Souvenirs Shopping Walk (Self Guided), Paris

Galeries Lafayette boasts a breathtaking neo-Byzantine stained-glass domed ceiling dating back to 1912, with opulent gilded balconies that steal the show. To behold this grand centerpiece, simply make your way to the center of the main store, surrounded by perfumes and cosmetics, and look up. Alternatively, ascend the escalators to the 7th-floor rooftop for a panoramic view over the back of Opéra Garnier.

If shopping isn't your cup of tea, visit the first-floor Galerie des Galeries, a free art gallery dedicated to fashion, applied arts, and design. And when you need a break, indulge in one of the restaurants, which include a rooftop bar and restaurant in the main store offering some of the city's most magnificent panoramic views.

On your way down, the top floor of the main store is an excellent spot to pick up interesting Parisian souvenirs. Across the street at Galeries Maison, the gourmet food hall boasts one of the city's finest selections of delicacies and several restaurants, such as the elegant Maison de la Truffe lunch bar. YC Café Yann Couvreur's popular teatime features classic madeleines filled with pistachio or lemon. Bar Kaspia, a luxurious eatery located beneath the main building's famous dome, specializes in caviar and seafood. And don't forget to check out Duclot La Cave on the first floor of Galeries Maison/Gourmet, displaying 2,500 bottles of wine from France and around the world.

Fragonard perfumery is a must-visit destination for anyone in search of genuine French fragrance and associated products. With multiple stores throughout Paris, the original location stands out for offering a complimentary museum that delves into the art of perfume making. Among the boutique's most highly acclaimed items are their assorted mini scents, solid perfumes, and luxurious soaps. A top pick for gift-giving, a set of 10 of their most popular perfumes can be purchased for just over 20 euros, with other perfume-related gifts ranging between 20-60 euros.

Operation Hours:
Daily: 9am-6pm

In 1895, Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious stones dealer, joined in matrimony with Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a lapidary craftsman and diamond broker. United by their shared values of family, innovation, and a deep love for precious stones, the couple embarked on a remarkable journey together.

Their first venture, the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, was established at the prestigious 22 Place Vendôme in Paris, a renowned hub of elegance. Since its inception, the Maison has remained rooted at this legendary address, becoming an emblem of the city.

One notable commission received by the Maison in 1906 was the creation of a scale model of the Varuna Yacht. This exquisite piece stood out for its unique feature—a concealed electric bell, ingeniously incorporated to summon the butler.

As the 1920s unfolded, Van Cleef & Arpels embraced the geometric aesthetic of the emerging Art Deco movement. Their fondness for platinum and diamonds gave rise to magnificent creations, characterized by exceptional fluidity, aptly known as "white jewelry."

In the 1970s, inspired by the spirit of the hippie movement and diverse cultures from around the globe, Van Cleef & Arpels ventured into jewelry that embraced vivid, daring hues. Coral, wood, mother-of-pearl, and decorative gemstones intermingled with textured gold, resulting in creations that radiated brilliance both in the light of day and the shimmer of starry nights.

In the 2000s, the Maison experienced a revitalization of creativity, marked by the introduction of themed High Jewelry collections. Alongside groundbreaking creations like Perlée and Frivole, the Complications Poétiques watch collection beautifully embodied Van Cleef & Arpels' poetic perception of time.

Renowned for their ability to enhance the allure of gemstones, Van Cleef & Arpels has received numerous accolades, solidifying its position as one of the foremost leaders in the industry. The Maison offers a range of jewelry, with prices starting from approximately 100 euros and reaching up to around 80,000 euros, catering to various preferences and budgets.

Operation Hours:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: 11am-7pm; Thu: 12-7pm; Sun: CLOSED

Jean-Paul Hévin has garnered international acclaim as a master chocolatier, thanks to his expertise in crafting 40 exquisite varieties of chocolate and some of the finest pastries in all of Paris. Commencing his journey in the sultry tropics, he embarks upon a quest to procure the rarest and most refined cocoa, thereafter sourcing the most delectable creams, hazelnuts, honeys, and other remarkable ingredients imbued with unparalleled flavor profiles.

Bestowed with numerous accolades from the press, the macarons of Jean-Paul Hévin owe their sumptuous taste and ethereal texture to a refined and meticulous preparation process. A veritable cornucopia of more than 15 delectable flavors, regularly updated to reflect the changing seasons, spans the gamut from the robust intensity of cacao Grands Crus to the sweetly aromatic fruity varieties.

Not an exorbitantly priced store, considering the quality is nothing short of superb, rendering it an absolute must-visit for any true devotee of the cocoa bean. In the summertime, do not hesitate to indulge in the delights of their mouthwatering chocolate ice cream, the perfect respite from the scorching heat.

Operation Hours:
Tue-Sat: 10am-7:30pm

The new boutique on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré provides an exclusive opportunity to enter the world of CHANEL without the crowds of other locations. Spread across three levels, the boutique features two entrances and separate spaces on the ground floor, with an additional basement area and two spaces on the 1st floor.

