Sale season is upon us--or as the French call it "LES SOLDES". Basically what this means is that all of Paris (and Europe for that matter) goes on sale for about a month. The 2022 summer sale season started on June 22nd and ends on July 19th.

For those who plan ahead, the winter dates will be January 11, 2023 through February 7, 2023. I actually have friends who make a bi-annual sojourn to Paris from NY to specifically shop the soldes.

Fun Fact: The sales in America are MUCH BETTER IMHO, after shopping soldes season for over 4 years. Saying that, Paris is really great to shop the luxury designers and the bonus is you get VAT back on your purchases over 100€ (used to be 175€. So before you start shopping, here are some tips for maximizing your time and your wallet.

SHOP EARLY. SHOP LATE.

Okay, so when you shop depends on your goals. If you are dying to get your hands on the hot item of the season, shop your favorite stores (magasins) early. The early part of the sale season will have the lowest markdowns (démarque), but will have the best selection. If you are on a budget, I advise shopping the later part of the sale. They take markdowns pretty much every week so it pays to wait unless you are eyeing something super specific.

PRO TIP: Visit the stores prior to the sale period and try on what you are lusting after, so when Soldes begins you know exactly what you need and the size to save time. If you work, the first day of soldes, you may want to take the morning or the day off to make sure you get what you are coveting. If you are playing the long game make sure to subscribe to the emails of stores you want to hit. You will get a notification every time they take a markdown.

SUPER PRO TIP: Get friendly with the shop owners and staff at your favorite shop. They will hold your items for you so you won’t have to worry about the undesirable logistics.

SHOP LUXURY BRANDS

Paris is the best place to shop luxury if you are not a French citizen because you don't pay the import taxes so certain luxury items actually cost less here than they do back home (ie-Chanel, Hermés, Dior ❤️). Like the US, Chanel and status brands will not be marking down any of the classics, basics or iconic must haves, but you can get a good price on off season merchandise. The best part is the VAT that you will receive back if you are not a citizen here once you make your way to the airport. To me, it's like three sales in one!

Shop the boutiques vs the department stores for Chanel, Dior, Prada, etc if you want more of a selection. But if you prefer one stop shopping the department stores are best for you. They all have shops in shops concepts grouped by designer type. So you can shop luxury (Chanel, Hermès, Alexander McQueen), contemporary (Maje, Sandro, Zara) or Classics (Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Gucci) all in one place.

PRO-TIP: If you are visiting, I recommend shopping the department store route if what you are looking for is not too diverse, so it is one stop shopping. I say this because they add up your total receipts to qualify for the VAT purchase and you don't have to deal with the chaotic airport scenario. Though all department stores have this feature, my favorite is Le Bon Marché because it is such a pleasant and serene experience.

SUPER PRO-TIP: Sign up for Le Bon Marche’s emails and their fidelity card. You will be the first to know about all their upcoming markdowns, and the points really add up!

LUXURY PRO-TIP: Seriously, even if what you want is NOT on sale, your Chanel, Hermés or any French Designer is priced lower in France AND you get the VAT back!!!

SHOP THE OUTLETS

For those of you willing to make the trek out of Paris, I highly suggest doing a day or afternoon trip to La Vallée Village. The prices here are pretty much amazing all year round, but things get crazy during sale season--talking like 70% off so you are saving hundreds to thousands off original retail depending on what you buy. And I'm talking luxury brands here like Burberry, Armani, Gucci, Versace... you get it. So make the trip. It. Is. Worth. It.

PRO TIP: If you are a Gucci fan, I suggest getting there early since they are the one store that always seems to have a line. They open at 9am weekdays and 10 am weekends. 

BONUS: There is a regular mall attached to the Village so you can shop other stores as well and even indulge in some dining.

SUPER PRO-TIP: If you are a visitor who makes their bi-annual journey to City Pharma, the prices at the pharmacy at La Vallée are much less than that!

OFF SITE AND PRIVATE SALES

One of my favorite things about Paris is all the private sales that take place here especially for some of the luxury houses.

My favorite subscription services is Arlettie. They have a whole calendar of events that takes place throughout the year including soldes season. My favorite ones to shop so far are Longchamp, Givenchy and Victoria Beckham. The basic service is free. Premium membership does include a fee and grants you access one day earlier than the public.

PRO-TIP: Splurge on the annual membership if you like the designers that they are featuring since this will give you early access, amongst other perks. You can see their brands here.

SHOP THE SMALL STREETS

I personally love the small boutiques in Paris--1. Because their selections are usually unique so I won't be seeing someone else wearing my outfit, 2-I like helping small businesses and emerging designers/houses. Instead of listing them all, here are some of my favorite streets by neighborhood.

St Germain: Rue Cherche Midi, Rue Saint-Placide, Rue du Bac, Rue Vavin, Rue Bonaparte, Rue de Furstemberg

1st Arrondisement: Rue St. Honoré, Faubourg St. Honoré

The Marais: Rue Vieille du Temple, Rue de Poitou

PRO-TIP: Once you are in one of these neighborhoods wander around to the smaller side streets and get lost. I have found the best treasures that way, as well as great surprises whether it be a new cool restaurant or something cultural.

Now that you have the ins and outs of the Paris Soldes—Bon Chance!