Shopping in France
Many tourists go to France on shopping tours. And this is not surprising - it is here that you can buy clothes from famous designers from the pret-a-porter collections and exclusive haute couture items..
During sales, discounts reach seventy percent of the original price of the product. Haggling in France is discouraged, so sales are a good opportunity to shop at affordable prices. There are many designer shops near the central streets of Paris for those who want something special.
Popular shopping
- In France, you can buy goods of medium price categories, which are sold much more expensive here - these are Morgan, Naf Naf, Pampkie, Jennifer, Etam, Zara, Chamaie. In large department stores, for example Samaritaine in Paris, you can buy both expensive and budget items, there are often special offers, a huge selection of toys.
- For objects of modern art and just something original, it is better to go to private galleries or flea markets; from artists you can buy watercolors, prints and graphics with views of the city. Those who are interested in books by French authors will find something interesting for themselves in second-hand bookstores or Maxilivre, Gibert Joseph, Fnac and the Galerie Lafayete book department.
- It is impossible to refuse a bottle of real French perfume or cosmetics of famous brands, which are cheaper than at home, and the authenticity is beyond question. There are many specialized boutiques that will advise you on makeup and help you choose a scent. Perfume can also be purchased on a guided tour of the Fragonard Factory Boutique Museum, which has existed since 1926. In addition to perfumes and eau de toilette, the factory has several stands with face and body creams and a huge selection of soaps..
- French cheeses and wines, cognac and pastries are very popular and delicious gifts for yourself and your loved ones. Supermarkets offer beautifully packaged baskets with a selection of different types of cheese, you are sure to find something to your taste from more than three hundred varieties that are produced in France.
- Most often, a bottle of wine costs 15-20 euros. In the store, you can safely buy wine at a price of 4-5 euros. Connoisseurs can visit the winery or the Cave wine shop for good draft wine, tasting and a reasonable price. Alcoholic drinks are also sold in ICOLAS stores. For lovers of aniseed alcoholic drinks such as Turkish raki or Italian sambucca, there is French pastis - anise liqueur, which is drunk as an aperitif.
- Delicious buns, breads, eclairs and croissants in France. But you should not buy it in supermarkets, it is better to go to a bakery or a HEDIARD store for it. Meat delicacies, pies, the famous foie gras pâté are sold in butcher shops. There is more choice than in supermarkets, and the goods are fresher..
To get VAT refund in France, present your Tax free receipt and sealed purchases. VAT is not refundable for books, food, tobacco products and services rendered.
