What to bring from Paris. Shopping in Paris

  • 16.09.2020

France is a sophisticated country that never ceases to amaze. Having been there once, I want to visit this amazing corner of the planet again in order to recharge with a unique spirit and feel its aroma again and again. Every time, returning from Paris, tourists bring numerous gifts to their homeland for relatives, friends and children. What to bring from Paris, read the article.

General information

France is a country with a rich heritage, in different periods of time a lot of things happened here: the Frankish and Roman conquests, the struggle of the ruling circles with religion, the rise of the monarchy, which has powerful power, and its decline. During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, the country is expanding due to the annexation of the conquered territories and its powerful development. The nobility and the republic enter into a desperate battle between themselves. The country survived two world wars. After the second, its economy occupies a leading position in Europe, second only to Germany. Officially, the state is called the French Republic, whose capital is the city of Paris. The population of the country is 65 million, the third part is the inhabitants of Paris.

France is the birthplace of elegance, chic. This country is considered a trendsetter, a center for perfumery, cosmetics, and is famous for its wine products and culinary. Returning home from a journey through the "fairy tale", I want to bring everything to my homeland, but I have to choose, the assortment of goods of any kind is so diverse and tempting. Tip: shopping in tourist centers is not recommended. For this, there are many large shopping complexes where everything is sold.

Paris

This city is considered the most beautiful and elegant in the world. Paris is a symbol of love, romance, sophistication, fashion. Here for tourists there is something to see, how and where to have fun, what to bring from Paris. Once the capital of France belonged to the Romans, then the Franks. From about the 12th century, Paris became the largest political, educational, cultural center of the country and all of Europe. Currently, it is a significant political, business and tourist city in the world.

Cosmetics

What do they bring from Paris? There are many options. All tourists want to bring something special, a long reminder of the trip. For a woman, such a gift is French cosmetics. World-famous brands can be bought at home, but not all, and there is a high probability that a fake will come across. But in France it is out of the question. With a 100% guarantee, a person acquires high-quality cosmetics from the company that he has chosen. The leadership in the sale of these products is held by such cosmetic companies as Chanel, Mavala, Dior, La Mer, Tom Ford and others.

A great gift would be French cosmetics, for the production of which the main ingredient is white clay. There is a huge selection of creams and shower products. It is no less pleasant to bring fragrant soap from a trip, which includes olive oil, oregano, honey, mint, lavender and other herbs. The highest quality handmade soap is made in monasteries in the south of France.

perfume

People who come to France do not need to think about what to bring from Paris. Goods for every taste can be purchased both in shopping centers, large department stores, as well as in markets and in numerous shops. A wonderful gift for a woman of any age will be French perfume. It is better to make a quality purchase at Fragonard. In the museum-shop, famous for the production and sale of perfume, the buyer can get acquainted with the history of the creation of various fragrances: Night Beauty, Love Island, Miranda, Kiss, Fantasy, Honeymoon and many others. They certainly don't sell fakes here. Fragonard products are presented in a large assortment, and prices are several times lower than in other countries, including Russia. In addition to 11 fragrances, which are the main ones, there is a large selection of dry perfumes, eau de toilette, colognes and soaps.

Walking through the streets of the capital, you should look at at least one pharmacy. A large assortment of products for the care of various parts of the body and cosmetics of various companies are sold here. The assortment is always Arkopharma, Vichy, Nuxe, Decleor and others.

french cheeses

What delicacies to bring back from Paris? When this question comes up, cheese immediately comes to mind. The country produces 360 varieties of this product. French cheeses are divine, especially delicate goat with a spicy taste, Roquefort, characterized by sharpness, Brie-de-mo. Unusual for us are cheeses with blue or green mold. Cheese is sold in every store, but it is better to buy it in Fromagerie. As a gift, cheese in a package is better suited, and not by weight.

Liver pate

Those who have visited this country are advised to try the liver of geese, so that later they will not doubt the choice of such a gift. Foie gras pâté is served in restaurants or on farms if a tour is planned there. Here, the bird is grown using special technologies. Pate in boxes is sold in supermarkets, if it is really high quality, then it is expensive. The best is the Foie Gras antire pate, which includes whole lobes of the liver. It is prepared in the Alsatian tradition and is sold in glass, cloth, ceramic or vacuum-packed dishes.

