The mere mention of France brings thoughts of sophistication, beauty, grace and romance to mind. After all, France is the home of Paris and Paris is the fashion center of the world and the city of love. Visitors to France will want to experience the true joy of shopping that the country offers. Paris is “the place to be” if you are looking for the latest in Haute couture.
The Saint-Honoré fashion district is a perfect starting point for anyone looking for the best. This is where you will find Hermes, Versace and other top-of-the-line designers. Just a few blocks away, Boulevard Haussmann is home to various department stores, perfect for finding everything from clothing to home furnishings.
If you really want the complete shopping experience in France, you need to think outside of the box. France has a lot more to offer than just designer fashions fit for the runway yet, hard on the pocketbook. Hundreds of flea markets take place every day of the week in various locations. Flea markets are ideal for finding just about anything. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen on the outskirts of Paris is, literally, the world’s biggest flea market. You can haggle the already low prices on clothes, antiques, pictures and thousands of other items. Open six days a week, this is a one-stop shopping excursion for the bargain hunters of the world.
Paris is not the only place in France for shopping. Strasbourg is home to the oldest and biggest Christmas market. If you are in France during December, this market comes to life with beautiful lights and decorations. You can buy the perfect holiday gifts and decorations in this festive atmosphere. Provence also has local markets, such as the Sunday market in the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Here, you can purchase produce, cheese, handmade soaps and various other foods and wares from the region. You cannot forget Marseille if you are looking for items that are influenced by the French and Mediterranean cultures. Here, you will find spices, foods and a daily fish market for the freshest catch of the day.
