The Best Paris Souvenirs: What to Buy in Paris
The best Paris souvenirs are the ones that draw you back to the city every time you reach for them. From French salted butter spread on a warm piece of toast, and a cup of tea, to a beautifully made leather handbag from Polène. After more than fifteen years of traveling to Paris, I’ve put together this guide to the souvenirs that are actually worth the space in your luggage. The ones that hold up for years after your trip, and a few that are completely free.
Skip the Eiffel Tower keychains and berets (please) and bring home something special. This is a guide to what to buy in Paris, from budget to splurge options. This is my personal favorite list.
Did I miss one of your favorite souvenir ideas from the City of Lights? Drop your favorite below and share it with the community.
The Best Paris Souvenirs
The best Paris souvenirs include French pharmacy sunscreen, fleur de sel, French butter (Bordier, Isigny), Maille mustard, Dammann Frères tea, a Polène handbag, stationery, a Rue de Verneuil striped tote, a Sézane Scott trench, Sabre flatware, and Izipizi sunglasses. Beyond the boutiques, some of the most meaningful souvenirs from Paris are free: bistro matchbooks and French restaurant menus.
The French Pharmacy Section No One Else Will Tell You About
Every Paris guide and blogger will send you to City Pharma on Rue du Four for the same French skincare products. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, Avène thermal water, A313, Bioderma micellar. Embryolisse lait crème, and Nuxe oil. They are all great, but if that’s the entire haul, you’re shopping like a tourist, not like a Parisian.
How to Shop at a French Pharmacy Like a Local
Instead, explore a neighborhood pharmacy. I may be the only blogger not recommending a stop at City Pharma. It is too crowded, and I am not one for lines. Most French pharmacists will speak English if you are limited in French. The French pharmacists are trained at a deeper level than those in the US. Ask questions that are specific to what you are looking for, from skincare to sunscreen to medicine.
Everyone has different skin, so don’t think you need to buy what you see on TikTok or Instagram just because everyone else is. Take the time to do your research. Ask the right questions. One of my favorite new brands is La Rosée, a clean French brand that is quickly expanding into more products. I haven’t been able to find them in the US easily, so this is definitely one of the brands I would buy when shopping at a French pharmacy.
Pro tip: Some of the French formulations differ from those in the US due to restrictions on sunscreen. This is where you may want to invest and pick up sunscreen for home. I love all of the sunscreen sticks between Caudalie, Avène, and La Rosée. These can be reapplied easily and without a mess, especially on the face. I keep them in my everyday bag.
French Fashion & Accessories
Where to Shop Sézane in Paris
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know my love for Sézane runs deep. They hosted my book launch party for Paris Every Day, and it is a brand I love and wear often. One of the questions I get the most is which Sézane location to visit in Paris. L’Appartement, their flagship on Rue Saint-Fiacre in the 2nd, is worth the visit. It has the most inventory and sizes, and feels like a whole beautiful curated experience from the minute you walk in.
Pro tip: the staff has access to more styles, colors, and sizes. If you find something you like or have a photo of something you don’t see in the store, show it to the staff, and they will be more than happy to help you. A few things I’d buy at Sézane in Paris specifically:
The iconic trench coat is worth trying on in person. They now have more than one trench. The Scott is their iconic and first style with buttons down the back and a tie around the waist for a more fitted look. The Clyde trench is Sézane’s most recent trench coat style, with a more relaxed fit. I have seen it on Parisian women in all seasons. This style runs big, and you may want to size down. Try on either of these in-store. They now come in a variety of colors. I prefer the classic camel or green version.
The Gaspard sweater is Sézane’s best-selling sweater for a reason. I own it in four colors and honestly, wear it year-round. It is great in the spring/summer to layer over a dress or cami with a skirt. It runs a bit oversized; I still take a small, but it might be worth trying it on in person to find the best fit. The pearl buttons add a beautiful detail, and the sweater can be worn forward or backward.
Sézane Bags to Buy in Paris
The Claude bag is one of Sézane’s most beautiful leather pieces and one of my personal favorites. I own it in black and pull it out often to wear. The shape is timeless, and it’s the kind of bag you’ll use for years.
