Gallery Lafayette, Paris

Any city which starts the new year with a huge sale must be a serious shopping city. And yes, Paris is a serious shopping city!

The year begins with the launch of its winter sales, which lasts for five whole weeks and the French capital transforms itself into a bargain basement for fashion, interior decorations, furniture, house wares, etc.

As someone who is very keen on shopping, I must say that the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB), in cooperation with the Parisian tourism trade professionals, do a grand job in marketing Paris as a Shopping destination. For the past few years they have been launching “Soldes by Paris” to attract shoppers to Paris and to make their shopping experience enjoyable.

Paris Sales

Soldes by Paris involves the cooperation of Parisian service providers such as hotels, restaurants, guided-tour companies, vehicle rental companies, etc., all of whom have come together to offer discounts to visitors for their Paris breaks. No matter what your budget or taste, there promises to be something on offer for everyone.

Paris is of course an all-year round centre of fashion and creativity and concept stores, flagships of leading brands, and the latest fashionable designer stores are opening all the time. From major department stores to the trendy fashion boutiques or high-street stores there are shops to cater to everyone’s needs.

Just in case you don’t know Paris or where to shop, you can download a Shopping Guide from the PCVB’s website before you leave, or pick up a copy at one of the PCVB’s information centres or any of the participating hotels and shops. This valuable free guide has more than 300 Paris shop addresses and all the practical information you need such as maps, information on the sales, currency exchange, tax refunds etc. Of course it also lists all the best downtown Paris shops, sightseeing attractions and places to eat.

Shopping in Paris sales is an exciting affair and each December, fanatical Paris fashion bargain hunters start guessing as to the start date of the sales which varies depending on the prefecture. So, if you’re one of the lucky people to be in Paris in January, be careful that you’re not run over by frantic shoppers.

Direction to Roubaix Designer Outlet

Roubaix Designer Outlet is another long established McArthurGlen designer discount outlet mall in France which opened its doors in 1999.  Situated in the heart of Roubaix, along an attractive pedestrianised walkway, Roubaix Designer Outlet is the highlight of the town’s redevelopment scheme with a metro stop on-site.

Like Troyes, Roubaix has a proud textile past which has been carried on into the present times.  The town has created a centre of excellence in fashion and textile creation.  It has a Fashion District which is  home to fashion creators (clothing and accessories) and decoration, all of whom work together on economic project basis. In this Fashion District,  boutiques and workshops are rented to creators at reduced rates.

Roubaix Designer Outlet is home to over 60 stores. Here you’ll find 130 top fashion names, including Calvin Klein Underwear, Cerruti 1881, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Façonnable, Geox, Kipling, Adidas, Lacoste, Lee Cooper, Manoukian, McGregor, Mexx, Morgan, Nitya, Petit Bateau, Reebok, River Woods, Salamander, Samsonite, Swarovski, Ventilo, Von Dutch and Zadig & Voltaire, at highly discounted price all year round . Roubaix has yet another big discount outlet – L’Usine which has more than 200 brands.

This is very much a shopping destination. If you’re here in early December, there is a Fashion Market where you can discover original fashion creations and decoration by their designers.

Local attractions

The French Government has awarded Roubaix a special heritage status. Nearby attractions include the Museum of Art & Industry housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool and the Manufacture des Flandres, an interactive textile museum housed in the buildings of a weaving works, as well as some of the most well-known fashion design schools in the country.  And, Lille is only 15 km away – a town with interesting historic Flemish identity and lots of shops and interesting markets.

Practical Information

Set in the heart of Roubaix, McArthurGlen’s Roubaix Designer Outlet is well situated to capture the Lille metropolitan and Belgian markets, including Brussels, Gent, Bruges and Anvers.  It is one of Europe’s most accessible shopping destinations with a metro stop on-site, tramway and bus stations nearby, and the A1 motorway just minutes away.  Roubaix Designer Outlet is 15 km from Lille and the Belgian border and 110 km from Brussels. Eurostar frequently have offers from London to Lille so a weekend of sightseeing and shopping is easy to do.

By Tram:

From Lille take line 2 of the metro towards CH Dron, get off at Eurotéléport.  The Eurotéléport is just in front of the outlet.

