Summary
As one of the world’s fashion capitals, you’d expect to find at least a few good budget shops and designer outlet stores in Paris. Parisians know that finding the perfect pair of slacks from a discount designer shop or antique lamp from a flea market is tout un art— a genuine art. Particularly if you’re visiting Paris on a limited and strict budget, make sure to bookmark this page for great ideas on cheap shopping opportunities in the city.
When we say “cheap”, though, we don’t necessarily mean that quality has to be taken out of the equation. Locals pride themselves on finding fine clothes or home items for next to nothing. Read on for just a few of their secrets.
Vide-greniers (Attic Sales)
The epitome of bargain shopping has to be yard sales. While you won’t find any front yards in the middle of Paris, the French do have their own version of getting rid of old household items: vide-greniers – literally, “emptying the attic.”
Often taking over several blocks in designated neighborhoods, vide-greniers feature secondhand clothing direct from the merchant, from very used to practically new. Those motivated to dig will certainly reap rewards, often scoring brand-name items for a fraction of the original price – don’t be afraid to bargain here.
Summer and Winter Sales
Twice a year, stores in France slash the prices of a majority of their off-season clothing and open the doors to swarms of eager shoppers. Every January and July, as much as 75% is taken off retail items, for a month of bargain hunting in most stores in the country—including home furnishings and antiques.
One word of warning: Make sure to get to shops fast. French people mean business, and if you wait until the end of the month to pick up that coveted peacoat or swimsuit, there is a good chance your size will be gone. The benefit of waiting it out, however, is getting the really cheap prices.
Vintage Shops
The hallowed vintage store is worth exploring in Paris—there are dozens of such shops throughout the city. A great place to start is by visiting three neighborhoods where you’ll find a plethora of quality vintage items on sale.
In Montmartre, right behind the Abbesses metro station, Chine Machine stands out with exceptional customer service and appropriately priced, funky clothes for women. Near Hotel de Ville is another top spot for vintage shops—Free’P’Star offers a no-fuss, decently-priced selection and has multiple locations within walking distance. Around metro Jacques Bonsergent, colorful clusters of vintage stores abound. Start with Frip Sape, which features low prices and a treasure trove of secondhand goods, including leather boots. Once you’ve tackled these vintage havens, seek out individual retro gems like GoldyMama, which houses higher-end pieces from designers like Chanel and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Kookai Stock
Kookai ready-to-wear boutiques offer trending women’s fashion, but prices can be steep for the average shopper, particularly outside of sales seasons. Here at its outlet store, trendy wares are available at about half the price of the boutiques, including items from last season or surplus stock from the latest collection. While some outlet shops in the city may sell defective pieces, Kookai Outlet is a definite exception.
Additionally, many concept shops in Paris carry high-quality vintage items. While these generally don’t come cheap, if you take advantage of sales seasons in summer and winter, you can snag some remarkable deals.
Trendy Global Chains
If you’re not into rifling through bins of secondhand clothing or last season’s fashions, check out global fashion chains such as Zara, H&M, and Promod for year-round, low-end prices on the latest styles. These stores carry sections for trendy, casual, or professional wear, and the collections are inspired by runway trends.
At least one branch of these chains can be found in most major Paris shopping districts, particularly on Rue de Rivoli (1st and 4th arrondissements), at the Forum des Halles, on the Champs-Elysees, and in three of the popular shopping malls in Paris.
In addition to the aforementioned stores, check out these popular French and global chains:
Uniqlo: Japanese Chic, for Cheap
In Paris, where fashion is key, even tourists may feel the pull to wear the latest trends. The Japanese chain offers styles of the moment at lower prices than some smaller boutiques featuring local designers. Uniqlo features an array of options for both men and women, with printed t-shirts and essential basics such as trousers and summer wear. The main location is conveniently close to some of Paris’ top department stores, making it ideal for an afternoon of shopping.
Petit Bateau: Not Just for Les Enfants
This beloved French chain caters to more than just children. Locals adore Petit Bateau for its classic styles, unmatched quality, and unbeatable prices—especially during sales. While the adult range may not be as expansive, you’ll still find a variety of t-shirts, sweaters, and essentials that channel a quintessentially French vibe. If you’re seeking that classic Parisian long-sleeve shirt in white with navy blue stripes, Petit Bateau is the best destination.
Andre Stock: For Shoes
For shoe lovers, nothing is more gratifying than finding quality shoes for less. Since shoe prices in Paris can be notoriously high, shoppers can feel justified in searching for a deal. Andre provides quality at moderate prices, and at its outlet store, you’ll find last season’s footwear for a fraction of the price. The constantly changing selection means you might need to visit multiple times to find something you love, but rest assured that “outlet” doesn’t imply “defective.”
Tati: “Ultra-Hard Discount” Clothes and Home Items
Tati represents a somewhat beloved yet often criticized standard for French bargain shopping. It may not be glamorous or classy, but it is undeniably budget-friendly. Known colloquially as “le hard discount” store par excellence, Tati offers excellent deals on basics, especially summer clothing and accessories.
Flea Markets
Flea markets in Paris offer a great way to discover bargain items, and they are a key part of cultural tradition. The most famous of these “puces” (literally, fleas) is the outdoor market at Clingancourt/St Ouen. Stepping out of the metro at Porte de Clignancourt can be overwhelming at first, yet you’ll find it well worth your time to explore the various markets available. The Marché aux puces consists of 14 markets, and they offer a diverse range of items from cheap, imported goods to antiques and used clothing. Strolling through this immense market is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, but be mindful of your belongings and stay vigilant against pickpockets.