A basket bag for summer is a must-have accessory for the French girl. Sézane has a variety of sizes and styles to choose from. They don’t pack down flat, so you may consider carrying this on the plane as a personal item if you are tight on space or ordering once you are back home in the US.
The jewelry and belts are the easiest souvenirs of all. They are a fun accessory to add to your wardrobe to make you feel a bit more elevated and Parisian. The Sézane jewelry is one of their best selling categories. Add a bracelet to your stack or bring home a new ring or statement earrings.
Pro tip Sézane is significantly cheaper in Paris than in the US, and you can also claim the VAT refund on purchases above €100. Bring your passport and ask for a VAT tax form at checkout. A photo of your passport usually does the trick. Just make sure to scan your VAT tax form at the airport prior to checking your luggage.
Polène: The French Girl Bag
If there’s one bag I’d tell you to buy in Paris right now, it’s a Polène. For years, the brand has quietly become the bag Parisian women are carrying. The price tag is much more approachable with styles in the 300 to 500 euro range. Polène bags are more discreet without flashy logos. You will recognize the bags by their unique shape and muted color palette.
Visit the flagship Polène boutique on Rue Richelieu close to Palais Royal. Lines start early and the store only lets a select amount of people in at a time. You will want to do your research ahead of time and have an idea of what bags you want to take a closer look at.
Best selling styles I have seen most often include the Cyme in tan, Numero Neuf mini for an evening bag, and Numero Un Nano.
Rue de Verneuil Totes from Palais Royal
I recently discovered Rue de Verneuil handbags. The small boutique can be found in Palais Royal, just past Café Kistuné if you are strolling the arcade. I love the simple style of these bags, available in sizes from SMALL to XXL. The bags fold up or unpack with a snap. Carry them by their handle or a crossbody strap.
I purchased a seasonal style of brown and grey in January on sale during the Soldes, and I cannot wait to get another one. I am eyeing their summer collection with the burgundy.
For the French Table
Sabre Flatware from the Marais
My favorite souvenir from my last trip was a set of Sabre flatware. I had been eyeing the colorful flatware for years, and it finally felt like the right time. Earlier in the year, I purchased a few colorful spoons and instantly knew we needed more in our kitchen. My husband and I selected the color and set that worked best for us at the Marais boutique. We ended up swapping out the soup spoon for a smaller one.
The boutique was extremely busy on the weekend and may be a little calmer on a weekday. You can select from service pieces, knives, chopsticks, and more, all with the signature colors. Mix and match or select one color for everything. I already know we will be adding more to our collection soon.
Note: The knives and chopsticks need to be in your checked bag on your way home. If they don’t have all the pieces you want while you are in the store, you can arrange to pick them up later or the next day. Don’t lose your paper slip with your order information.
Visit a French Grocery Store for Souvenirs
You may not think of it, but the grocery store is a great place to shop for souvenirs. There are lots of unique French products to bring home. Browse the aisles and remember if you are packing in a carry-on or checked bag. If you have a checked bag, look for confiture (French jams in various fruit flavors), olive oil, and honey. I love bringing back Fleur de sel as a gift for friends who cook. French sea salt is an affordable, small item to pack in your luggage. Keep an eye out for this pink baking powder. The French swear by it!
You can also bring back a colorful tea towel or a torchon, a French term for a similar item. French kitchen items make the best souvenirs for the chef or baker in your life. I picked up this one at La Cuisine Paris. You can find some at Monoprix in the kitchen section.
Les Bouquinistes in Paris: Where to Buy the Best French Souvenirs
Les Bouquinistes are the vendors that line the Seine across from Notre Dame with green wooden boxes filled with books and paintings. Stroll the Seine and pick up an old book or a piece of art to frame. The Bouquinistes are an iconic part of Paris, offering an excellent place to pick up a souvenir. Each vendor is different, so take a little time to stroll around and choose something unique. They can roll up posters into a tube for easy transport home.
