50 Unique Things Travelers Actually Buy in Paris
Shopping in Paris can be surprisingly practical. Travelers come home with things they actually use – favorite kitchen tools, skincare products that cost half the price, clothes that last for years, or gifts that don’t feel like souvenirs. The best finds aren’t always flashy, but they stick with people.
This list pulls together everything seasoned visitors say is worth bringing back. Each item comes with details like where to find it and what makes it special.
1. Leather Goods and Fashion Accessories
Pourchet Bags
A century-old French leather brand offering high-quality bags around the €200–300 mark. Many travelers say it’s one of the best values in the city for leather goods without stepping into luxury pricing.
Pierre Boisset (4th)
Located at 22 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe. The designs are elegant and understated. Travelers mention owning multiple items from this boutique – crossbodies, backpacks, phone-sized purses. Never seen in the U.S. and nearly impossible to find online.
Auguste Atelier
Designed in Paris, made in Italy. Travelers pay around €600 for a bag and get the VAT refund. Not luxury level, but refined and modern.
Longchamp
Travelers often expand their collection in Paris thanks to broader options and better prices than abroad.
Hervé Chapelier
Well-made, simple travel bags. Popular among repeat visitors for their durability and color selection.
Katso Cuir (Saint-Germain)
Custom leather jackets. Described as a tailored, hands-on experience. Not cheap, but very personal.
Falconeri
An Italian brand with shops near Le Bon Marché and on Rue de Rivoli. People describe the coats as incredibly soft and warm.
Chantelle and Cadolle
French lingerie stands out for comfort and quality. Cadolle (6th arrondissement) is where several people go for high-end pieces. Chantelle is often picked up at department stores like BHV or Galeries Lafayette.
Headoniste (Le Marais)
Sells French-made caps around €140. Some balk at the price, but others call it standard for Paris. Made in France, structured, and high quality.
2. Skincare, Beauty, and Pharmacy Favorites
La Roche-Posay
Widely available in the U.S., but travelers say some formulas are EU-only. It’s cheaper in Paris and includes stronger UV filters thanks to EU regulations. Spray bottles are available. Doesn’t sting eyes.
Lierac Sunscreen
Travelers prefer it to La Roche-Posay. Best found at CityPharma (6th).
Avene, SkinCeuticals, A313, Ialuset
People stock up on these brands at French pharmacies for up to 70% less than U.S. prices. A313 and Ialuset are in high demand for skincare routines. Available without prescription at CityPharma’s upstairs counter (just look for the “Sans ordonnance” line).
Marvis Toothpaste
Technically Italian, but often bought in Paris for cheaper prices and variety.
Lehning Natural Toothpaste
This one gets in-depth praise. It has a light lemon flavor and contains tissue salts like calcium fluoride and iron phosphate. Users claim dentists notice improved gum and enamel health.
It’s not in every pharmacy but can be ordered online via Amazon.fr to your hotel.
Officine Buly
People love the orange blossom-scented products and the engraved tortoiseshell combs and brushes. They’ll personalize them on-site, making them excellent gifts.
CityPharma (6th)
Rue du Four, near Mabillon metro. This place is busy and chaotic, but prices are the best in Paris. People recommend going early and targeting key items. Once you pass the €100 mark, you’re eligible for VAT refund, ask for the form at checkout.
3. Perfumes and Fragrance Boutiques
Maître Parfumeur et Gantier (1st)
Hidden near Place Vendôme at 5 Rue des Capucines. Described as “anchored in 17th-century tradition.” A refined alternative to the big perfume houses.
Fragonard
Popular for reliable, elegant perfumes at modest prices. Several stores throughout Paris.
Maison D’Orsay
Only one boutique in all of France. Sells sophisticated fragrances with a unique personality. Expensive but memorable.
La Samaritaine Ground Floor
Despite the luxury brands upstairs, the merch shop downstairs sells €35 perfumes themed by Paris neighborhoods. Many call it one of their favorite souvenirs.
Diptyque Paris-Only Scent
Only available in Paris shops. A favorite gift or personal indulgence for fans of the brand.
4. Cookware and Kitchenware
E. Dehillerin (1st)
Beloved by home cooks and chefs. The old-school store stocks Mauviel copper pots, crepe pans, and specialty tools. Purchases are handed off for traditional brown paper wrapping. Some travelers buy a pot every time they visit.
Sabre
Offers color-customizable kitchen utensils. Some customize both sides of their pieces -pricey but totally worth it.
Mauviel Cookware
Also available at Le Bon Marché. These are the same pots used in many French kitchens. Some visitors aim to build a full set over years of trips.
Restaurant Supply Stores
Often centuries old. Travelers buy porcelain cornichon jars with lids and tongs, and baguette bags with shoulder slings.
Landline Tomato Knife
Yes, really. Recommended niche kitchen item as a go-to if you love tomatoes.
5. Food and Grocery Items
Butter
Repeatedly mentioned. Flake-salted is a top pick. Found in grocery stores, markets, or at La Grand Épicerie. Stores will vacuum seal blocks for travel. People pack them frozen in Ziplocs and stash them in checked luggage, sometimes bringing home 6-7 kg.
Cheese
Everyday cheese from local fromageries is highly recommended. Travelers eat it daily with baguettes. Hard cheeses usually pass customs. Soft, unpasteurized cheese is still restricted.
Dijon Mustard
Even cheap jars from random supermarkets impress travelers.
Fleur de Sel
Bought at gourmet shops like La Cave du Gourmet. Packs easily.
Popelini Choux
Not necessarily the best, but many buy them out of habit. Cute and tasty cream puffs.
Jacques Genin Chocolates
High-end chocolate boutique that feels like a jewelry store. An experience as much as a treat.
Monoprix Rose Hand Soap
Around €3-5. People call it the best rose scent they’ve ever found, luxury quality for supermarket prices. Hoarded every trip.
Monoprix Bath Cubes
Especially the fleur d’oranger ones. Used in baths or dresser drawers. Sold for around €1 each.
Dried Tarragon
Picked up from everyday supermarkets. Intense flavor and useful for cooking.
6. Grocery, Gifts, Shopping Spots
La Cave du Gourmet (across from Printemps)
Ground floor sells chocolate; basement is a supermarket. People buy olive oil, mustard, and chocolate here.
Le Grand Épicerie (7th)
Located in Le Bon Marché. Curated food hall that will vacuum seal butter, cheese, and more. Also sells Mauviel cookware.
Printemps Haussmann Vintage (9th)
The 7th floor has pristine designer vintage. You might find a Mugler jacket for €150 and resell it in NYC for $900.
Monoprix Shopping Bags
Reusable with cute designs, found near the front of the store. Prices have gone from €1 to around €3.
Franprix Bags
More utilitarian, heavier-duty reusable bags.
7. Home and Stationery
Louise Carmen (Passage du Grand Cerf)
Custom leather journals, made on site. A favorite for writers and artists.
Christmas Ornaments
Many travelers buy one ornament per trip, gradually building a tree decorated with travel memories.
8. Art & Design
Marin Montagut (near Jardin du Luxembourg)
Watercolor artist with whimsical designs. His shop sells illustrated gifts, maps, and books.
9. Jewelry and Personal Items
Bijoux de Paris (Rue de la Huchette)
Small family-run shop with affordable rings and jewelry. Described as charming and local.
Nadine Delepine (Rue Princesse)
Sells delicate, feminine jewelry. The boutique itself is praised for its style and mood.
Timeless Pearly
Has a workshop where you can create your own charm necklace or bracelet. A very hands-on, memorable experience.
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Cover photo: Frédéric BISSON (CC BY 2.0)