Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping the French Sales (Les Soldes)

Twice a year, Paris transforms into a shopper’s paradise — and if you’ve ever dreamed of scooping up French fashion, homeware, or designer pieces at incredible prices, then Les Soldes is the time to do it.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned Parisian-at-heart, here’s everything you need to know, brought to you by our chic local Boutique Tours guides Lola and Clara!

What Are the French Sales (Les Soldes)?

In France, Les Soldes are the official sales periods regulated by the government — and yes, they’re a big deal. They happen twice a year, starting on the second Wednesday of January and second Wednesday of July, and each period runs for four to six weeks.

As Lola says in our YouTube video, “Every French woman knows the dates by heart.” Why? Because Les Soldes are not just a bargain hunt — they’re a tradition.

You’ll find discounts on everything from luxury fashion and leather boots to linens, kitchenware, and iconic French brands. And the strategy? Play it smart. Prices get deeper as the weeks go on — starting at 20–30% off and climbing to 50%, even 70% off in the final stretch. But beware: your dream item might be gone if you wait too long.

When to Shop Les Soldes

📍 Top tip: Come early. On the first day of the sales, stores open as early as 8 or 9 a.m., which is rare for France. Locals line up to be first in.

Plan your day wisely:

• First week: Best selection, moderate discounts.
• Mid-sale: A balance between choice and price.
• Final week: Deep discounts, but limited stock.

And if you're planning your Paris trip around this? Try shopping midweek in the morning — especially if you want to avoid crowds and get the best access to sizes and stock.

What to Buy During the Sales

Whether you're here in January or July, Les Soldes feature current seasonal items. That means:

• Winter Sales (January): Think coats, boots, knitwear, cashmere, and home linens.
• Summer Sales (July): Sandals, breezy dresses, linen shirts, sunglasses, and swimwear.

Where to Shop in Paris During Les Soldes

Here are our favorite spots to shop — from local designers to iconic Parisian department stores:

🛍️ Le Marais

One of the chicest and most vibrant neighborhoods in Paris, Le Marais (4th arrondissement) is dotted with independent boutiques, small French labels, and curated concept stores. It’s a favorite for both Lola and Clara.

Expect a mix of fashion, accessories, and home décor — and if you’re shopping the sales, avoid the first weekend if you can. It gets extremely busy.

🛍️ BHV Marais

Nestled in the heart of the Marais, BHV (Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville) is where locals go to shop. This historic department store has everything: homeware, tools, fashion, art supplies, and more. It’s also a great place to find French souvenirs, as featured in our souvenir shopping video.

🛍️ Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

A must-see during any Paris trip, the Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is a temple of fashion and design. Even if you’re not shopping, the store is worth a visit for its breathtaking stained-glass dome and panoramic rooftop view of Paris — including the Eiffel Tower!

Inside:

• Ground floor: Luxury designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.
• Middle levels: French favorites like Sandro, Maje, and Jacquemus.
• Upper floors: More affordable brands and contemporary French designers.
• Top floor: A gourmet food hall with French specialties and treats to take home.
  
  Bonus: Grab a drink at the rooftop café and soak up the view. It’s one of Paris’ best-kept secrets!

Clara & Lola’s Faves

We love big names, but Paris is full of independent designers and local gems tucked into quiet streets and vibrant corners. Some of our favorite shopping spots include:

• Merci – A concept store near the Canal Saint-Martin, perfect for design lovers. You’ll find clothing, furniture, kitchenware, and a well-curated bookshop.
• Landline – A boutique focusing on contemporary and timeless French handmade gifts.
• Sézane – A go-to for chic Parisian style and timeless quality. Their flagship in the 2nd arrondissement is beautiful — and often very popular during sales season.

Bonus Tip: Buy a Suitcase!

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — you might need a new suitcase by the end of your shopping day. French-made luggage brands like Delsey and Lipault often join the sales, so if you’re running out of space, it could be the perfect time to invest.

Make It a Shopping Experience

Shopping Les Soldes is more than a spree — it’s a cultural experience. You’ll see Parisians on a mission, shop assistants rushing to restock shelves, and seasoned shoppers carefully eyeing discounts and designer tags.

A few tips to keep things smooth:

• Wear comfy shoes — You’ll be walking a lot.
• Pack light for the day so you can carry your finds easily.
• Bring a reusable tote for any spontaneous purchases.
• Pay attention to signage — Look for “Deuxième Démarque” (second markdown), and later “Dernière Démarque” (final markdown) for the deepest discounts.

Plan Your Visit Around the Sales

Many travelers time their Paris visits to align with Les Soldes — and it’s easy to see why. You can:

• Pick up authentic French fashion for less.
• Bring home quality souvenirs (a chic scarf, a French cookbook, linen napkins…).
• Enjoy a real slice of Parisian life.

If you want to make the most of it, consider pairing your shopping day with one of our neighborhood walking tours. Our guides (yes, including Lola and Clara!) can point you toward the best boutiques, tell you about the history of areas like Montmartre, and recommend the perfect café for a post-shop espresso.

Your Next Adventure Starts Here

Les Soldes are not just about deals — they’re about feeling a little more Parisian, and discovering brands and craftsmanship that define France’s love for timeless style.

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful — and if you’d like to explore the real Paris with us, we’d love to show you around.

Whether you want a private tour of Montmartre, help navigating the best souvenir shops, or simply want to explore Paris like a local, we’ve got something for every curious traveler.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about your trip. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insider tips from the heart of Paris!

Happy shopping — and see you on tour!