What to Buy in Paris: E. Dehillerin
Dehillerin is a world-famous kitchen supply shop in Paris. My friends at La Cuisine Paris always talk about this shop. It is the perfect place to discover and shop for kitchen items if you’re passionate about them. They have a variety of professional cooking equipment, baking pans, and copper pots. Dehillerin is closed on Sundays, so keep this in mind when planning your schedule. The shop will ship to the US, so if something doesn’t fit in your suitcase, you can send it home.
Paris Souvenirs: Visit a French Flea Market
A Brocante is a French flea market. You can find it throughout the city, in various neighborhoods and districts. On the weekends, pop-up brocantes are announced a few days in advance with signage in the arrondissement.
Visit the Puces in Paris on the weekend to find something special. Take line 4 to the end at Clignancourt, then walk about 10 minutes to the area where all the vendors will be. Another quick option is to take an Uber or taxi directly to the Puces. There are a variety of vendors and markets, all intertwined for an afternoon adventure. Book lunch at Bonne Aventure, and it will not disappoint.
Marché d’Aligre is a food and flea market in Paris. It is a fun local spot to spend a morning picking up souvenirs and chatting with other locals.
What to Buy at a Paris Museum Gift Shop
The museum gift shop shouldn’t be overlooked, as it is one of the best souvenir shops. Pick up a postcard, bookmark, or poster from the Louver or Musée d’Orsay. Each museum gift shop offers items based on the art and exhibitions on display. My aunt used to send my sister and me these gifts when we were kids.
Buying French Perfumes in Paris
Perfume is very personal to me, and it may be best to give it to yourself rather than bring something home for a friend or loved one. You should wear the scent throughout the day to see how it changes and if you still enjoy it. You can create your perfume in various locations throughout Paris.
Diptyque and Penhaligon have excellent options. I typically pick up new scents in these two spots while in Paris.
Check out the Fragonard Perfume Museum near the Opéra Garnier for something unique. The Paris department stores have a wide variety of French perfume brands. This is probably the best place to purchase a perfume with the guidance of a sales representative. Don’t be intimidated by the sales staff not speaking English. There should be someone to help you.
Bring Home Art from Local Artists
Place du Tertre is known for the local artists in Montmartre who paint portraits and sell their art. The area is touristy, and I recommend buying art on the banks of the Seine. I have had luck outside the Louvre museum, crossing over to the Left Bank, and on Pont Neuf, finding local artists who paint or draw. I purchased a piece framed in my home and a beautiful reminder of Paris a few years ago. Occasionally, you can find a painter in Place des Vosges who does gorgeous paintings.
The Best Paris Souvenirs: Shakespeare and Company
Anything from Shakespeare and Company is an excellent gift for the book lover in your life. This is one of the most famous bookstores in Paris. You can purchase second-hand books as well as new books from the bookshop. Always remember to have them stamp the inside with their iconic Shakespeare and Company stamp. If you don’t have much room in your bag, consider picking up a tote bag. These canvas tote bags not only help contribute money to the bookshop but also serve as a reminder of your memorable trip when used at home in the US.
The Best Free Paris Souvenirs to Bring Home
My husband and I make it a point to collect matchbooks from our travels. Whenever we see a restaurant or bar with matches, we grab one for a souvenir. We don’t smoke, but always need matches to light a candle or the fireplace. They also make great styling pieces on our coffee table or mantle. The matchbooks bring back great memories of meals in our favorite city.
This may sound simple, but I truly love discovering old Metro tickets in my pockets or at the bottom of my purse. I use the metro tickets on my desk as reminders of Paris, and they make ideal bookmarks.
I also love picking up the notebooks and pencils from the different hotels. At home, I keep a notebook and pencil by my bed for notes and these have inspired my own notepads and pencils for The Print Shop.
French Food Items for Paris Souvenirs
If you are a foodie or know someone who loves to cook, consider bringing home a French food item as a perfect souvenir. French dijon mustard is a great idea, and visiting the flagship store in Paris is also a fun experience. The Maille Mustard shop is close to the Madeleine metro stop in Paris. You can taste a variety of mustards, including some with unique flavors like fig and classic honey mustard. There are also many options at the local grocery stores, such as Monoprix or Carrefour.