Train:

The stations of Lille-Europe and Lille-Flandres are located in the centre of the city are served by the major TGV lines.  Roubaix is approximately 1h30 from Paris and Brussels and approximately 1h50 from London by Eurostar. From Lille take Line 2 of the metro for C.H.Dron and get off at Roubaix Eurotéléport.

Car:

From Paris – Get on A1 in the direction of Lille, then A22, followed by N227.  Exit 11 then N 356. Exit 10, Roubaix-Autres Quartiers.

From Dunkerque – Get on A25 in the direction of Lille.  Exit 7 for N352, then N356.  Exit 10, Roubaix-Autres Quartiers.

From Valenciennes – Get on A23 in the direction of Lille. Exit N227, then A22. Exit 11 then N 356. Exit 10, Roubaix-Autres Quartiers.

From Courtrai - E17/A14 in the direction of Lille, then E17/A22. Exit 13a/13b (Dir. Roubaix, Wasquehal, Croix), then N356.  Exit 10, Roubaix-Autres Quartiers.
or
E17/A14 in the direction of Lille, then E403/A17 dir. Tournai/Paris.  Exit N58 then N512 (Dir. Roubaix, Dottignies, Herseaux) then follow the sign to Roubaix/Centre town and arrows to McArthurGlen.

From Tournai – E42/A8 in the direction of Lille, then E403/A17 Dir. Roubaix.  Exit N511 (Dir. Roubaix, Wattrelos, Estaimpuis), then follow sign to Roubaix/town centre and arrows to McArthurGlen.

On leaving Exit 10, Roubaix-Autres Quartiers, follow the arrow signs to the town centre, then McArthurGlen.

Address:
44 Mail de Lannoy
59100 Roubaix
France
Tel: +33 (0) 3 28 33 36 10

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat  10:00 – 19:00
Sun  -  Closed (Except on occasional Sundays and bank holidays)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in Europe and the UK , see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Direction to Troyes Designer Outlet

Troyes Designer Outlet is the first of McArthurGlen’s discount outlet malls in France, having opened in 1995. It’s not surprising that McArthurGlen chose this city as the location for their designer outlet as Troyes’ association with textile manufacture and knitting go back to the 12th century.  The Marque Avenue and Marques City outlets are also located in the area.

Situated in the heart of the picturesque Champagne region, Troyes Designer Outlet is just an hour outside from the Paris city center.  Here you’ll find 210 top fashion names, including Christian Lacroix, Armani, Feraud, Kenzo, Lancel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Cerruti and Energie. These names alone are enough to get my heart rate pumping!  The Nike Factory Store, Wolford and Kookai are some of the other brands that have stores in McArthurGlen Troyes.

Local attractions

The town of Troyes itself is a big tourist attraction with its magnificent Gothic churches and medieval garden. The city is famous for its stained glass and sausages (andouillettes), its knitwear industry and factory shops. When we visited Troyes (see our Troyes photos), our tour director never mentioned shopping or designer discount outlets at all. I guess he was concerned about the possibility of losing half of his tour group to shopping! Other tourist attractions in the region include France’s famous champagne vineyards and the numerous nearby forests and lakes.

Practical Information

Troyes Designer Outlet is conveniently located, 10 minutes north of Troyes town centre. It is very easy to get to the Centre by ring roads from all motorway exits – depending on where you’re coming from. There are 1,800 free car parking spaces at the outlet.

By Bus:

From Troyes train station catch Bus no°1  for Pont Sainte Marie (Magasins)

Train:

From Paris Est train station catch train to Troyes. At Troyes train station, catch Bus no°1 for Pont Sainte Marie (Magasins)

Car:

From Troyes Town Center – Follow signs for Châlons/Pont Sainte Marie.

From Paris South – On A6 towards Lyon – Follow signs for Troyes on A5. On A5 motorway, junction 20: Troyes Centre/Ste Savine, follow signs indicating “Toutes Directions”/Troyes then Châlons. Exit at Pont Sainte Marie / Z.I Lavau (exit n°3 on the by-pass)

From Paris East – On A5 motorway, junction 20: Troyes Centre/Ste Savine, follow signs indicating “Toutes Directions”/Troyes then Châlons. Exit at Pont Sainte Marie / Z.I Lavau (exit n°3 on the by-pass)

From Reims and Metz – On A4 motorway then on A26 junction 22: Charmont ss Barbuise/Pont Sainte Marie. Follow signs for Troyes / Pont Sainte Marie.

