Everyone knows that Paris is famous worldwide when it comes to fashion, glamor, luxury, opulence, original creations etc. Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Cartier can all be found here, but are these products cheaper to buy here than in the rest of the world?
Could you use your trip to Paris to also indulge in one or more of these luxury products?
In order to find out, we made our own research. We researched and noted down the prices of 10 luxury goods to answer the question.
It is substantially cheaper to buy luxury products from brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, or Gucci in Paris, their prices being on average between 30% and 40% cheaper in France than in other countries, especially those outside the European Union.
The only exception was the price cheaper than in Paris: an IWC wristwatch bought in the United States.
In many cases (but not all) the price in Italy was either the same or slightly more expensive than in Paris.
So, if you are planning to buy some luxury items, chances are a trip to Paris will be worth it.
Besides, a visit to Paris not only gives you the opportunity to visit the world center of luxury goods but also the possibility to look at and touch the products in the store (in some cases, with a visit by appointment, for a personalized experience).
It is also important to clarify this: many products are not available in many countries and can only be found in Europe.
VAT Refund
As for the prices in Europe, here’s a little tip: when you buy something in the EU without being a resident, you can be refunded the VAT (value-added tax).
The conditions will vary a bit depending on the country and the store, but normally you have to meet the following (in France):
Spend at least 100 euros in the same store and on the same day
Come from a country outside the EU
Be 16 or older
Stay in Europe for 6 months maximum
Have your passport with you when you’re shopping
You will then benefit from of a 12% refund on the price of each product.
Prices without VAT are indicated in the tables by the acronym ET (excluding taxes).
A Litte Secret
Sometimes you won’t find any items, be it in the stores’ websites or in their physical shops if they’re limited edition items.
You will have to buy other items in the shop in order to have some other options “revealed” to you by the staff.
The rules are neither simple nor necessarily well defined. Sometimes you will just have to spend some time inside the store and also spend over a certain amount on their products in order to gain access to some limited-edition items.
Where to Buy Luxury Items in Paris?
There are many neighborhoods where you can go for luxury shopping.
It all depends on what you are looking for: is it a more tranquil spot or some busy avenues? Having access to many options in the same building or location or having the opportunity to combine a nice walk with your shopping?
1) The Champs-Elysées
For anyone who’s visiting Paris, especially the ones looking for the typical tourist places, the Champs-Elysées is a must-go.
Are you the kind of person who absolutely wants to pay a visit to the “most beautiful avenue in the world”?
It’s the right place to walk all day long and discover many luxury brands. You will find items from Lacoste, Marionnaud, Hermès, Giorgio Armani, Massimo Dutti, Swarovski, Dolce & Gabbana, Levi’s, Gucci, Chanel, Christian Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, Gianni Versace, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Yves Rocher etc..
2) Printemps
64 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Here is another very popular option among tourists: Le Printemps, the luxury department store par excellence where you will find most of the luxury brands, such as Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent Paris, Hermès, Morganne Bello, Rolex, etc.
It is the perfect option for those looking to buy as much as they can in a limited amount of time.
3) The Galeries Lafayette
40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
The Galeries Lafayette is also a great option for those looking for a shopping center that gathers everything in one place.
The standard luxury brands are, of course, all represented there. You will find items from Céline, Estée Lauder, Hublot, Vanessa Bruno, Hugo Boss, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès, Rolex, Prada, Herno, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Chanel.
4) Saint Germain des Prés
If you have a little more time in your schedule and feel like taking a walk through some traditional Parisian streets or even stopping by some places known for their history related to brands and designers, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is the place to go.
You will find quite a few renowned brands scattered across this neighborhood, such as Saint-Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Jérôme Dreyfuss, Dior, and Maison Deyrolle.
Do Luxury Brands Have Sales in France and Paris?
It might surprise you a bit, but yes: there are sales for luxury brands.
In Paris, you have two sales periods each year: in summer (starting from the last Wednesday of June) and in winter (starting from the second Wednesday of January). Theseare established by law (Page in French) and last for four weeks each.
Moreover, each brand can also have its own sales.
But beware: very often, the brands will not openly display their sales. Sometimes, you just have to browse inside stores. Sometimes, the sales will only last for a few days. And sometimes, the items are only offered to regulars.
Are There Low-Cost Luxury Items in Paris?
Yes, there are, indeed. You have some options:
On private or press sales (reserved for a few journalists and other professionals involved in fashion), you will often find collections from previous years for a much lower price.
It’s quite difficult to get your hands on an invitation, as these events are often very private, but if you ever have the chance, it’s an interesting option.