Confiture or jam in various flavors, along with honey, also make excellent foodie gifts. The French take their jams and honey seriously, with shops dedicated to them.
French cheese makes an excellent gift for a Francophile. Some cheese shops will vacuum-seal your cheese so you can put it in your suitcase. Specifically, a cheese shop on Île Saint Louis will do this for you. Le Grand Épiciere will also vacuum-seal your cheese and butter for one euro.
Barthélemy is a favorite cheese shop on the Left Bank close to where I typically stay, and they will vacuum-seal cheese and butter at no additional cost.
How do I Bring Back Butter From France?
Bringing back butter from France is fairly simple and something I do often. You can pack a few ziplock bags into your suitcase for this if you don’t get the chance to vacuum seal. French butter is available at grocery stores all over Paris. Carrefour and Monoprix are names you will often see, offering small outposts and larger stores. Even the small ones will have butter available for purchase.
Bordier butter is the one to get, and Le Grand Épicerie at Bon Marché has an incredible selection. I find that butter has a short shelf life, so use it quickly in the first couple of weeks and store any additional butter in the freezer.
A note on what to look for on the label: demi-sel means salted butter, doux means unsalted, and aux cristaux de sel de mer means with sea salt crystals. See the photo above, this is the one I typically go for. If you can’t find a sea salt version, go for the demi sel and sprinkle some French sea salt on top of the butter. This will take you right back to Paris after one bite.
Paris Coffee Shops: Bring Coffee Beans Home as A Souvenir
Paris has an extensive craft coffee scene that keeps growing. Many craft coffee shops, including shops that roast their beans, are on-site. Bringing beans home from Paris and other places I travel has been one of my favorite souvenirs. It is a fun way to extend your trip and bring back memories. I try to support local coffee shops whenever I am traveling. Beans run around 15-20 euros, and I use them in my Breville machine at home. If you frequent a particular coffee shop, it is best to buy from them.
I recently enjoyed 10 Belles coffee while in Paris. Based on my flavor preferences, they recommended the mixed cassette tape blend. It was a home run, and I was so sad when I finished it. We purchased another bag when I was back in April. It is best to buy the bag with whole beans and grind them before brewing at home.
French Macarons: Pierre Hermé Paris Souvenirs
French macarons from Pierre Hermé are my top pick for anyone who loves macarons and wants something French and fresh from Paris. There are Ladurée and Pierre Hermé shops at Charles de Gaulle Airport. They will keep in the fridge for a few days, or you can freeze them for up to a few months.
Angelina Hot Chocolate is a classic Parisian souvenir. You should try the hot chocolate yourself at least once, but I will warn you that it is thick and sweet. They have a few shops around Paris and Versailles. I recommend the tea room on Rue de Rivoli for the whole experience. It is one of the best things you can do on a rainy day in Paris if you visit for the first time. This goes over very well with kids. Angelina sells hot chocolate in two forms: a liquid version in a bottle and a powder version. You can’t tuck the powder version away in your carry-on.
French Chocolate: The Best Paris Souvenirs
French chocolate is my favorite souvenir from Paris. I typically buy chocolate for myself and gifts for friends at home at Alain Ducasse. Their packaging is beautiful, and there are a few shops in Paris. I love anything praline, especially when paired with dark chocolate or praliné avec chocolate noir. They offer a variety of flavors, including dark and milk chocolate, in both bar form and small chocolate pieces. I prefer to take the bars home and break off a little square with a cup of coffee.
Debauve & Gallais is another favorite chocolate shop of mine that I love to visit. They have a shop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and now also a new shop in Place des Vosges. Their chocolate bars make great gifts, and I also love their pralines, which are toffee and nuts covered in chocolate. Their packaging is beautiful and makes such a great gift for a loved one or yourself.