From Dijon – On motorway A31, A5, then A26 Troyes Est – Direction Reims/Lille. Junction 23: Thennelières / Pont Sainte Marie

Address:
Voie du Bois
10150 Pont-Sainte-Marie
France
Tel: +33(0)3.25.70.47.10

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 19:00
Sat      9:30 – 19:00
Sun – Closed (Except for the 2 first Sundays of summer Clearance Sales)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in Europe and the UK , see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Designer shopping at La Vallee, Paris

Parisiennes are very stylish dressers and are well known for their flair in putting pieces of clothing and accessories together to create a look!

Yes, French women always have the Look and when you come shopping in Paris, you are indeed in one of the leading fashion capitals in the world. You can be sure of finding really chic pieces of clothing and accessories in the shops and to not buy anything is an impossibility, especially at designer discount outlets where the prices are reduced from between 33% to 60%.

La Vallée Village is part of the Chic Outlet Shopping Group and is situated in the heart of the beautiful Seine-et-Marne region. At La Vallée there are over 90 premium brands, renowned for luxury, elegance and sophistication. Brands range from cutting-edge chic to luxury labels in clothing, shoes and bags, and home accessories. La Vallée says that leading personalities from Paris’ fashion scene are regularly spotted at La Vallée Village.

This designer outlet heaven is only 40 minutes from Paris and is easily accessible by car, bus and train.  The Village is cleverly located only 5 minutes from Disney® Parks and so the whole family gains from a trip out here.

I like La Vallée because it seems to have thought of all the practical things that shoppers’ need to make their trip convenient.   People from all over France and internationally come to Disneyland and La Vallée is only 5 minutes away.  There are thirteen hotel resorts in the heart of Disneyland® Paris so you don’t have to worry about dashing for the last bus or last train back to Paris. The Village is opened till late on most days and except for three days in the year, it is open to shoppers every day – very civilised!

For extended stays in the region, you could:

• Take a tour to Moët & Chandon Champagne Cellars in Epernay. Here you’ll learn about the skill of the oenologists and the legacy passed down from generations of cellar masters and then taste some of the magic bubblies.
• Visit the fabulous Vaux le Vicomte, one of France’s finest châteaux.  This was the residence of Nicolas Fouquet (1615-1680), a faithful minister who was falsely imprisoned for theft.  He had gathered around him the finest artists, writers and poets of the time, all of whom have left their mark on this magnificent estate.  A full day is required to view the lavish interiors, extensive formal and ornamental grounds complete with dramatic fountains and horse-drawn carriage museum.

Practical Information

La Vallée is easily reached by car, bus or train.  Eurostar frequently advertises cheap fares from London to Paris and it’s easy to get here for a weekend of shopping.

Shuttle Service:

• From Disney® Hotels – La Vallée Village is linked to the Disney® Hotels by the dedicated La Vallée Village shuttle bus. Information is available from the concierge at each partner hotel.
• From RER Station – La Vallée Village is within walking distance from the RER station (10 minute walk). However, La Vallée Village is also accessible by shuttle from RER ‘Val d’Europe/Serris-Montévrain’ station. For details, call +33 (0)1 60 42 35 01.

By Bus:

Cityrama shuttles run daily from the heart of Paris to La Vallée Village.  Catch the shuttle from Place des Pyramides at 10.15 am.  The return shuttle leaves La Vallée Village at approximately 15.00.

The Cityrama agency is at:  Place des Pyramides, 75001 Paris (Metro: Palais Royal).
Cost is Euro 22 for a round trip (children ages 3 to 12 -  Euro 11).
Reservations are required up to 17.00 the day before departure.
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 55 60 00.

Train:

• By RER, TGV, Thalys or Eurostar train – Alight at Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy/Parc Disneyland® station.
• By RER train (Line A4) – Take RER A and exit at Val d’Europe/Serris Montévrain station, then walk 10 minutes or board the shuttle to La Vallée Village.

