Looking for the best of Parisian chic? Check our pick of the capital's most styish shopping destinations.
Christian Dior's 1,200 square metre flagship on Paris' Avenue Montaigne was founded in 1946, and still features everything that the fashion house has to offer, from accessories, beauty, fragrance, shoes and of course, the all-important clothing. The ultimate Parisian style haven.
Where: 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris 8e (00 33 1 40 73 54 44, www.dior.com)
Dior Boutique
www.dior.com
Colette
Three levels of everything from kitsch gadgets, to niche make-up brands, coffee table books and cutting edge fashion from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Marni and Marc Jacobs, Colette is a one-stop concept shop. A cult classic that remains a top destination for the fashion-conscious, there's also a restaurant in the basement for weary shoppers in need of a pit stop.
Where: 213 rue St-Honoré, 75001 Paris (00 33 1 55 35 33 90; www.colette.fr)
www.colette.fr
Colette
Three levels of everything from kitsch gadgets, to niche make-up brands, coffee table books and cutting edge fashion from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Marni and Marc Jacobs, Colette is a one-stop concept shop. A cult classic that remains a top destination for the fashion-conscious, there's also a restaurant in the basement for weary shoppers in need of a pit stop.
Where: 213 rue St-Honoré, 75001 Paris (00 33 1 55 35 33 90; www.colette.fr)
www.colette.fr
Laduree
No trip to Paris would be complete without stopping off to sample one of Laduree's legendary melt-in-the-mouth macaroons. The iconic shop and tearoom opened in 1862, and still attracts hordes of crowds, who flock for its legendary ganache filled treats.
Where: 16 rue Royale, 75008 Paris (00 33 1 42 60 21 79; www.laduree.com)
www.laduree.com
Printemps
The crème de la crème of Parisian department stores, Printemps features both the largest shoe and beauty departments in the whole of Europe. Jewels in its diverse crown include a full replica of Kiehl?s New York flagship within the store, and an impressive Chanel concession. Lavish and luxurious domed restaurants and six floor of fashion should satisfy even the keenest shoppers.
Where: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris (00 33 1 42 82 57 87; www.printemps.com)
www.printemps.com
Sonia Rykiel
The grand dame of French fashion, Sonia Rykiel is synonymous with Parisian style. Famed for her innovative knits, the designer was honoured in 2008 with a retrospective at the capital's Les Arts Décoratifs, to celebrate her 40th anniversary in fashion. With daughter Nathalie now at the helm, Rykiel's designs remain a must-have for Left Bank fashionistas.
Where: 70 rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008 Paris (00 33 1 42 65 20 81; www.soniarykiel.com)
www.soniarykiel.com
Didier Ludot
A treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts, Diduer Ludot is the only place in Paris to go for vintage couture. The prices are steep, but with pristine pieces from the likes of Givenchy and Dior, dating from the 1920s right up to the 80s, it's well worth a browse for the spectacle alone.
Where: 20-24 galerie de Montpensier, Jardin du Palais-Royal, 75001 Paris (00 33 1 42 96 06 56; www.didierludot.com
www.didierludot.com
Petit Bateau
Want affordable Parisian style? Look no further than Petit Bateau. Although now international, the purveyor of perfect basics is still one France's best-loved high street destinations. Its classic cotton tees and chic separates are well worth stocking up on.
Where: Branches throughout Paris, (www.petit-bateau.com)
www.petit-bateau.com
Azzedine Alaïa
A shoe lover's haven, Azzedine Alaïa's rue de Moussy store could be considered a shrine to the Tunisian designer's sculptural footwear. A factory style showroom, more like an exhibition space than a shop, the building also houses Alaïa?s headquarters and apartment.
Where: 7 rue de Moussy, 4th (00 33 1 42 72 19 19)
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/1.html
Sephora
Housing 12,000 delectable products across 1,500 square metres, Sephora's flagship is shopping heaven for beauty junkies.
Where: 70-72 Champs Elysees, 75008 Paris (00 33 1 53 93 22 50; fax: 53 93 89 25; www.sephora.fr)
www.sephora.fr
Fifi Chachnil
If Paris has put you in the mood for romance, then there's no better destination to add to your itinerary than luxury lingerie boutique, Fifi Chachnil. Pin-up glamour, with a modern edge, her frou-frou feminine designs will seduce both lingerie-loving ladies and their accompanying admiring males, in equal measure.
Where: 231 rue St-Honoré, Paris 1e (00 33 1 42 61 21 83, www.fifichachnil.com)
www.fifichachnil.com