Sweets

The culinary skills of French chefs and confectioners are known throughout the world. Tourists bring home sweets as a food gift. Their assortment is very large, but the most popular are candied violet petals with a pleasant aroma and crunch. They are very rare outside the country. Tourists are interested in such sweetness as calissons - these are sweets that are produced in the only place in France, in Provence.

Tourists take dozens of packages of round puff pastries of different colors with a unique taste to their homeland. Each box has a company logo. A very good grocery gift are sets that are sold in all supermarkets. Products are placed in wicker baskets. Sets are meat, mushroom, fruit, sweet. A meat set, for example, consists of a jar of foie gras, several types of other pâtés, smoked meat, and sausages. The assortment of the sweet set includes jam from exotic fruits and, of course, delicious wine.

As a rule, gifts are first bought for children so as not to forget anything. To keep the memories of Disneyland Paris in your memory for a long time, bring figurines of mice, they are inexpensive, just a few euros for one. Children really like mugs with bright pictures and clothes with symbols. Here you can pick it up for any age.

What to bring from Paris? The girl will be pleased to receive a beautiful doll made of porcelain as a gift. Modern children are spoiled with sweets, which are always available in every home, so you won’t surprise them with a chocolate bar, even if it was brought from Paris itself. But they might like a box of candied chestnuts.

Not a single parent will pass by a bookstore, of which there are a lot in Paris. Usually they buy themed construction books as a gift. Thanks to them, children will learn how to build houses, schools, castles, farms.

Paintings

What to bring from Paris? When you get to France, it seems that its capital and artists are made for each other, their existence separately is simply impossible. Therefore, there is no better gift than a picture. Getting acquainted with the streets of the city, tourists often meet artists, as well as numerous shops where they sell their paintings. Of course, we are not talking about high art. But to receive a piece of the capital of France as a gift from Paris is a great happiness.

A trip to Paris is an event that you want to brag about to friends and family. And having learned about it, everyone counts on a sign of attention, even if it is just a small cheap souvenir, but from France itself!

Going on a long-awaited voyage, it is better to find out in advance where to buy souvenirs in Paris so as not to spend too much. Even if shopping is not great wisdom, but if you know the right “land”, small treasures can be obtained at a better price.

What souvenirs do they usually buy?

A classic of all times and peoples is a keychain. This miniature symbol of the capital is chosen in any case, even if they have promised themselves to avoid stereotypes, be original and creative. But who better than her, without any explanation, can remind you of the happy days spent in the city of lights and love?

In general, the image of Eiffel's creation appears quite often. It can be a pen, hairpin, brooch, paperweight. Lighters in the form of a tiny blinking Eiffel Tower look unusual and magical, and this is a great present for a smoking colleague or friend.

And if you add to it a glass tower 25 or 50 cm high, inside which cognac or wine splashes, an attractive set will come out.

  • fridge magnet , depicting one of or his landscapes, is the second most popular. It cannot be said that the thing is something special, rather from a number of expected and trivial ones.
  • Postcards - how could it be without them. They can be given and left as a memory of those beauties that they saw with their own eyes.
  • Books most often they prefer about painting, but those that tell about the history of France are also relevant. They always have a lot of portraits and illustrations that clearly demonstrate the main events.
  • Ashtray - an item that will always find a use. Even if you don't smoke, you can keep every little thing in it.
  • Keyrings for keys or phones of various shapes Everyone loves it, so feel free to purchase. Naturally, it was not without the steel "shepherd of the clouds", but there are many other interesting options.
  • Relevant and cups with images of the architectural heritage of Paris and museum artifacts.
  • It can even become a souvenir Mona Lisa tie or the same ubiquitous Eiffel Tower.
  • T-shirt with slogan or a picture - also a popular option, besides one of the practical ones.

Small miniatures on canvas are inexpensive and perfectly convey the spirit and romance of the capital.

However, any thing can be a nice gift and reminder - albums and notebooks, plates and cloth napkins, toys and scarves, jewelry and bags, figurines and candles.

