Tax-free shopping in France: 9 Best concept stores in Paris that you should not miss

Paris, the city of love and fashion, is an enchanting destination that lures travellers with its timeless charm and unparalleled elegance. A visit to Paris is incomplete without indulging in its vibrant fashion scene. In this blog post, we will unveil nine must-visit concept stores that epitomise the very essence of style. From vintage treasures to designer brands, these boutiques promise an unforgettable shopping experience during your stay in this fashionable city. Moreover, we'll share valuable tips on how to enhance your shopping journey by using the Wevat tax refund app for tax-free savings on your purchases. Prepare to embark on a fashionable journey through the best-kept secrets of French fashion.

Must-visit concept stores in Paris

1. Merci Paris - A Vintage Gem with a Purpose

If you‘re seeking an unforgettable shopping experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Merci Paris is an absolute must-visit. Nestled in the vibrant Le Marais district, Merci Paris is a fashion haven that captures the essence of Parisian elegance. From the moment you step inside, you'll be enchanted by the carefully curated selection of fashion-forward apparel, stylish homeware, and lifestyle products. What sets Merci Paris apart is its dedication to delivering more than just fashion. As you explore the boutique, you'll discover a delightful surprise awaiting you at the entrance – a charming bookstore cafe. Indulge in the vintage vibe of the cafe while savoring a cup of coffee and flipping through the pages of carefully selected books.

Address: 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France

2. French Trotters: Scandinavian Elegance Redefined

Known for its dedication to the Scandinavian minimalist style, French Trotters offers a thoughtfully curated selection of high-quality and timeless fashion pieces. As you step inside, you'll find the first floor devoted to stylish household decorations, blending functionality, and aesthetic appeal seamlessly. An exciting highlight worth mentioning is the full collection of Byredo products available at the boutique. Venturing to the second floor, you'll be enchanted by a captivating display of French holiday-style clothing. Embrace the essence of French elegance as you explore the boutique's chic apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products. Each piece exudes a sense of carefree sophistication that encapsulates the allure of French fashion.

Address: 128 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003 Paris, France/ 30 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, France

3. The Frankie Shop: Effortlessly Cool and Contemporary

Tucked away in the charming Le Marais district, The Frankie Shop boasts an eclectic range of contemporary and gender-neutral designs that effortlessly fuse French elegance with Korean aesthetics. You'll find a curated selection of renowned designer brands, including the likes of by far, Ganni, and many more. It also proudly features its own brand customisations, adding a unique touch to its offerings. Whether you're looking for chic blazers, minimalist dresses, or statement accessories, this concept store offers an array of pieces that effortlessly elevate your wardrobe. What’s more, at The Frankie Shop, style and affordability harmoniously coexist, allowing you to indulge in fashion-forward pieces without breaking the bank.

Address: 14 Rue Saint-Claude, 75003 Paris, France

4. The Broken Arm: Unique fashion selection

Situated in the artsy Le Marais neighborhood, The Broken Arm stands as a must-visit concept store celebrated for its distinctive and carefully curated selection. Here, fashion enthusiasts will delight in exploring an eclectic mix of emerging designers and established brands. From renowned fashion houses like Balenciaga and Céline to cutting-edge labels like Comme des Garçons and Jacquemus, it embodies the essence of fashion-forward style. In addition, The Broken Arm also embraces the allure of sports fashion. Athleisure aficionados will be pleased to find a range of sought-after sports brands such as Nike, Asics, and Y-3, further enriching the boutique's diverse and dynamic collection.

Address: 12 Rue Perrée, 75003 Paris, France

5. Tom Greyhound: Avant-Garde Fashion Haven

For those seeking avant-garde fashion and experimental designs that push the boundaries of style, Tom Greyhound is the ultimate destination. Located in the artistic neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this multi-brand concept store showcases a carefully curated selection of emerging designers and established fashion houses, such as Alexander Wang, Loewe, Marni, Acne Studios, OFF WHITE, and many more, making it a haven for fashion-forward individuals; you have the freedom to curate a wardrobe that resonates with your own personality and fashion vision.

Address: 19 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris, France

6. Fleux - A Decor Lover's Paradise

For design enthusiasts and home decor aficionados, this boutique is an absolute must-visit in the trendy Le Marais district that beautifully complements the charm of Merci Paris. Offering a captivating multi-category concept, Fleux boasts a delightful assortment of stylish homeware, furniture, and accessories that epitomise modern Parisian chic. Each piece exudes a contemporary elegance that perfectly complements the artistic flair of Parisian living. Whether you're in search of a striking statement piece to add a touch of sophistication to your living spaces or a thoughtful gift to delight a loved one, Fleux has an array of design treasures waiting to be discovered.

