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Tourist mob on Champs-Élysées. They were everywhere. You can never take a portrait picture without some tourists in funky outfits stealing the shots in the background.
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Paris is truly a wonderful place to shop. Variety of styles and a full spectrum of price range, there's something for everybody. July and January are when they have sales. If you see a sign that says "Soldes", you are in luck, it's on sale! :)
Champs-Élysées 8th arrondissement
Contrary to what I imagined every shop would be expensive, prices actually vary. Along Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one can find many global chains that are more sensible. Sure, there's no pressure shopping here. But, why would I want to shop at Zara or Sephora on the Avenue? I see them in almost every mall in North America. They seem to carry the same products (similar prices) in every store worldwide.
Anyway, it's still fun to walk around and explore because the Avenue looks grand and Arc de Triomphe just stands at the north end of the Avenue. The high-end boutiques are located on the nearby small streets such as Avenue Montaigne.
Hour: 10am – 8 or 10pm. Open on Sunday.
Batobus: Champs-Élysées
Metro: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt
Le Triangle d'Or 8th arrondissement
It is formed by Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue Francois 1er near Champs-Élysées. Paris’ haute couture shops and the most upscale brands in the world are gathered around here, including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Valentino, Bulgari and so on.
Hour: Monday 11am – 7pm. Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 7pm. Closed on Sunday.
Batobus: Champs-Élysées
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Galeries Lafayette 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement
If your travel companion thinks the focus of the trip should be all about art and culture not shopping, you can suggest that the Paris flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann is worth visiting because its architecture features Art Nouveau elements.
Hour: Monday to Saturday 9:30am – 7:30pm. Closed on Sunday. Late night opening until 9pm on Thursday.
Metro: Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette
Au Printemps 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement
Its flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann also highlights Art Nouveau style. Printemps means "Spring". The store sells luxury brands.
Hour: Monday to Saturday 9:30am – 7pm. Closed on Sunday. Late night opening until 10pm on Thursday.
Metro: Havre-Caumartin
Rue de Rennes 6th arrondissement
This street and surrounding area are full of diverse boutiques from inexpensive shops to luxury stores. Across Boulevard Saint Germain is where you can find upscale brands.
Hour: Monday to Saturday 10am – 6 or 7pm. Closed on Sunday.
Batobus: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Metro: Rennes, St-Placide, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
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