Where to buy souvenirs in Paris?

The same items in different parts of the city are valued differently. In the center, at train stations, at airports, near monuments and museums it is always more expensive than in small shops, markets and just on the street from private traders.

1 Baubles on the Champ de Mars


Souvenirs on the Champ de Mars

For example, the Eiffel Tower keychain, without which no one leaves the capital of France, can be purchased anywhere, but the cheapest ones are sold by street vendors on the Champ de Mars, not far from the original.

Basically, these are dark-skinned representatives of the local population, whose behavior is very reminiscent of our gypsies - they are just as intrusive, arrogant and sometimes aggressive. You can bargain with them, since initially the prices are somewhat overpriced, but in the end, you can get a bunch of 6 turrets for only 1 euro.


If you suddenly change your mind about making a purchase and decide to leave, the African Frenchman will follow you for another ten meters, grab your elbow and clothes, persuading you to buy goods from him. They become especially persistent when they work for 2-3 people.

2 Souvenir shops in Paris


Montmartre village

You can also choose a cheap souvenir in small shops, but it is better to give preference to those that are away from the trodden tourist trails. There are a great many of them scattered all over Paris, if only there was enough money for all the artifacts they liked.

Once in Montmartre, be sure to visit the "Montmartre village" on the street. du Mont-Cenis, 11. The quality of goods in it is higher than on the street, and the prices are quite reasonable. The Eiffel Tower is presented here without fail, and in different sizes and variations of the image. Ordinary figurines cost 1 euro, but there are beautifully flashing 18-centimeter ones for 20 euros. But a variety of magnets are sold from 2 euros.

In the same shop, you can buy T-shirts, tapestry bags, china, jewelry, and even sets of chocolates in the form of popular attractions.
Nearby at 2, rue Yvonne le Tac there is a wonderful boutique "Boutique des Anges", the theme of which is dedicated to angels. They appear in everything: figurines and magnets, calendars and boxes, jewelry and key rings, dolls, candelabra and lamps.


We recommend visiting Bijoux Blues at 30, rue Saint Paul in the 4th arrondissement near Place de la Bastille. In this paradise of lovely curiosities, everyone's spirits are uplifted, and the expression "beauty will save the world" takes on a real meaning.

There is a great variety of bracelets and rings, earrings and clips, pendants and necklaces for every taste, and the assortment is constantly updated with even more breathtaking gizmos. But the best part is that the prices are more than affordable.


Agree, bringing with you a beautiful decoration that can please for many years, and which may well become your lucky talisman, is much more profitable than a useless trinket.

You will find a traditional collection of T-shirts, notebooks, pens and other small items at a low cost in retail outlets near Notre Dame and on Rivoli Street opposite the Louvre, which are located under the arches of houses.

3 Galleries and passages


Souvenirs at Galeries Lafayette

Continuing to study the topic of where to buy souvenirs in Paris, we go to the places most popular among Parisians and guests of this amazing city.

Galeries Lafayette at 40 Boulevard Haussmann is a cluster of shops with a variety of goods, but on the ground floor there are just those shops where it is easy to buy great gifts, and the prices are for any budget.

Further on, on Boulevard Montmartre, 11, the Panorama passage is located. There is everything here, starting with postcards. He is especially interested in philatelists and antique dealers. If you want to get a copy of an old poster, an engraving or an old book, be sure to visit it.


A similar assortment and shopping pleasure is offered by the Vivien Gallery on the street of the same name in building No. 6. Connoisseurs of wine will like it here most of all, which also serves as a good souvenir if you need to pamper dear and necessary people who are waiting for your return.

And in between the streets of Saint-Denis and Dussub you will find a small passage du Grand Cerf (du Grand Cerf). It is one of the oldest in Paris, and lovers of vintage things will spend hours there trying not to go broke, because they will certainly be seized by the desire to buy everything at once. Local shops offer clothing and accessories, jewelry, toys, handicrafts, natural cosmetics and much more.

4 Flea markets


Souvenirs at the flea markets in Paris

France became the founders of street gatherings, where they sold junk for a penny. Now connoisseurs of antiques and rarities flock here, although there are not only used things on the layouts.

