Top Shopping Malls in Paris

As one of the world’s leading capitals of fashion, you’d expect Paris to have a fair number of malls. Since most Parisians prefer “la lèche-vitrine”—window shopping or, quite literally, “licking the windows”—most shopping areas in the city are found outdoors, in much-coveted shopping districts such as the Marais, the Champs-Elysées, or the “haute couture” district on Rue Saint-Honoré. However, three major shopping centers offer an alternative if you’d prefer a “one-stop” destination or want to browse familiar chain outlets such as Zara or H&M.

Forum des Halles, Popular Mall in the City Center

Looming in the heart of Paris within the area known as “Châtelet-Les-Halles”, this giant, labyrinth-like shopping center first opened in the early 1970s, constructed following the demolition of a traditional central meat and vegetable market that had dominated the city center since the medieval period.

The massive underground shopping complex requires you to go down two long escalators from street level to access it. Although navigating it can be challenging due to ongoing renovations, it remains unbeatable in terms of convenience and variety. If you’re shopping for new items on a tight budget, this Parisian mall can be ideal since it includes numerous mid-range stores rather than focusing solely on luxury brands.

• Address: 101 Porte Berger, 1st arrondissement
• Metro/RER: Châtelet-Les-Halles (Metro lines 1, 4, 7, 14; RER lines A, B, and D)

Major Stores

• Zara
• H&M
• Esprit
• Comptoir des Cotonniers
• Etam
• Kookai
• FNAC (electronics, books, and music)
• Sephora (beauty and fragrance)
• Marionnaud (beauty and fragrance)
• Swarovski

Carrousel du Louvre, for After-Exhibit Shopping

Open seven days a week, and located in the heart of Paris just beneath the Louvre Museum’s famed glass pyramid, the Carrousel du Louvre is an exceptional shopping center if you’re seeking high-quality home goods, electronics, entertainment, accessories, and gifts. Many Parisians and visitors flock here for the flagship Apple Store. Moreover, you can find a Virgin Megastore, luxury gifts, jewelry, and more. A gourmet food court on the upper level is ideal for grabbing a bite between shopping sessions.

Major Stores

• Apple Store
• L’Occitane en Provence
• Virgin Megastore
• Esprit
• Sephora
• Swarovski
• Bodum
• Lalique

Attractions Nearby

• Musée du Louvre
• Louvre-Tuileries Neighborhood (great high-end shopping district)
• Grands Boulevards Neighborhood (great for antiques, rare books, and other specialty items)

Les Quatre-Temps, Mall in La Defense Business District

Located in the massive business district just west of the city limits known as “La Defense,” the mall known as “Les Quatre Temps” is easily accessible via the RER (suburban train) A line from central Paris. In addition to dozens of stores, the complex boasts several mid-range to excellent restaurants and a megaplex cinema featuring various films in English with subtitles.

Major Shops

• H&M
• Zara
• Desigual
• Habitat (home furnishings)
• FNAC (books, music, and electronics)
• American Apparel
• Muji (Japanese fashion and home items)
• Lancel
• Virgin Megastore