The Best Paris Souvenirs: Tea from Mariage Frères
Mariage Frères is famous for its tea. They offer a wide variety of tea selections, making them great souvenirs. In Paris, there are several locations now to pick up Mariage Frères tea. My favorite shop is the Left Bank of Paris on Rue des Grands Augustins. I try to pick up some tea for home each visit. Their fruity green tea is what I typically drink at home. If you are traveling during the holidays, be sure to try their Christmas tea, which is a top pick of mine. Mariage Frères has a new variation each year.
French Wine as A Souvenir
A bottle of French wine is the perfect gift for a wine lover. This is a popular souvenir because French wine is much more affordable abroad. A one-liter limit exists for duty tax to be returned to the US, and laws prohibit you from mailing wine to certain states. You can always pack a wine bottle with the proper padding for those checking luggage. This blog post gives all the correct details on how much wine you can bring home without duty tax and how to pack your French wine correctly.
Paris Department Stores
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are two major department stores located on Boulevard Haussmann. The department stores are enormous, with various clothing brands for men and women. If you’re buying gifts for multiple people, this is a great way to get everything done in one place. Don’t forget to bring a photo of your passport to qualify for the VAT tax and save 12% on purchases over 100 euros. The major department stores can guide you quickly and walk you through the process. You must turn in a form at the airport, so allow extra time. You can pay VAT taxes at stores all around Paris. Make sure to ask as you are checking out for the forms. It will take a bit longer as they have to enter it manually.
Paris Souvenirs: Photography
Photography of Paris is my favorite souvenir. There are many trips when I barely buy anything to bring home, but I always come back with photos of Paris. As a Paris photographer for over 16 years, I love capturing the city’s everyday life. If you don’t take the best pictures, leave it up to me, enjoy the city of Paris, and purchase something from The Print Shop to remind you of your trip.
I also recommend hiring a photographer to capture you in Paris. This idea is great for families, couples, and solo female travelers. My friend Katie Donnelly has done all my photography for years, and her photos of me in Paris are some of my favorite memories.
Marin Montagaut: Paris Souvenirs to Buy
A few years ago, I discovered Marin Montagaut. He hand-paints on ceramics and glassware in fun designs celebrating the little details of Paris. A metro sign, the chairs at Luxembourg Gardens, or the famous Café de Flore. It is the perfect gift for a Francophile. The ceramics and glass are not easy to transport, but the store is terrific at wrapping pieces for travel. I carried home a few dishes in my suitcase.
Marin Montagaut also offers journals, scarves, tea towels, and pillows for non-breakable items if you are concerned about transporting things home. The artist sells at retailers in the US, but the prices are much higher. Spending an afternoon browsing the shop after spending time in Paris is enjoyable.
Where to Buy Baby Gifts in Paris
One of the most famous French items you may know is the Sophie giraffe, a teething toy. This can be found at different grocery stores and pharmacies in Paris. For a budget-friendly and cute option for clothing, I love Monoprix, like a French version of Target. They have adorable baby clothes and toys that fit easily in your suitcase. Also, I love Petit Bateau, a French brand you will find all over Paris. Their branding is iconic blue-and-white stripes with bright yellow; you can’t miss it.
I hope you enjoy this post on the best Paris souvenirs and that it helps you come up with ideas for your friends and family for your next trip to Paris.
The Best Paris Souvenirs: Luxury Goods
The euro is currently at an excellent rate compared to the US dollar, making shopping even better for American tourists. If you’re looking to buy a luxury item like a handbag, purse, or shoes, now might be the ideal time. Visit the original Chanel store on Rue Cambon, where Coco Chanel had her apartment in Paris. Louis Vuitton is less expensive in France than in the US. It makes for a fun experience if you are looking to purchase a bag.
I recommend being patient when shopping during peak times or on weekends, as luxury shops can be bustling. Ask for a glass of champagne, take your time, and soak up the experience. The shops on Rue Saint-Honoré are home to many flagship locations of major luxury brands. Even if it’s not in your budget, it is fun to pop in for a look.