Fortunately, some invitations are easy to get! For instance, those forArlettie andIKVP (Sites in French), for which you just have to register on their website.
There are some for which you have to be invited by someone who is already a member.
Sometimes, you can also get the necessary information to gain access simply by speaking directly with a salesperson of your favorite brand.
Moreover, after these events take place, some products are then resold online by the lucky ones who bought them. Among them are theVestiaire Collective,Instant Luxe (Pages in French), andVide Dressing.
And finally, it is also possible to buy these products second-hand in stores: you will find specific boutiques in Paris for that, such as Les 3 Marches de Catherine B. andLa Marelle.
You will sometimes be able to find incredible prices. The products are still, of course, of very good quality.
Mona
Advice, best plans, great places; I will help you in your search for trips, activities, hotels and restaurants. Whether it’s for a walk, a weekend, an afternoon or merely to find a trendy place to eat, I can give you all the pointers you need for your endeavor. Just follow the guide!
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It is substantially cheaper to buy luxury products from brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, or Gucci in Paris, their prices being on average between 30% and 40% cheaper in France than in other countries, especially those outside the European Union.
Luxury goods are often the lowest priced in the UK, German and France, so we can totally see why! Plus, with 90% of luxury goods manufactured in Europe (usually France or Italy), the items aren't shipped to faraway destinations, hence the lower costs. With the deduction of VAT, you can get quite the savings too.
The short answer is yes, luxury brands are cheaper in Paris. If you are looking for a designer handbag, belt, accessory, clothing, etc then Paris is the place to go!
Figures from payment business Planet, which analysed VAT refund data, shows European prices on luxury goods average about 38 percent less than in the U.S., as was reported in the Wall Street Journal.
Paris is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe. Whilst there are cheap and free activities, the city is famous for its art galleries and fine dining that you won't want to miss completely when visiting Paris.
From the affluence of the Golden Triangle, to the towering department stores of Boulevard Haussmann and the beaming boutiques of Rue Saint-Honoré, the city's concentration of haute couture and ready-to-wear outlets make luxury shopping in Paris like nowhere else in the world!
The same holds true for Italian brands like Gucci, Versace, and Prada. That said, prices are the same throughout Europe, so shopping in France or Italy won't save you any more money than shopping in another European country. Another point worth mentioning is that American and British brands aren't cheaper in Europe.
While this may come as a surprise, the United Kingdom (and not Italy) is the cheapest nation to buy Gucci. That said, most of Britain's neighbors on the European continent have pricing that comes pretty close. What is this? Gucci, like many luxury brands, is manufactured in Europe.
Because France is the cradle of craftsmanship with a centuries-old worldwide reputation. Paris is often considered to be the world's luxury capital. Inherited from the country's rich past, French tradition combines heritage, culture, gastronomy, and produce.
Is Dior cheaper in Paris? Yes, Dior is much cheaper in Paris, France and other EU countries compared to the US and UK, thanks to the many reasons listed above, mainly the VAT refund scheme and the better pricing in euro.
Yes, YSL bags and accessories are indeed cheaper in Europe, including Paris. On average, an Saint Laurent handbag is at least 20% cheaper in Europe. This is just taking into account the retail price, not the VAT refund, which means the prices in Paris would be even lower for an American tourist.
Much like other luxury brands that originate from Europe, Chanel's prices are ever so slightly lower in Paris than they are in the USA and Dubai. This can be due to a number of reasons, including import taxes, supply chains, transportation costs, VAT refunds, and currency conversion.
In conclusion: is Paris or New York the most expensive city? On average, the cost of life appears to be 20% higher in New York than in Paris. In the cheapest districts, the Big Apple's prices are about 11% higher than in Paris, while in the most expensive districts the gap between the two cities widens.
Almost everything you buy in France is more expensive than the USA. There are a few cheaper things such as bread or wine, but even those are similar in price. Rent is the largest expense for most expats and natives alike, especially if you choose to live in a place like Paris.
The average gross salary in Paris after taxes is around €3,921/month. But it is possible to live in Paris from €1,500/month by living in shared housing. Rent takes up more than half of expenses and supermarket shopping is around 25%.
You won't need to calculate a tip. Not a major one, anyway. As opposed to the U.S., where most waiters make their living from tips, servers in Paris are paid a living wage. And since service is already included in the price, no one is expecting you to tack on an additional 20 to 25 percent at the end of the meal.
Today, BHV Le Marais is one of the most popular and busy stores in Paris. Set across several buildings, the shop sells everything from homewares to children's clothing. The nearest metro station is that of Hôtel de Ville (line 1 and line 11).
