parisian shopping scene and make the most of your visit!

Why is it cheaper?

Paris isn't just the fashion capital of the world - it’s also the birthplace of many renowned brands. With many of these labels headquartered here, you benefit from lower transportation and export costs, naturally bringing down the price of goods. Additionally, the favourable exchange rate between the euro and stronger currencies like the British pound enhances the purchasing power of many international visitors.

For travellers from outside the EU (including those from Great Britain post-Brexit), there's an added perk: tax refunds. You can claim back up to 20% VAT on a wide range of items including clothing, bags, jewellery, accessories, cosmetics, watches and many more, to add to your savings. We’ll delve deeper into this shortly!

These factors combined make shopping in Paris not just a cultural experience but also a financially advantageous one. With this understanding, let’s explore the top brands that offer delightful savings for your wallet while adding a touch of chic Parisian flair to your collection.

Brands that are cheaper in France

1. Saint Laurent

Famed for its edgy and luxurious fashion, Saint Laurent often offers better prices in Paris, where the brand was originally founded. Shopping at its Paris boutiques not only grants you access to a broader range of collections but also quality shopping experience. From the iconic Niki and Kate bags to more affordable leather accessories like wallets and card holders, you’ll discover the true essence of Parisian elegance with Saint Laurent's refined offerings.

2. Balman

Balmain is synonymous with luxurious and sophisticated designs, featuring richly embroidered fabrics and tailored silhouettes that capture quintessential Parisian flair. In Paris, you can score classic Balmain pieces at enticing prices. Look for chic T-shirts, stylish belts, and striking statement jewellery that define the brand’s sophisticated allure. Each visit to a Balmain store is a touch of glamour, making your shopping experience feel like a special event.

3. Givenchy

Whether you're after haute couture or ready-to-wear, Givenchy's Parisian stores often offer more accessible prices. Discover luxurious apparel, elegant perfumes, and stunning small leather goods like cardholders and pouches at lower prices in their hometown. Each piece embodies Givenchy’s iconic style, making it a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts seeking exceptional value.

4. Chloé

Celebrated for its soft and feminine designs, Chloé offers a treasure trove of stylish pieces at favourable pricing in Paris. Whether you're hunting for the signature mini Marcie bag, delicate perfumes, or trendy ready-to-wear items, the brand’s Parisian boutiques provide a wealth of options. The warm and inviting atmosphere of Chloé’s stores adds an effortless touch of Parisian charm, making it a must-visit destination for any fashion lover.

5. Balenciaga

Balenciaga’s bold, avant-garde designs are even more appealing when shopped in its home country, with potentially lower prices and exclusive access to certain collections. Check out Balenciaga’s stores in Le Marais or on Avenue Montaigne for their innovative sneakers and couture pieces at more attractive prices. Immerse yourself in Balenciaga’s forward-thinking ethos and discover high-fashion items that stand out in any wardrobe.

6. Moncler

Moncler is renowned for its high-performance outerwear and luxury fashion, and Paris is the perfect place to find deals on down jackets, vests, accessories, and knitwear. Here, you can find exceptional deals on top-quality products that merge functional design with chic aesthetics, making it the ideal destination for both practical and fashionable shopping.

7. Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin, famous for its iconic red-soled shoes, brings a touch of glamorous options. In Paris, you can uncover more budget-friendly items such as shoes, handbags and beauty products like nail polish and lipsticks. The opulent allure of Christian Louboutin reflects the brand's luxurious appeal, making it a must-visit for those seeking a touch of high fashion.

8. Longchamp

For lovers of leather goods, Longchamp is a great buy in Paris. The prices for their popular handbags, luggage, and accessories are typically more attractive in their home country. The flagship store on Rue Saint-Honoré offers a selection that often surpasses what you might find in other markets. Enjoy French craftsmanship and contemporary design at its finest while enjoying substantial savings.

9. Lacoste

While globally recognised for its sporty style, Lacoste often has more competitive pricing in France for its chic apparel and famous polo shirts. In Paris, you’ll find more affordable items such as classic T-shirts, footwear, and accessories like caps and bags. The brand’s Parisian boutiques provide a relaxed yet fashionable shopping experience, perfect for updating your wardrobe with timeless, sporty elegance.

10. Sandro

Sandro delivers contemporary, premium fashion with a distinctly Parisian twist at better prices in its local boutiques. Shop for their stylish selection of dresses, tops, and outerwear that capture the creative spirit of the brand. Shopping at Sandro not only brings you closer to Parisian trends but also provides a fashionable experience that’s both vibrant and elegant.

11. Maje

Maje offers feminine and bohemian-inspired designs. In Paris, you can discover beautifully priced skirts, blouses, and accessories like bags and belts. Capturing the essence of Parisian chic, Maje provides an array of fashionable choices that blend sophistication with a carefree vibe.

12. AMI Paris

AMI Paris provides casual yet sophisticated fashion for both men and women. In Paris, you can find more affordable items like T-shirts, sweaters - especially the signature Ami de Cœur - and trousers. Shopping at AMI Paris is a blend of contemporary and classic, offering a refined yet laid-back shopping experience that embodies Parisian cool.

