Necessary ritual for anybody who visits the French capital even for a short period of time, shopping through the streets of the city is, among other things, a fascinating way to discover the many moods of the city. From modern shopping malls to traditional large department stores, from the singular artisan shops to the elegant designer's houses and expensive jewelleries, Paris provides its visitors with many opportunities to buy nice souvenirs. Among the large department stores we would like to mention the Galeries Lafayette and the Samaritaine, as well as the Galerie Vivienne, built in splendid neoclassic style. If the "golden heart" of Paris beats in Place Vendome - that houses prestigious jewelleries the best zone to acquire exclusive clothing from the most famous designers is the one bordered by the Champs Elysées and Rue du Fabourg St. Honorè. For those who have a more moderate budget you could find interesting articles at the Marais quarter and at Saint Germain des Pres. Affordable by all, the hundreds of "bouquinistes," little shops located in from of the Seine , sell used books. Among the lively city markets, we would like to point out the daily flower markets of Place de la Madelaine, and Place des Ternes.

The large concentration of apparel stores along the Parisian boulevards represents fashion houses from the entire world. For those who can afford to shop at the famous French designers' stores, we highlight Hermès (24, rue du Fabourg St Honoré) and Louis Vuitton (101, Avenue des Champs Elysées).