Fortunately, both brands have stores in Paris, France – and yes, Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags are much cheaper there than they are in the US. That's because of the VAT (Value Added Tax) refund that you can get when you shop in Paris.
A quick reminder that luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, etc., are cheaper than in most places, but they are more expensive if you compare it to European prices, especially since you get your VAT back when shopping in Europe at the end of your trip.
Overall, Gucci is less expensive than Louis Vuitton. While both brands have a wide selection of luxury products, Louis Vuitton's main focus is on luxury bags. Not to mention that the French brand uses even higher-quality and more expensive materials than Gucci.
Burberry is a British luxury fashion house established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry headquartered in London, England. It currently designs and distributes ready to wear, including trench coats (for which it is most famous), leather accessories, and footwear.
Parisian style is an inspiration to many fashion lovers around the world. The Parisian style is a combination of elegance and grace; simplicity and comfort. Parisians believe that you can have great personal style even when wearing normal, every day clothes. In fact, it is quite easy to style the way Parisians do.
Equality and unity are important to the French. The French also value style and sophistication, and they take pride in the beauty and artistry of their country. Family is also highly valued in French culture. Mealtimes are often shared with family, and extended-family gatherings and meals are common over the weekend.
The French national motto “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” reflects the core values of French society. Equality and unity are important to the French. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'are often identified as essential to what it means to be 'French'.
With respect to Chanel you do not need an appointment. Sometimes there is a waiting list inside to wait for an available SA. If you know someone who has recently been to Paris and worked with an SA you could ask them for the SA's contact information.
Discover the experience of buying a Rolex at our store in 24 Rue de Sèvres, Paris. Rolex S.A respects your right to privacy and is committed to maintaining your confidence and trust.
Authentic French brands are cheaper in France, and many of the large department stores (Galeries Lafayette/Printemps/La Samaritaine/Au Bon Marche always seem to have specials. And you'll see parfumerie everywhere with special offers in the windows if you look.
Keep in mind that product prices are less expensive in France, sometimes by a significant amount. For instance, the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse dry oil sells in the USA for around $45. In France, it's less than $20, therefore worth stocking up when visiting.
We looked at the prices of five classic Burberry products on the company's websites in 30 different countries. We found similar trends: After converting them to dollars, items were consistently cheaper in EU countries and more expensive in China and Qatar.
YSL and Saint Laurent both have their own logo variations, but it is the same brand. The difference is the luxury fashion branch of the brand is officially called Saint Laurent Paris.
Louis Vuitton bags and clothes will usually be cheaper in Paris, France. Just like many European brands, Louis Vuitton is cheaper in Paris than it would be if you bought the same piece in the United States, the United Kingdom or the Asian Pacific market.
The Short Answer is Luxury Brands are cheaper in Paris compared to London! If you are traveling to both London and Paris and you are unsure where to purchase your luxury bags, accessories or clothes from, the answer is Paris!
The answer to this is a definite yes! Many luxury brands offer cheaper pricing in France than they do in the USA or the UK – this is particularly true for French or Italian brands.
Where to buy duty-free goods in Paris. Many shops offer tax-refund services. Aéroports de Paris shops : two Parisian airports, Orly et Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, each have several dozen duty-free shops (Perfume, Cosmetics, Wines and Spirits, Tobacco, Gastronomy and Confectionery).
U.S. dollars are not accepted in most establishments, though some hotels, shops, and restaurants may accept U.S. dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate. Coins: 2€/1€/50 cents/20c/10c/5c/2c/1c The Euro is divided into 100 cents, or centimes.
In conclusion: is Paris or New York the most expensive city? On average, the cost of life appears to be 20% higher in New York than in Paris. In the cheapest districts, the Big Apple's prices are about 11% higher than in Paris, while in the most expensive districts the gap between the two cities widens.
VAT is a consumption tax that already included in the price of items purchased in France (as well as many other countries abroad). The rate of VAT varies depending on what you're purchasing, but the standard rate in France is 20%.
Bring 100€-200€ in cash with you to Paris to cover small expenses, tips, and perhaps a cab ride into the city. Use a credit or debit card from a bank with low or no foreign transaction fees to charge most other purchases while in Paris, such as restaurant meals and any shopping you might do.
In short, if your budget is over $3,000 for your first designer bag, I recommend a Classic Chanel Bag in Caviar, a Hermes Birkin bag or Hermes Kelly bag, or a Lady Dior bag. These are all timeless pieces that really hold their value.
In Short, the Best Type of bag to Carry in Paris is a cross-body bag with a zipper closure. A cross-body is easy to wear for hours, is lightweight, and provides the best protection from being a target of a thief. I would highly recommend you avoid wearing a bag that has an open and no secure closure.
Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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