January is a fine time to visit Paris, and one of the major draws is undoubtedly the opportunity to partake in a little retail therapy. January is the season for winter sales – think Chanel, Céline, Versace and more for 70% off. (Yes, we though that would get your attention.) So, we here at Plum Guide thought we'd share our expert tips to making the most of the all the shopping and sales throughout Paris in January.
Winter sales in Paris: An introduction
If you thought holiday sales in the States or the London were good, you’ve seen nothing until you hit Paris in January. Every year, without fail, the 1.5-month-long winter sales take place in boutiques and shops all over the city, making New York and London’s look a little dim in comparison. It’s good to bear in mind that they are sales, though. With sales, there will always be a chance you’ll wind up disappointed. That doesn’t have to be the case if you listen to us. We have a few tips to ensure you don’t entirely miss out on the bargain-fest. Why? Because we care - and because we get it.
When to go shopping
If you do miss out on the winter sales (les soldes d'hiver), it’s not la fin du monde. Paris has two annual sales to see out the old and in with the new. The summer sales (les soldes d'été) take place around late June to early July. If you want something specific, make sure you get to the store as soon as the sales start. It’s not quite Black Friday and your head won’t be trampled on by last season’s cut-price Gucci heels, but people love amazing bargains. Get there fast.
How to plan
Planning in advance is the golden rule when it comes to travelling, this is especially true during the sales. If you want that specific scarf or satin chemise, be sure you know which stores stock it. This also means that making a list is a really good idea. We’ll let you decide if you find that more helpful on paper or on an app.
What to wear
This one isn’t too difficult. If you’re living the Parisian way, there’s a chance you’ve been wandering around in flat, comfortable shoes anyway. If not, we don’t judge you, they look amazing, but for the sales, you need to think about what will get you around faster. (And be less likely to make you pass out at the Chanel Spa when you could have spent that on Balmain.) Wear flats. Your feet will thank you, as will the new shoes they fit into.
Go-To Shopping Districts in Paris
We’ve written a little about the basics on where to shop in Paris already, but here’s a quick guide for the winter sales.
The Marais
Hip and trendy, the Marais is where you’ll go when you want a midday coffee after you’ve scoured the racks at the BHV (Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville) department store on rue de Rivoli. Stay nearby in one of our wonderful Marais homes like Le Palais de Marie.
Flowers in living room, Le Palais de Marie, Plum Guide home in Paris
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Designer boutiques and high street fashion stores are everywhere around you in Saint-Germain. Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel, A.P.C. and Maje all have shops there. You’ll be able to wander all day.
Avenue Montaigne
The Golden Triangle will never be short of couture boutiques and the finest of Parisian (and worldwide) designers. Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, and rue Saint-Honoré ought to be some of the first spots you visit for the sales.
Pigalle
What was once the somewhat sleazy bohemia at the base of Montmartre is beginning to be the realm of the hip elite known as the Bobos. (Like hipsters but better.) It’s a fitting spot for vintage boutiques, concept stores, and some of the best-kept fashion secrets in Paris. Like the sound of modern-day Pigalle? Stay in one of our charming homes in the area like Vuillard's Atelier.
Vuillard's Atelier, Plum Guide home in Paris
Opéra
Home to Galeries Lafayette, the Haussmann-Saint-Lazare-Opéra district is the heart of Parisian shopping. Where better to get the crème de la crème of Paris’s January bargains? The Printemps department store is also here as is the new St. Lazare Paris. So, go forth and bargain, fellow fashionistas.
Palais Royal
The arches and walkways around the Jardin Palais Royal could not be chicer than they are. These arches are home to Didier Ludot, Kitsuné, Rick Owens, and other luxury designers like Stella McCartney. For what it’s worth, it’s close enough to the Golden Triangle that you can almost taste the eau de parfum.
Like the sound of Paris in January and want to keep reading? Take a look at our guide to Paris in February next, or perhaps the very best of Paris in March or better yet, enjoy the height of spring with this guide to Paris in April.
