Best places for Christmas shopping in Paris

In the run up to Christmas, Paris is a glorious blaze of fairy lights and sparkle. We’ve picked out the very best Christmas markets, plus a festive sprinkling of unique boutiques to make this season’s shopping a breeze.

Paris boasts many charming Christmas markets to put you in the festive mood

Marché de Noël alsacien à la gare de l’Est

For Alsatian festive treats head to the forecourt of Gare de l’Est where you’ll find dozens of fairy lit stalls flogging choucroute garnie, Alsace saucisson and fine artisan cheeses, as well as a host of handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts. The market also promises a lively calendar of fun and festive theatre shows and storytelling performances for all the family.

Metro: Gare de l’Est

Le Petit Souk

For a modern take on children’s toys and accessories for Christmas, zip along to Le Petit Souk on Rue de Charonne. This colourful kids boutique sells a wide range of design-led and appealing toys, clothes and furnishings, all aimed at the young, yet more discerning audience. Pick up a cuddly toy llama, a sparkling unicorn or a fabulous pink flamingo kite for your favourite little elf.

Metro: Ledru-Rollin

Lots of treasures for the little ones to be found in Le Petit Souk

Lots of treasures for the little ones to be found in Le Petit Souk

Marché de Noël de Paris Notre-Dame

For authentic French crafts head to this utterly charming Christmas market held in the shadows of Notre Dame cathedral. You’ll find more than 50 different bunting-clad stalls, all flogging a variety of handmade festive decorations and fine regional produce. Pick up handmade macarons, spicy artisan sausages and foie gras in time for the big day.

Metro: Saint-Michel

Marché de Noël sur le Parvis de la Défense

Spread over 107,639 square feet (10,000 square metres), the Parvis de la Défense hosts the city’s largest Christmas market. It features more than 350 stalls, which between them sell everything from handmade wreathes and local organic cheeses to mulled wines and eclectic arts and crafts. There’s plenty to keep the children entertained, too. Santa Claus descends on the market most afternoons distributing sweets and good cheer.

Metro: Esplanade de La Défense

The sleek interior ofJacques Génin's chocolaterie makes the experience feel like shopping for candy couture

The sleek interior ofJacques Génin’s chocolaterie makes the experience feel like shopping for candy couture

Marché de Noël à Montmartre

This charming Christmas market in Montmartre may be small but it’s mighty festive come December. With a backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Sacré Coeur, the dozen or so decoratively lit wooden chalets are cosier than a pixie’s pocket. It sells all the usual festive treats, including quirky handmade Christmas decorations, fine artisan cheeses and local wines, plus top-notch chocolates and sweet treats.

Metro: Abbesses

Galeries Lafayette

If you’re lacking the festive feeling, there’s one place to go where that’ll soon change: the sparklingly edifice that is Galeries Lafayette. The grande dame of the Parisian shopping scene, this upmarket department store has its flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann. Famous for its festive windows and spectacular Christmas displays, as well as its huge and heavily decorated Christmas tree, you can find anything and everything in this glass-domed department store.

Metro: Chaussée d’Antin La Fayette

Jacques Génin

From rich rum truffles to a heavenly ganache, a box of fine Parisian chocolates makes an unbeatable gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. Famous for his handmade millefeuille and perfect caramels, chocolatier Jacques Génin’s exquisite chocolates are regarded as some of the finest in the world. You can visit his modern chocolate boutique on Rue de Turenne, which is like shopping for candy couture.

Metro: Filles du Calvaire

Jacques Génin's world-renowned chocolates stand out due to their exquisite taste and beautiful appearance

Jacques Génin’s world-renowned chocolates stand out due to their exquisite taste and beautiful appearance

Les FanFan

There’s nowhere more magical for kids than a Parisian toyshop. There are dozens of cutesy toy boutiques scattered around the city, but a firm favourite with the locals is Les FanFans, a charismatic little place in Le Marais. Open the rustic wooden door to a treasure chest of treats, from classic metal carousels and traditional board games, to a veritable zoo of stuffed toys. Insiders say it’s Père Noël’s first stop.

Metro: Saint-Paul

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Paris is often regarded as the perfume capital of the world, which makes the legendary French perfumer, Francis Kurkdijian its king. If you’re looking for something a little extra special, then head to his ultra-stylish scent boutiques, Maison Francis Kurkdjian in Saint-Honoré or Le Marais. Both stores feature his exclusive collection of eau de parfums, aftershaves and heavenly scented candles.

Metro: Tuileries

Francis Kurkdijian’s scent boutiques are characterised by their gorgeous minimalist design

Moustaches

Why should us humans have all the festive fun? Treat the furry pals in your life and head to Moustaches in Le Marais, the top boutique for pets in Paris. This dedicated pet store sells everything from rose-tinted dog goggles and cosy fleece socks, to cuddly toy crocodiles and stuffed elephants. Don’t miss their festive range of cute seasonal outfits for our four-legged friends, too, because we all love a dog with reindeer ears at Christmas.

Metro: Hôtel de Ville



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