Shopping is elevated to an art form and a serious past time in Paris…and this is coming from a guy who generally doesn’t like to shop.  But something happens to me every time I go!

Take time to enter stores and, of course, buy things, but there are a couple of tips to remember.  When you enter a shop, always say “Bonjour” and if you see the salesperson is a man or woman add “madame/mademoiselle/or monsieur”.  It’s polite and lets the shopkeeper know you are there.  Always ask permission to touch something or try something on. “C’est combien?” is asking how much something costs, but you shouldn’t ask if there is something cheaper but rather is there something with a better price.  “Qu’est-ce que votre meilleur prix?” can be used, but don’t try to haggle at the big department stores, as you wouldn’t do this at Nordstrom or Macy’s.

You are in Paris, so dress appropriately.  This means that, unless it is really hot, dress nice which for most Americans means business casual.  At brassieres and restaurants men should wear blazers.  Most women will be fine since they tend to dress better than men anyway (just an observation of mine).  Parts of the year, it can be chilly so a scarf is handy and adds some flair, and if you do a lot of walking during the cold months then dress accordingly.

Please (“s’il vous plait”) and thank you (“merci”) go a long way…no matter where you are.

There are two main shopping periods that last roughly six weeks (beginning in January and in July), and the one that starts in January can offer some good deals and will likely have less tourists.  The discounts during “les soldes” will get progressively better but you take the chance that what you want may gone if you wait for the big discount later on.  Also, save your receipts so you can claim a refund on the VAT tax.

Visits to the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are musts.  Both of these venerable stores are located on Boulevard Haussmann with floor after floor of merchandise and some very good cafes inside.  They are decadent palaces of shopping. Printemps has a nice cafe downstairs with self service, and the Brasserie Printemps offers fine dining under their gorgeous cupola.

Outdoor markets of all types happen throughout Paris all year long.  Flower markets, food markets, and more.  Check with your hotel concierge on what is happening during your stay in Paris.  The street market on Rue Cler is our favorite.