Shopping in France involves specific etiquette, including bringing your own bags, understanding Sunday closures, and utilizing VAT refunds for non-EU residents (typically over €100-€175). Expect shops to close on Sundays, particularly outside tourist areas, and be aware of official sales periods in winter/summer. Cash payments are allowed up to €1,000 for residents, while strict rules apply for non-EU residents, requiring passport presentation for tax-free shopping.
Overview: LV is generally cheaper in Paris, thanks to lower base prices and the VAT refund. But if you're not heading to France anytime soon, shopping pre-owned at myGemma is a smart, convenient, and sustainable way to save on your next luxury piece.
Traditionally, Sunday is reserved as a rest day, so many shops are closed. For example, supermarkets are open until 1pm on Sundays. Shops that are in touristy areas are allowed to stay open longer. Shop hours can vary between cities.
What should you say when you enter a store in France?
Each time you enter a store, make eye contact with the salesperson and say bonjour madame or bonjour monsieur. As you leave the store, don't forget say au revoir madame or au revoir monsieur.
Sunday and public holidays are the usual closing days, although there are some exceptions ... During the week, department stores all have one late-night opening day, known as a 'nocturne', until 9pm. Supermarkets are open at different times depending on the neighbourhood, every day except Sunday, until 8, 9 or 10pm.
10 Tricks & Secrets for Grocery Shopping in Paris, France
What is the 3-3-3 rule for clothing?
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
Explore over 40 affordable French fashion brands adored by locals, including Sézane, Rouje, Claudie Pierlot, Maje, Sandro, Soeur, Monoprix, Sessùn, Balzac Paris, Maison 123, and more. From classic staples to modern pieces, there is a brand for every style and budget.
Over the last twenty years, the French government has passed laws that limit when and where Muslim women can wear religious clothing like the hijab or abaya (a long, loose-fitting robe worn by some Muslim women). These laws apply to public schools, sports competitions, and, most recently, everyday classroom wear.
The Zone Rouge, or Red Zone, is the name given to about 460 square miles of totally devastated land in the Meuse. Littered with unexploded ordnance, it became a physical and environmental catastrophe.
Seine-Saint-Denis (French pronunciation: [sɛn sɛ̃ d(ə)ni]) is a department of France located in the Grand Paris metropolis in the Île-de-France region. In French, it is often referred to colloquially as quatre-vingt treize or neuf trois ("ninety-three" or "nine three"), after its official administrative number, 93.
Originating from the French word “aperitif,” an apéro is a pre-dinner (or lunch!) gathering that celebrates the joys of delicious appetizers, refreshing beverages, and relaxed conversations. It's a laid-back, pre-meal gathering with a focus on friends, family, and conversation—NOT spending hours in the kitchen.
Shopping in Paris doesn't have to break the bank! While Paris is famous for its designer boutiques and luxury experiences, there are a selection of more affordable and budget-friendly options too! Head to Rue de Rivoli to find some familiar high-street brands as well as some less familiar ones.
The 70/30 rule in fashion is a wardrobe strategy suggesting 70% of your closet consists of timeless, versatile basics (jeans, neutral tops, blazers) and 30% is for trendy or statement pieces (bold colors, unique patterns, statement accessories) to add personality and keep looks fresh without chasing every trend. It balances longevity with current style, ensuring most of your wardrobe remains relevant while still allowing for fun, expressive items that elevate your everyday staples.
There's no hard and fast rule for how many times you can wear clothing again, but experts say there are a few types that should be washed after every use: underwear, socks, tights, leggings and activewear. This advice also applies to any other clothes with stains, sweat, odor or visible dirt, Mohammed said.
The 3-color rule in fashion is a guideline to create balanced, cohesive outfits by limiting your palette to three main colors, excluding black/white/neutrals (though some count them), using a 60-30-10 rule (dominant, secondary, accent) for proportion, and choosing complementary shades or pulling colors from a pattern for a put-together look.
Lunch is the most important meal in France. You can have lunch in restaurants from 12 noon and until 2pm. In the evening, you can eat from 7pm. Most restaurants serve until 9pm.
In small stores, always greet the clerk by saying "Bonjour" plus their title (Madame, Mademoiselle, or Monsieur) and say "Au revoir, Madame/Mademoiselle/Monsieur" when leaving. The customer is not always right. In fact, figure the clerk is doing you a favor by waiting on you.