The largest and oldest in the capital is the Marche Saint-Ouen market on the street. Rosières is near Porte de Clignancourt metro station. Stretching for a whole block, it has a huge amount of goods, including musical records and busts, clothing and home decor, paintings and toys, even African masks and incense. Open from Sunday to Monday inclusive 9:00-18:00.

On Sunday, go to the flea market in Village Saint-Paul to buy nice presents: figurines again, vinyl records, painted plates, prints, key rings, jewelry, canvases. For only 3 euros, it is easy to find a wonderful trifle.
Marche de Vanves open market on Av. Georges-Lefebvre, next to the Porte de Vanves metro, offers a similar selection of goods, but it's much easier to bargain. It works only on Sat-Sun 7:00-14:00.

Marche de Montreuil, close to the metro station of the same name and the avenue, sells mainly wardrobe items, but there are also many other products at an affordable price.


In addition to organized flea markets, there are spontaneous brocante. They operate on a weekend or weekly basis, moving from place to place, and parking spots are advertised on posters throughout the city. Collapsible tents are full of all sorts of things from miniature utensils to large statues and garden furniture, and from tea sets and cutlery, eyes run wide for several people. Naturally, all this wealth is cheaper than in stores.

Here you can buy antique watches, photographs in curly frames, paintings, whole collections of books in shabby bindings, crystal, painted boxes, used playing cards, records with once sensational hits, jewelry, clothes and vintage toys, suitcases and sailboats, porcelain figurines and vases, candlesticks and pince-nez, mirrors and much more. All this splendor is allowed to be taken and twirled in the hands, and sometimes even bargained, although this is often not accepted.

If you are looking for something from literature, if you are interested in old postcards and posters, take a walk along the Seine, where book dealers like to gather.

5 Souvenirs in museums


Souvenirs at the Arc de Triomphe Museum

Each museum has its own shops with original goods presented only in them. Often these are miniatures of exhibition items or their image on bags, cups, saucers, napkins, tablecloths, T-shirts, etc. For example, a souvenir from the Museum of Versailles may be in the form of coins with portraits of monarchs; a set of statuettes - Louis XIV, his mistresses and guards; dishes and candlesticks painted using the lithophany technique invented in 1828.

Naturally, albums, books, photographs and posters depicting paintings and rich interior furnishings are the most sought-after reminders.

It's also hard to resist designer jewelry and watches, which are available for 5 euros, and all sorts of paperweights, porcelain figurines, inkwells and smoking pipes can charm anyone. The range is constantly updated with new products, so the choice is large.

Much can be said about the treasures of the Louvre. Its pearl is a portrait of Mona Lisa, and therefore her face looks at visitors from magnets, bags, clothes, stationery and home decor items. But besides it, there are enough works of art that adorned various products.

It is not necessary to list all collections of exhibits. Suffice it to say that in different museums (Orsay, Les Invalides, Beaubourg, Conciergerie, Rodin, Sainte-Chapelle and others) they have their own theme, although the sets of objects are very similar.

Not all souvenirs are equally useful: to buy or not?

It cannot be said that all these things are practical, but upon arrival home, you don’t understand at all why you spent money on them. For example, you are unlikely to ever wear a tie with a flashy print, and no one will ever open albums and publications on painting.


Even the glass Eiffel Tower, which at first seemed so original, already begins to strain during transportation, taking up too much space in luggage. If you didn’t give it to someone, but left it as a keepsake, after emptying the contents, it no longer seems so attractive, especially when you periodically have to wipe the dust from it that has sunk into the recesses of numerous ribs.

But condoms with the inscription "I love Paris", which cost only 2 euros and dice with positions from the Kama Sutra for the same price, will be successful, adding variety to intimate relationships, and can even become complementary, and the phrase "as the dice will fall will take on a sacred meaning.

Of course, it’s up to you to decide whether to buy this belongings or not, but before you open your wallet, think in the long term whether you really need this trinket, and whether it will go straight to the “cemetery of forgotten home things”.

However, a small keychain for keys, a phone or a handbag in the form of an Eiffel Tower will always come in handy. Even if you are far from prejudice, I would like to believe that a pretty miniature brings good luck and will help you one day repeat the trip to romantic Paris.

