Where to shop in Paris: my favourite French brands

Even though my travel profile might not suggest it, I have always loved fashion. When I travel, I wear what I call my “traveller’s uniform”: comfortable clothes, a backpack and practical bags — basically everything that allows me to feel at ease during full days out and about. But that doesn’t mean I have set aside my love for fashion! In fact, I even opened a dedicated Instagram profile for petite fashion @anxhela_petite (thanks to my 1.55 m height), where I share tips and inspiration for girls like me who want to make the most of their outfits.

Paris is not just the city of love, but above all the world capital of fashion. Here there is no shortage of dedicated museums, and one of the most interesting is the Palais Galliera, the fashion museum of Paris. You can find the tickets HERE on the official website. Inside, you can admire collections that tell the story of French haute couture: from 18th-century garments to the great modern designers, with temporary exhibitions dedicated to the designers who have made history.

I have a true passion for Yves Saint Laurent: I have watched all the documentaries and films dedicated to him, and during my travels I also visited the museum in Marrakech. Fabio, knowing this passion of mine very well, gave me my first YSL piece years ago — I think I even cried! 🫶🏻

French fashion curiosities

France has been considered the home of fashion for centuries. As far back as the 17th century, under Louis XIV, Paris was the reference point for fine fabrics, made-to-measure clothing and luxury accessories. In the 19th century, with the arrival of the first haute couture houses, Paris established its reputation as the capital of style. From there on, the great names that have shaped the history of world fashion were born: Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain, Givenchy, just to name a few.
Even today, Paris hosts Paris Fashion Week, one of the most followed events in the world, attracting designers, buyers and celebrities from every corner of the globe.

Iconic fashion stores not to be missed

Paris is the city of the great fashion houses, and there are some addresses that are worth seeing at least once in your life, if only to breathe in the atmosphere of French haute couture.

Louis Vuitton Maison Champs-Élysées – 101 Av. des Champs-Élysées
Probably the most famous store in Paris: more than a shop, a true temple of luxury. The interiors are spectacular and often host artistic installations.

Chanel – 31 Rue Cambon
The historic address where Coco Chanel opened her first boutique in 1910. Here you will find not only fashion, but also perfumes and accessories, in an atmosphere steeped in history.

Dior – 30 Avenue Montaigne
The fashion house that symbolises French elegance. The boutique has recently been renovated and also houses a museum telling the story of the brand.

Hermès – 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
The legendary address of the Hermès fashion house, with its famous silk scarves, iconic bags and timeless accessories.

Saint Laurent – 53 Avenue Montaigne
One of the most refined boutiques in the city, where you can relive the rock and chic spirit of the designer who revolutionised French fashion.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – 40 Bd Haussmann
Not just a department store, but a symbol of Paris. The glass dome is an absolute must-see, and alongside the luxury brands you will also find many more accessible labels.

Le Bon Marché – 24 Rue de Sèvres
The oldest department store in Paris, with a wide selection of fashion, design and food brands.

My favourite French brands (more affordable)

While French haute couture is fascinating and represents the heart of luxury fashion, the mid-range French brands should not be underestimated either — they have helped spread the “Parisian” style that I love around the world. The striped marinière top, mary-janes, chic knitwear… it is precisely these details that have made Parisian fashion an icon recognised everywhere (also thanks to social media).

Here is my list of brands I rush to every time I am in Paris:

Sandro

Clean but never boring lines, perfect for anyone who wants an elegant look without appearing too formal. I have several winter knitwear pieces and bags from this brand that I wear all the time. Sandro is beloved by Parisian women because it manages to combine modernity and refinement without going overboard. I often shop HERE on Farfetch which has great prices for past collections.

Polène

A young Parisian brand that became famous thanks to social media for its minimal and elegant bags, with clean lines and very high quality materials. I recently bought one of their bags (you can find it here) and I can say it is truly beautiful: the details are impeccable and the materials are top quality. Perfect for anyone looking for a refined accessory at much more accessible prices than the big fashion houses.

Sézane

Perhaps the most famous on social media among the “mid-price” French brands. Born as an online label, it now has boutiques as carefully curated as concept stores. Their Parisian-style blouses (HERE the section) are amazing, but you will also find shoes, bags and accessories that scream “Paris”. The coats and jackets HERE are also of very high quality. I often shop online HERE too.

Claudie Pierlot

Romantic and chic, it is the perfect brand for those who love feminine dresses and refined details. I have several dresses, a bag and some lovely knitwear pieces. I often buy at discounted prices HERE on Farfetch. Fun fact: Claudie Pierlot was a self-taught designer who in the 1980s won over Parisian women with her “bcbg” style (bon chic bon genre).

Longchamp

One of the most well-known French brands in the world, founded in Paris in 1948 as a leather goods company. Today it is famous above all for its Le Pliage line, the foldable nylon bag with leather details, inspired by the Japanese art of origami. It is one of the most affordable and beloved models: practical, lightweight and super durable. I have two: a larger one (find it HERE) perfect for everyday use and travel, and a smaller one, handy and chic for days out in the city (find it HERE). A true timeless icon.

Rouje

Founded by model and influencer Jeanne Damas, it is the brand that brought French style into the Instagram era. Its collections are a celebration of effortless femininity: midi skirts, red lipsticks, dresses that look vintage but with a modern cut. HERE the official website.

Balzac Paris

A younger and more sustainable brand, focused on eco-friendly collections and versatile pieces. Here you will find romantic, easy-to-wear everyday garments, perfect if you want a contemporary French look without spending a fortune. HERE the official website.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Not a brand, but for me it is an absolute must. I have been there alone many times and got lost for hours among little shops and market stalls. It is the largest flea market in the world: you will find everything, from luxury vintage (Chanel, Dior, Vuitton) to unique collectible pieces.

Bocage

A shoe brand that combines artisan tradition and French design. Their mary-janes and court shoes are a timeless classic — comfortable but always chic. I have some really cute and comfortable sandals! HERE the website.

Jonak

Another Parisian footwear brand well worth a visit: trendy, quality shoes at accessible prices. Perfect for anyone looking for alternatives to the big fashion houses without giving up on French style. I also bought two pairs of veeery cute sandals here. HERE the official website.

Maje

Very popular among chic Parisian women, it offers feminine and refined clothing, ideal for mixing elegance and lightness. HERE on Farfetch you will find many items on sale.

ba&sh Paris

Created by two friends, it is known for its romantic and boho-chic style: flowing skirts, iconic teddy bags and light summer pieces. HERE you will find the discounted Farfetch section.

Personally, every time I go back to Paris I bring something home: whether it is a romantic blouse from Sézane, a minimal bag from Polène or a Le Pliage from Longchamp to use every day. It is not just shopping, but a way of taking a little piece of that timeless style that France has created so beautifully.

I hope this list of mine is useful as inspiration for your own shopping. Because yes, Paris is something you take in with your eyes, but you also live it through the little details that end up in your wardrobe. 🙂