Car:

• From Paris – La Vallée Village is only 40 minutes from Paris.  Along the A4 motorway, exit at junction 12.1 and simply follow the “Centre Commercial/Entrée A” signs.  There are over 2,300 free parking spaces available in the area so parking is never a problem.
• From Reims – Leave the A4 at exit 14 and follow the signs for “Marne-la-Vallée/Val d’Europe” then “Centre Commercial/Entrée A”.

Address:
La Vallée Village
3, cours de la Garonne
77700 Serris
France
Tel: +33 (0)1 60 42 35 00

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri  10:00 – 19:00 (June 12-13 and June 24-28 opened till 20:00)
Sat & Public Hol 10:00 – 20:00
Sun   10:00 – 19:00

Public holidays:
The Village is closed on Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in Europe and the UK , see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

If shopping is your passion, a visit to the grand department stores of Paris is a must.

Parisiens are très chic and the department stores here carry all the latest in the fashion scene.  The big stores stock most of the international brand names and there are some really nice designer stuff to be had in the shops.

Outside of the sales period, haute couture is rather outrageously priced, and one daren’t even walk into those expensive boutiques along rue du Faubourg St-Honoré and avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement as they are exclusive and make you feel excluded.  This is why going into the department stores is great as here you can look to your heart’s content and not feel out of place.

So, if your desire is to look like a million dollars, but you don’t have the Euros to match, the sales season is a great time to hunt down those shopping bargains. These official sales periods are regulated by the government, and there are two major sales (les soldes) during the year, in January and June.

The big department stores slash 50-70% off many designer items and to compete for the shoppers’ money, other retailers are driven to follow suit. Stores like Printemps, Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché provide tourists with 10% discount cards, and these are valid in the sales as well. In addition to the 10% discount, non-residents of the European Union are entitled to claim back the 12% tax you pay on your purchases at major shops (le détaxe), if you spend Euro 175 in one day in one store. If you have a lot of different things to buy, you are definitely better off shopping in a department store where you can get the tax refund. So, as you can see, the ‘savings’ are building up already!

As you make your way to Boulevard Haussman, all signs point to Les Grands Magasins.  Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette, the station on Line 7 and Line 9 of the Paris Métro takes you right to Galeries Lafayette.

Galeries Lafayette

Kenzo houseware

This grand Parisien department store is a must visit. It’s history goes back 112 years and it’s the most famous and spectacular of Parisien department stores. Here you’ll find nine floors of brand names like Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Thierry Mugler, Armani, Chanel, John Galliano, Prada, Sonia Rykiel, etc., and if you’re lucky, you might also see some just-as-famous shoppers in the store.

Galaries Lafayette’s main Haussmann store is believed to be just as visited as the Eiffel Tower. With approximately 120 million visitors each year, it is considered to be the leading shopping centre of Europe. Wait till you see its fabulous Art Nouveau glass domes. Looking down at the layers and layers of luxury goods, you get a sense of being in fashion paradise.

La Terrasse Lafayette

Lafayette Gourmet caters for the gastronomical needs of clients and visitors and you’ll find all kinds of gourmet foods here. You can taste the finest foie gras, caviar, pastries and flavours from all over the world. Even if you’re not looking to buy any food, it’s an eye opener and very educational to see the range of mouth watering goods that can be bought here. If seeing all that food makes you hungry, there are several restaurants on the various floors where you can re-energize. We had a nice lunch at La Terrasse des Galeries, a rooftop cafe with excellent views of the city. Tony had the cheese plate and the cheese was just how the French know to serve cheese – in excellent condition! From here you can also see its famous glass dome.

Printemps Haussmann

Down from Lafayette, at No. 64 Boulevard Haussman is Le Printemps, yet another upmarket Parisien department store. You can shop till you drop here, but before you get to that stage, you can refuel at one of the store’s seven catering outlets which offer anything from a quick snack to more substantial fare.  Deli-Cieux, a restaurant on the 9th floor offers light and original grilled and stir-fried dishes so you can dine and enjoy the great panoramic views.

C et A

This store is also on Boulevard Haussman, If you don’t find anything that meets your budget in Galeries Lafayette or Printemps, and if you have any energy left, then look in this store which is more in the budget range.

See our Paris Shopping Photos HERE