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Shopping may be the last thing on your mind after the hectic holiday season, but for bargain-hunters and fashionistas the second week in January is exactly the time to hit the stores. Starting January 9th, the entire city of Paris is transformed into a discount shoppers’ paradise with the advent of soldes (or “sales”).
Twice a year–once in winter (soldes d’hiver) and once in summer (soldes d’ete)–the French government regulates nationwide sales. Over 1,000 retailers participate in the five-week sales event, offering discounts of up to 70%. And visitors from outside of the EU can get a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) which adds up to extra savings.
For the second year in a row, the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the Paris City Council and the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, have joined forces to promote “Paris by Soldes” – an event that strives to attract tourists to Paris for the bargains. Along with useful shopping tips, the official website of Paris by Soldes features five themed shopping itineraries: Classic, Trendy, Bobo-Chic, Creative and La Fushionfashionworld. Pick the one that suits your style and plan your shopping strategy!
The best way to nab those marked-down designer duds is to stay close to the action. New York Habitat has rental accommodations available in the heart of the shopping districts. Check out:
A spacious 1 Bedroom Rental (PA-3601) located near the famous Champs-Elysees. With an elevator in the building, there’s no need to fret about getting all of those shopping bags up the stairs. And there’s an elegant bathtub to soak in after a long day of bargain hunting.
An inviting Studio Rental in Marais - Les Halles (PA-3350), just steps away from the big brand name stores along Rue Rivoli and in Le Forum des Halles shopping center. The apartment is located on the first floor of a well-maintained walk-up building and has warm yellow-hued walls and a window that opens onto a peaceful courtyard.
An exquisite 3 Bedroom Rental in Champs Elysees (PA-791) located near the shopping avenues of Victor Hugo and the Champs-Elysees. This sprawling apartment is located on the first floor of a Haussmanian building and is elegantly furnished.
Once the frenzied holiday season has come to a close and you’ve rung in the New Year, it’s time to treat yourself to some shopping indulgences. And there’s no reason to feel guilty when you’re getting such great deals.
What’s your favorite store in Paris? Share your shopping tips and soldes experiences with us!
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris
- Christmas in Paris: the City of Lights
- Top 5 Hidden Gem Museums in Paris — #4 Le Musée Gallieria
- Arab Institute of Paris: Bonaparte and Egypt exhibition
- Lions and Tigers and Berets, Oh My! : Thoiry Wildlife Reserve in Paris
December 31st, 2008 at 6:07 pm
My favorite place for shopping in Paris is the BHV ” Bazar de l’Hotel de Ville”:It’s a department store. You can find everything clothing, dishes, art work for the house, linens and toys. This store is located close to the City Hall “hotel de ville” of Paris. Now, we can find this store through the entire country.
December 31st, 2008 at 6:16 pm
A great to do vintage shopping in Paris is “Les Puces” the flea market!!! There is several location in Paris Clignancourt, Montreuil and Saint-Ouen!!!
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
An amzing store is “Les Galleries Lafayettes” this is a great department store. Located on the Grands Boulevards, this location is great. You can shop for anything in this store.
January 29th, 2009 at 3:55 am
Hi,
That was an interesting read.
Thanks for sharing this useful info with us.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Shopping in Paris, the city of fashion…and even all the better when you are getting things on discount. It is a really fashionable city, and to be honest, not as expensive as some would think. New York Habitat helped me find an apartment for 1 month while I was there on business and everything went very smooth. I surely expect to be working with them again sometime very soon.