The boutique's decor is imbued with the iconic color codes of the House, with soft and light tones contrasted by black and accentuated by gold touches. The works of contemporary artists displayed throughout the space reflect CHANEL's commitment to the arts, including a monumental pearl installation by Jean-Michel Othoniel called White Gold Ribbons, 2021. This work is displayed in the center of a floating staircase made of marble and folded mirrors and embellished with elements made by Goossens, a goldsmith who is part of the Métiers d’art acquired by Maison CHANEL.

The boutique also features two chandeliers in rock crystal and bronze with light gold finishes designed by Goossens, as well as an abstract work created by Alasdair Cooke in ivory and gold tones, a painting by artist Donald Sultan, and a brass Raindrops mirror by the duo Curtis Jeré.

The ground floor of the boutique, situated behind a beautiful freestone facade, is dedicated to accessories, with bags, eyewear, and textile accessories being displayed. Additionally, there is a counter that showcases jewelry and watches. Towards the rear of the room, shoes are presented in a comfortable setting with a sofa, armchair, and large mirror, complemented by a chandelier designed by Goossens. Meanwhile, the basement features a spacious area solely for bags, leading to the display of costume jewelry at the back.

Operation Hours:
Tue-Sat: 10am-7pm; Sun, Mon: 11am-7pm

Ladurée, a venerable establishment among Parisian patisseries, has been delighting confectionery enthusiasts since 1862. It was during the 1930s that they first conceived the macaron, a delicate pastry filled with airy ganache that has since become a culinary icon.

For those seeking the most refined of dining experiences, Ladurée's tearoom on the illustrious Champs-Elysées boulevard is a must-visit. Here, guests may indulge in an array of exquisite pastries or partake in a more formal meal.

Alternatively, for those on the go, one may opt to procure some of Ladurée's divine pastries to take with them. Their signature macarons, in particular, are a heavenly treat and it is no wonder that there exists an extensive variety available. To add to the experience, Ladurée's charming packaging makes for a most unforgettable and delectable gift.

Operation Hours:
Daily: 8am-8pm

Petit Bateau is renowned for its timeless designs and high-quality clothing, catering to babies, children, teenagers, and adults. Their garments, crafted from premium cotton, have remained consistent in their excellence over the years. The brand offers a wide range of products, including T-shirts that showcase new colors each season, stylish underwear sets, and elegant dresses.

The brand first emerged as fashionable during the mid-1990s, amidst the minimalist trend. Its immediate success was solidified when Karl Lagerfeld had Claudia Schiffer grace the Chanel runway wearing a Petit Bateau T-shirt beneath her suit. This pivotal moment led to the expansion of the children's model into adult sizes. T-shirt sales skyrocketed, multiplying by ten within three years. In 1994, Petit Bateau made its runway debut, capturing the attention of couturiers who transformed the white children's T-shirt into a fashion phenomenon. This marked the brand's foray into adult ready-to-wear.

In the year 2000, Petit Bateau proudly opened its flagship store on Paris' iconic Champs-Élysées and now stands as a globally renowned brand with a century-old legacy in crafting exquisite clothing and underwear. Boasting an international presence across Europe, Japan, China, the Middle East, Russia, and the United States, the brand's products are available in nearly 400 Petit Bateau boutiques, 4,300 partner stores, and through its established e-commerce platform, launched in 2006.

If you find yourself in Paris, it's worth taking the opportunity to stock up on Petit Bateau items, as you can often find them at more affordable prices compared to shops outside of France.

Operation Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am–8:30pm; Sun: 11am–8:30pm

For four decades, La Maison du Chocolat has been unfurling the splendor of chocolate, its team of 35 fervent chocolatiers impassioned by their esteemed chef creator, the distinguished Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Nicolas Cloiseau. Merging the distinctive qualities of the choicest cocoa beans and exceptional natural ingredients, they unveil to discerning chocolate lovers and gourmands alike the intricacies of the world's foremost "crus" in an orchestra of potent flavors and sensations.

Among their prodigious specialties are the "friandises", which serve as the consummate complement to a cup of coffee, a meal, or a respite to stave off mid-day hunger pangs. These delicately crafted morsels bring together an array of distinct flavors, from the bittersweet notes of dark chocolate to the creamy richness of milk chocolate, paired harmoniously with the sweetness of praline and the tanginess of fruits, entwined into delectable blends.

La Maison du Chocolat also proffers an array of savory and exclusive pastries, best savored with a cup of coffee or as a delectable indulgence during a special occasion.

Operation Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm; Sun: CLOSED

Since 1984, the cheese shop situated at 13 rue Poncelet in Paris' 17th arrondissement has been a well-known establishment in the western part of the city, providing an extensive selection of fresh, high-quality cheeses and related products. The wooden furnishings, designed to replicate the environment of cheese caves, ensure that all cheeses are kept at an optimal temperature and humidity level.

A team of passionate and knowledgeable salespeople are dedicated to introducing you to the cheeses, sharing their stories and helping you choose with precision and professionalism. You can sample more than 200 types of cheese, some of which are aged in the shop's cellars. These artisanal cheeses have gained international renown and draw many curious customers each year.

Operation Hours:
Tue-Sat: 9am–1pm, 3:30–7:15pm; Sun: 9am–1pm