In a city full of iconic sights, you can buy a huge variety of souvenirs. If the figures with the Eiffel Tower and bracelets with the inscription "Paris" do not impress you, you want to bring something really worthwhile, then here is what gift you can bring from this city.

Sweets

Yes, Paris can offer you a huge number of sweet souvenirs. Be sure to visit La Maison du Chocola, which is filled with all kinds of chocolates of various modifications and with different fillings. Chocolate lovers will find their favorite product at La Manufacture de Chocolat.

Parisian chocolatier Charles Chocolatier will offer amazing chocolates made from pure cocoa butter. There is no milk, butter or cream in its products, only pure chocolate. You might be interested in Patrick Roger's chocolate art and would like to bring chocolate figurines home as a gift.

Well, of course, do not leave yourself and your loved ones without bright colored macaroons from Ladurie or Pierre Herme. Only when purchasing them as a gift, you should know that you need to eat them within a week after purchase, otherwise they will deteriorate. A more practical souvenir to take home is chocolates and caramels from the oldest patisserie in Paris, A la Mère de Famille. And no one will refuse syrupy caramel in small jars from Maison Georges Larnicol, as this thing is not only tasty, but also looks interesting. It comes with a small spoon.

What to bring from Paris?

Books and paper products

Even if a book is not the lightest thing, it is not so easy to transport because of the heavy weight, but the treasures that you can get justify the extra pounds. All literature that is somehow connected with the city of Paris is sold in the most famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company.

Sorbonne University

Fine art art books are an easy way to bring some world-class Parisian art with you. Many famous museums in the city have bookstores.

In Paris, you will find notebooks, calendars and other paper products that say in French that it is made in France with love. This is a wonderful souvenir for your loved ones, which gives Paris!

Candles

Candles in Paris - the city of light are really good and have a good review! There you can buy a wide variety of candles in a rainbow of colors and scents. These candles will be a good reminder of the city of light, some of them exude the smells of nature in France.

delicacies

Nothing makes Parisian delicacies stand out like the truffle products from La Maison de la Truffe or the luxury grocery store Hédiard. French mustard, cheeses are also on this list of gifts, but it is better to buy hard cheeses so that you can bring them.

french accessories

Introduce French chic into your everyday wardrobe by buying a trendy item. It can be a square silk handkerchief from Hermès, a Fragonard linen bag (including wonderful perfumes) or a Kasia Dietz handbag.

Inspirational department stores stocking an array of accessories, vintage and modern, made in France are Colette, Merci and Gab & Jo. From here you can bring an excellent souvenir that will make any person irresistible.

Island of the City

You should not go to shops that are located near the main attractions, such as Notre Dame, the Louvre or the Sacré-Coeur Montmartre. It is better to find out which store the Parisians themselves prefer to go to and go there. Check out this store before you go anywhere.

Having gone on a fabulous journey to the capital of France, at first, of course, you will least of all think about what to bring from your trip to your family. But when the vacation comes to an end, you will have to buy at least something so as not to come home empty-handed.

If you want to bring really memorable souvenirs, find out in advance what and where it is better to buy.

France - country of romance and fashion, excellent wine and delicious cheese. The French have a lot of national souvenirs that may interest you. And you should not limit yourself to modest figures of the Eiffel Tower or magnets with photographs of the Arc de Triomphe. You can also look for French wine, blue cheese, quality cosmetics, silk scarves, and more.

What to bring from Paris?
You're leaving soon, but you haven't bought any souvenirs yet? Don't be discouraged - knowing what and where to buy, you will quickly resolve this issue. But do not forget that it is better to buy national souvenirs of France not on crowded streets, and in quiet areas where you can find a lot of interesting things at a very affordable price.

National wine and champagne

There is probably no person who does not know that French wines and champagne famous not only in Europe, but all over the world. So almost everyone will be happy with such a hotel. After all, what we call champagne, to our great regret, has nothing to do with the national drink of the French.