Duty Free Shopping at CDG Charles de Gaulle Airport
When it comes to luxury shopping in Paris, don’t skip the duty-free shopping at the airport. I am always early, giving myself plenty of time at the airport. This helps avoid the airport stress that I feel on travel days. Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a wide variety of luxury shopping in a duty-free zone. Once you pass through security, you will have a sea of retailers such as Cartier, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton. If you didn’t pick up something during your trip and have your eye on a luxury purchase, this is a great place to do it. You don’t need to submit your VAT tax for the discount, as it is already applied in-store.
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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Thankyou! Even though i have been to France many times, this list was informative and thoughtful.
Wonderful suggestions!
Great range of ideas!!
Can I just say…your curation of Paris Souvenirs is so good…Some high end, some affordable for most visitors. I do like to treat myself to one extravagant purchase on every visit, however, give credit where credit is due…over Christmas I caved and purchased a small Eiffel Tower key chain for my key ring, AND, a similar one that stands alone. ( it was made clear to me that I could only buy them at the Eiffel tower grounds.) One is on my keyring and one stands on my kitchen window sill…I cannot tell you the joy they bring me every time I see them. They also remind me to keep working on my plans for my next Paris trip. ( Not to mention how much more I enjoy dishwashing.) And as always, thank you for all your wonderful work that I always look forward to! Merci…🙂🇫🇷💛
Fabulous ideas all around! Just love your blog, so informative, Merci.
Tablecloths are an idea as long as you know table size.
Bought my Mom a tablecloth from Bon Marche, she loved it!
We took a fantastic food tour in Paris with lunch included, met really nice people on tour, hotel set it up for us.
So love these emails! I smiled so much while reading about breaking off a small piece of chocolate to enjoy with coffee. Just like me! And the picture of YSL merchandise made me gasp. So chic and modern and smart looking! Thank you for every week transporting us to Paris and shopping dreams!
I am a bookworm, so i buy books. Gibert in blvd st michel is paradise for me! Last month i broke my record: i bought 50 books, but luckily i live in milan and go to and from paris by train, so no weight worries!!! I also concur with you about tea from mariage freres, it’s the best! I’m going back at hhe end of June…for le maghreb des livres, a book fair for north african books, my obsession!!
This was a great guide and helped me organize my thoughts about what to get for family and friends! Thank you for posting this!
Thank you!
Enjoyed your site. Visiting France in a few weeks. Where would you recommend buying Paris tees for the grandkids and adult daughters in Paris? Also any favorite restaurants near Notre dame and Louvre? Thx
Have purchased many souvenirs from sources you named above. My latest find (as yours too) is Marin Montagaut, which is right off Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th. LOVE his things! Spent lots there on our last Paris trip! His goods are also available at Bon Marche in the 7th upstairs in housewares. And always beautifully gift wrapped.
My favorite souvenir, after chocolate, is butter. I have it shrink wrapped, like cheese, freeze it and it always does well in my suitcase.
I’m not a big souvenir shopper for myself or others. On my last trip to Paris I bought some wonderful old engravings from vendors on the Seine plus a lovely painting and more small items from the Flea Market and smaller markets that happen in most neighborhoods. We shopped more after we left Paris with a new abundance of flea markets and brocante sales!
I have a “Travel Xmas Tree” that has ornaments from every place my husband and I travel on vacation. Almost every “touristy” place has them. A couple of years ago we went to the western state National Parks….Zion, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, others. I purchased ornaments from all of them. Last fall we got to take my “bucket list” trip to London and Paris. Luckily every single place had these fabulous felt and fabric, very ornately decorated ornaments. And they are all flat, so easy to pack. I got Notre Dame, the Mona Lisa, Napoleon, the Louvre, more from Paris, and then several from London. This means every Xmas when I put up my tree I can “regift” myself with renewed memories of our travels. And they don’t break!
After 10 visits to Paris, it’s nice to see some new ideas and reminders of old ones. I have a beautiful silk scarf from the gift shop in Giverny–museums always have lovely gift shops; we’ve brought home cheese, perfectly packed, as a gift for a neighbor (she loved it); I’ve bought kids’ books in French for grandson, to introduce him to French music & stories; a Christmas gift from Paris is always special. We are going in December this year–my first winter trip to Paris! This is a great list, thank you for sharing!