13. Diptyque

Renowned for its luxurious candles and fragrances, Diptyque offers a sensory and elegant delight in Paris. Here, you can find more affordable items like scented candles, perfumes, and home fragrances like diffusers. Each piece is beautifully crafted to enhance your living space, making a visit to Diptyque a must for anyone seeking a touch of Parisian local fragrance.

14. L'OCCITANE

L'OCCITANE is celebrated for its premium skincare and beauty products inspired by the Provence countryside, providing a taste of Southern France in Paris. You can find more affordable skincare sets, hand creams, and essential oils. With its aromatic and soothing products, L’OCCITANE promises a delightful escape to the sun-drenched South of France.

15. Clarins

As a leading name in French beauty, Clarins is synonymous with top-notch cosmetics and skincare. In Paris, enjoy more budget-friendly options like face creams, serums, and body treatments. The luxurious shopping experience mirrors the quality of the products, complete with expert beauty advice and exceptional products that cater to your every need.

16. Darphin

Darphin, famous for its botanical-based skin care solutions, offers a serene shopping experience in Paris. Here, you'll find affordably priced facial oils, such as the 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream, creams, and serums. Shopping at Darphin is a calming retreat, with each product designed to enhance your natural beauty and provide a sense of tranquillity.

Get even more savings at La Vallee Village, Paris

Did you know that you can obtain all these brands at even better prices in one place? If you’re eager to score exceptional deals on these prestigious names, La Vallée Village is a must-visit destination.

Just a short metro ride from central Paris, this outlet features over 120 international and French designer brands, offering discounts of up to 50% off original retail prices. Whether it’s Saint Laurent, Givenchy, or luxury labels like Jimmy Choo, MaxMara, Coach, Marc Jacobs, KENZO, and Longines, La Vallée Village is a treasure trove for savvy shoppers looking to stretch their budget.

To amplify your savings, don‘t forget to take advantage of tax refunds on the great deals at La Vallée Village. With the Wevat digital tax refund app, international shoppers can easily enhance their VAT savings. The app simplifies the VAT refund process with its digitised approach, ensuring that visitors can shop smarter and save more.

With lower processing fees and a streamlined digital system, Wevat potentially increases your refund rate to up to 13%, compared to the 8-12% typically offered by traditional methods. Forget the old paper tax refund forms; just request an invoice addressed to Vatcat France at the point of sale, and use Wevat’s convenient scan-and-go system at the airport to complete your refund efficiently.

What’s more exciting is that Wevat is offering a 7-day fast tax refund service for all eligible international visitors at La Vallée Village this summer. This means you can expect to receive your VAT refunds within just one week of departure from France! Click here to learn more about this exciting offer and start planning your shopping spree.

Recap of how to use Wevat

Follow these five easy steps to get your VAT back in a simple and fast way with Wevat.

Download the app – make sure you have signed up and onboarded before shopping
Request a ‘facture’ (invoice) - show the ”request an invoice” screen in the app to get a purchase invoice with Wevat’s details. Important: Make sure the invoice is not addressed to yourself
Snap your invoice – upload it straight to the app, ideally immediately after the purchase, before you’ve left the store
Generate refund barcode – follow the app’s prompts to get your digital refund form, which will include a unique barcode for your refund
Scan and go – visit the tax refund kiosk at your departure point, scan your refund barcode on the Wevat app, and off you go!

Tips for getting an invoice:

Ask for a “facture” (Invoice in French) with Wevat’s company name and address (Click our mascot on the app homepage to find the “request an invoice” screen. Simply show the screen containing Wevat’s address details to the store staff to get the right business invoice
Avoid requesting a paper tax refund form or mentioning tax refunds in the store, otherwise the sales assistant will issue you a paper tax refund form from a traditional tax

Tourists have the right to use their chosen tax refund provider, and stores are legally obligated to provide invoices upon request. However, some shops may refuse to issue an invoice because they receive commission revenue from their in-store tax refund services. If you encounter this situation at La Vallée Village and your purchase is less than €6000, don't worry – you can still get your tax refunds with us by using receipts instead. Here’s how to do it:
1. Write down the following on your invoice or receipt: "Bought on behalf of VATCAT FRANCE," your first and last name, and the purchase date. Then, sign the shop receipt
2. Upload the receipt on the app
3. If your purchase exceeds €1000, send us your proof of payment on live chat

And there you have it - a guide to scoring fabulous deals on prestigious brands that are cheaper in Paris than elsewhere. For those looking to stretch their budget even further, don’t miss La Vallée Village for additional discounts and use Wevat to maximise and streamline your VAT refunds. Happy shopping and happy savings!

About Wevat App

Wevat - a new digital tax refund app that makes it easy for travellers to save money on their shopping in France! We are a community of people who love travelling, shopping and saving money. Since our launch in 2019, we've helped refund travellers from 88 countries more than €18 million on their shopping!

Compared with in-store VAT refund providers, Wevat gives you up to 23% more VAT back and with no minimum spending requirements on each purchase. With Wevat, you can simply snap a picture of your purchase invoices then generate and scan your barcode when you leave France. There are no paper forms, repeated scanning or dropping off forms required with us. Our super-friendly, multilingual customer support team will be always on hand to support you throughout your trip via our app.

We are fully regulated by both French and UK customs.

Download our app now to start saving money on your shopping in France!

Download Wevat