Alcohol produced in France can be bought as in a regular supermarket, and in small shops in Paris. The price of such a pleasure is from 1 euro (wine) and from 10-12 euros (champagne). If you are bringing gifts to loved ones, then pay attention to wine products from 4-5 euros and more.

Cheese, foie gras, Dijon mustard and sweets

I hung the magnets on the refrigerator and forgot, but the taste of the real french blue cheese or mild flavor Dijon mustard it is simply impossible to forget! Bring a little bit of everything, let your loved ones, at least with the help of food, feel what Paris is and what refined gourmets live here. And be sure to grab a couple of desserts, no one will refuse such a delicacy.

Cheese with mold of different varieties costs from 2-3 euros. Industrial cheese, which can be purchased at the supermarket, is slightly cheaper, while the cost of the artisanal product is more expensive and can be purchased mainly either in the market or in small shops near farms. It is worth noting that pate foie gras is suitable for transportation and its cost is quite small - from 4 euros.

french perfume

Legendary Chanel #5 or the equally famous J'Adore by Dior - these and many other brands of perfume will amaze all the women to whom you bring such gifts from Paris.

You can buy perfumes both in specialized stores and right at the airport in duty free. Eau de Parfum Chanel No. 5 in a volume of 50 ml will cost approximately 90 euros, and J'adore– about 80 euros.

Silk scarves

This national French souvenir can ruin you if you spend a lot of money at the end of your vacation. famous Carre d'Hermes, for example, you can buy for a very decent price - 300-400 euros. To this end, visit Hermes.

If this is too much for you, go at Galeries Lafayette or Prantham– here silk scarves can be purchased at a price of 15 euros.

Jewelry and bags

French fashionistas are known all over the world, you can also become part of them if you bring them as souvenirs bags or jewelry from Paris. Expensive options are Cartier jewelry and Lancel and Louis Vuitton bags.

Among young people, such inexpensive well-known brands as ZARA, HM and C&A. Prices - the most diverse, from 5-10 euros and almost to infinity.

Cups, magnets, t-shirts, postcards

All these small souvenirs can be purchased on every street in central Paris. small figurines in the form of the Arc de Triomphe or eiffel tower, as well as cups and other utensils with their images, many different magnets - all this is suitable as souvenirs for close friends. Price - from 1 euro.

souvenir coins

If you are in Montmartre, be sure to visit the Catholic church called Basilica of the Sacré Coeur.

There are vending machines inside where you can buy souvenir coins– they will remind you of this magical place in Paris for a long time to come. The cost of coins is about 2 euros.

Where to buy souvenirs?

There are a lot of places in Paris where you can buy various souvenirs. Lots of souvenir shops and shops located in the area of ​​Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero Square, but Montmartre has long earned the title of souvenir mecca of the French capital.

Weekends in small markets operate in different parts of Paris, where you can buy fresh products: farm vegetables, fruits, bread and pastries.

Everyone who has visited the French capital must definitely taste delicious croissants and crispy baguettes. Whatever you bring from Paris, the memory of this amazing city and love for it will forever settle in your heart.

What to bring with you from the capital of France and what to go there for? Now we will tell you!

To Paris for wine!

France and wine are inseparable things. Just like France and cognac, France and champagne and so on down the list. Alcohol here is relatively inexpensive and of high quality. The taste of champagne for a Russian person is not familiar, it only resembles our native "Soviet" with gas. Yes, and it is expensive - a good bottle is not less than 15 euros, and even 25 is better!

Cognac from 20 euros, and a good one from 30-35 in supermarkets. From strong French alcohol, Calvados is also known - apple vodka. The cost of a bottle of good Calvados starts from 30 euros.

It is worth noting that only expensive alcohol, such as XO aged cognac, is cheaper in duty free. Everything that costs up to 50 euros per bottle is more profitable to buy in Paris itself.

Paris for perfume!

Perfume in the city of romance, that's what you need to take! Perfumes are a little cheaper, but you can buy in Paris.

To Paris for cheese!

It is, of course, still the same brand. However, don't count on it too much. The smell of it, to put it mildly, is not very pleasant, so it is difficult to transport. By the way, it is forbidden to put cheese in your hand luggage, pack it in your luggage in advance. Where to buy the best species, read.