Address: 39 bis Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris, France

7. KITH: Streetwear Haven in Paris

KITH, the renowned streetwear brand from New York, has made its mark in the bustling Palais Royal neighborhood of Paris. This stylish boutique stands as a haven for streetwear and urban fashion enthusiasts, offering an impressive collection of cutting-edge apparel, sneakers, and accessories. With its urban flair and international appeal, KITH has swiftly become a fashion hotspot in the heart of Paris. One of the factors that set KITH apart is its collaboration prowess with prominent sports and fashion brands, including Asics, Nike, and Supreme. These joint ventures have significantly elevated its reputation and allure in the fashion world.

Address: 49 Rue Pierre Charron, 75008 Paris, France

8. Centre Commercial: Ethical and Sustainable Fashion

For conscious shoppers seeking ethically produced fashion, Centre Commercial is a compelling destination that aligns style with sustainability. Situated in the lively Canal Saint-Martin district and established by the founder of Veja, the well-known French shoe brand, this boutique showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of ethically produced and environmentally friendly fashion and lifestyle products. From eco-conscious clothing to organic skincare and eco-friendly home goods, Centre Commercial offers a unique opportunity to shop with a purpose. Experience the beauty of style with a conscience at Centre Commercial, where each purchase becomes a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable world.

Address: 2 Rue de Marseille, 75010 Paris, France

9. Archive 18-20: Vintage Fashion Reimagined

Nestled in the lively Canal Saint-Martin district, Archive 18-20 is a true treasure trove for vintage fashion lovers, with a distinct focus on men's clothing with a keen sense of design. Stepping into this boutique is like entering a fashion time capsule, where carefully curated vintage pieces from iconic designers await. Whether you're in search of a timeless Marni handbag to elevate your ensemble or looking to discover niche perfume brands that evoke a sense of nostalgia, this boutique ensures a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Beyond the traditional vintage store, the boutique offers a multifaceted experience that extends to more than just clothing. As you explore, you'll find an array of artfully curated items, including vintage home decor, captivating art pieces, and rare books that showcase the creative spirit of the past. The presence of a refreshing beverages bar adds a touch of leisure and relaxation to your shopping journey, providing the perfect respite as you peruse the vintage treasures.

Address: 20 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris, France

The good news is that as non-EU citizens (including British travellers as a result of Brexit), you can take advantage of claiming tax refunds on purchases made on a majority of items, including clothes, bags, jewelry, and accessories that you plan to take home. With the Wevat tax refund app, you can easily obtain a VAT refund and save up to 13% on your purchases! Keep reading to learn more!

How to get a tax refund on your shopping at concept stores in France

There are two main ways you can get a tax refund on shopping in France – using a traditional in-store paper method, or a mobile tax refund app like Wevat. The main perk of using a digital method like Wevat is the higher refund rates you can enjoy compared with the traditional in-store method, not to mention the convenience of not having to deal with paper forms ever again.

Previously, you’d have to carry your passport with you when shopping and show it to the store every time you buy something to get a tax refund form. With Wevat, all you need to do is to ask for a purchase invoice addressed to Wevat at the till – no more hassle and waiting around at the checkout.

Another benefit of shopping with Wevat is that there are no restrictions on partner stores. Some local boutiques or niche French brands may not be partnered with traditional tax refund companies to offer VAT refunds to tourists. However, by using Wevat, you can still take advantage of the VAT savings by asking for a ‘facture’ (’Invoice’ in French) when making purchases at stores that do not issue refund forms.

Another significant benefit of shopping with the Wevat tax-free shopping app is that there’s no minimum spending requirement in a single store. As long as you spend a total of over €100 across all your purchases during your trip in France, you can claim your tax back!

When departing, traditional methods often involve complex airport procedures with customs, and you’ll have to wait up to 8 weeks to get your money back. Wevat’s scan-and-go system makes the process much faster and easier. You can track the refund progress using the in-app refund tracker or check with the friendly customer support team thorugh the app. (See these articles to learn more about what you need to do at the airport, train station and ferry port you’re leaving from).

Recap of how to use Wevat

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

Download the app – make sure you have signed up and have onboarded before visiting the store
Request a ‘facture’ (invoice) - show the ”request an invoice” screen in the app to get a business invoice with Wevat's name and address. Make sure the invoice is not addressed to yourself!
Snap your invoice – upload it straight to the app, ideally immediately before you’ve left the store
Generate refund barcode – follow the prompts on the screen to get your digital refund form
Scan and go – visit the tax refund kiosk at your departure point, scan your refund barcode on the Wevat app, and off you go! Make sure to keep your goods on hand in case customs inspects the goods (in unused and original packaging).

Examples of a valid invoice and Wevat address can be found in the app. We also have helpful step-by-step videos on our YouTube channel.

Tips for getting an invoice:

Ask for a “facture” (Invoice in French) addressed to Wevat (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 purchase invoice
Do not mention tax refund in the store, otherwise the sales assistant will issue you a paper tax refund form from a traditional tax refund company and you will not be able to use Wevat

About Wevat

Wevat is a 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 traveling, 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 with no minimum spending requirements on each purchase. With Wevat, you can simply snap a picture of your purchase invoices and 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 and tax authorities.

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

Download Wevat