My best souvenir from Paris was my first Hermes scarf. I had also purchased another silk scarf in a country shop outside the city, which I love as well. The tea towels were so pretty and affordable I bought a dozen! Next trip I hope to visit La Cuisine and Dehellerin. I loved The French Ingredient book club selection and can’t wait to return to Paris.
Whenever I travel abroad, I buy canvas grocery store totes. I use them all the time here and they always bring a smile to my face when doing my grocery shopping!
Update! Post COVID era travel, we went to Le Grand Epicerie in the 7th. It was absolutely amazing. It’s not just spices, they sell all kinds of fabulous gourmet goodies. Also on the list this time, mynhubby the fashioning bought a lightweight summer suit (tailored in one day!), thin sweaters, and a scarf. And I the beauty junkie got more red lipstick, skincare products, and a beautiful France-only Diptyque candle.
My absolute go to when visiting Paris, Latin Quarter, is the amazing La Folie Savon for deliciously fragrant soaps. Beautifully wrapped selections for Christmas gifts, birthdays, all occasions. Send to friends and family as a unique way to experience Paris. http://www.lafoliesavon.com.
Fabulous souvenir ideas! One that I love are the souvenir shops near Notre Dame. I never miss this area for great and inexpensive scarves, berets, tee shirts for the grandkids and so much more. I get stopped multiple times when I wear the scarf I purchased in October making me wish I brought back more!
Lovely ideas! My last trip to Paris -Dec 2021, I followed your recommendation and brought home a Degrenne teapot (so lovely) and a few boxes of Dammann Freres tea for myself and some friends. I also bought a Chanel wallet which is a super pricey and luxurious souvenir for myself 🙂 I went to Monoprix and bought a few bags of French salt, which is so great to cook with – and I also had a cheese shop near my hotel vacuum pack some French cheeses for me to take home, which was so great to remember my trip. Oh, and I also brought some boxes of Chocolat Chapon chocolates which were pricey but DIVINE…
I love the little Limoges boxes! I have several and they always remind me of Paris!
I like to pick up logo’d espresso cups. I currently have cups from Frenchie, Cafe Kitsune and Coutume. I also like to buy pillow cases from the fancy linen department at Bon Marche. European beds a different sizes, but the pillow cases work great!
It’s been a hot minute since I have been to Paris (pre-COVID) but the previous times I have brought back lots of stuff from Monoprix of all places! I found the cutest little velvet frou frou house slippers with marabou on them, red lipsticks galore (which every single one of my girlfriends said was their new favorite lipstick and asked where they can buy it in the U.S.), little cookies and chocolates and crepe mix, “fancy” herbs de Provence, and various beauty/health products.
I also really love the bookstores in Paris and you can find some fabulous coffee table books!
Last November I bought a Laguiole knife for a friend’s 60th birthday which was just a few weeks later. It had a hand carved handle and a corkscrew also folded into it. Excellent souvenir and gift idea – he was really touched.
I purchased a cup and saucer from both Angelina’s, where we’d had afternoon tea, and Le Deux Magots, where we had a hot chocolate. I also bought a single-serve teapot from Cafe de Flore after lunching there. While these are on display in my kitchen, I also use them. Seeing them reminds me daily of my lovely time in Paris!
Football (soccer) shirts, socks, pennants etc from sporting goods stores.
House number plaques or tiles. I have a “CAVE” (wine cellar) plaque on the door of the closet where our wine is kept.
If you’re shopping for a fellow Francophile, look in the gift shop at the Comédie Française. Tees with quotes from classic French plays, posters, scripts…
Honestly, I go to BHV in Le Marais where they have the hardware store in the basement. You can buy the cutest little signs and things. It is cheap’ish and very charming if you want to put a little sign up on your property or home that says something in French. I bought a little sign that says Chien Mechant. Very funny because my dogs aren’t mean at all.