Paris is always a good idea, but a long weekend trip with my daughter, dedicated to our shared love of shopping, felt like a dream come true. We went with a mission: to explore the city’s famed fashion scene, not just in the glossy boutiques, but in its legendary thrift stores and bustling flea markets.
Exploring Parisian Flea Markets
We quickly learned that Paris is a paradise for anyone who loves the thrill of the hunt. The thrifting scene is incredible, with countless shops offering one-of-a-kind treasures. Our hotel, the Republic Ibis, was perfectly situated. Over the weekend, just a few steps away, a weekend flea market was in full swing, giving us our first taste of Parisian secondhand style.
Eager for more, we hopped on the subway and headed to the massive flea market at Rue Beaurepaire, right by the historic Sorbonne. It was a sprawling collection of vendors, each with a unique array of clothing, accessories, and curiosities. The energy was fantastic, and we spent the entire day sifting through the racks.
Vintage Boutique Highlights
Beyond the markets, the city is dotted with curated vintage boutiques. We made a list and managed to visit a few standouts. Thanx God I’m a VIP was as glamorous as its name suggests, filled with high-end designer pieces. They also had a less expensive shop. We went back there on the third day to see if there was anything else we could buy. Chez Chiffon Vintage, Ella Vintage, and the charming selections at Petite Chineuse, just to name a few of the amazing second-hand shops in Paris. Each store had its own distinct personality and collection.
Fashion Week Vibes
As luck would have it, our trip coincided with Paris Fashion Week. The city was electric. Walking the streets felt like being on a movie set, with fashionistas everywhere in bold, inspiring outfits. It was as if Carrie Bradshaw and her friends had taken over the neighborhood, and we loved every minute of the people-watching.
Upscale Shopping Experiences
Of course, no shopping trip to Paris is complete without a visit to one of its grand department stores, Le Bon Marché. We spent an afternoon wandering through the polished, elegant halls, and I made a point to browse the Louis Vuitton handbags. While I didn’t end up making a purchase, the experience itself was a treat.
Discovering Sandro
The real discovery of our trip, however, came from a brand I hadn’t paid much attention to before: Sandro. We both fell in love with their effortlessly chic Parisian style. The best part? The prices were significantly lower than in the United States—often by $200 or more per item. When you factor in the VAT refund, which returns around 20%, the savings are truly remarkable. We left with a few beautiful pieces that will always remind us of our special trip.
A Memorable Weekend
Our weekend in Paris was more than just a shopping spree; it was a wonderful bonding experience. We explored the city, shared our passion for fashion, and came home with unique finds and lasting memories.
