25 Best Things To Buy In France That Will Excite The Shopaholic In You

France stands as the global capital of luxury, fashion, and culinary excellence. You’ll discover iconic perfumes created in centuries-old houses, wines from legendary vineyards, and artisan crafts that represent generations of French savoir-faire. 

Every region offers distinctive specialities, from Provence lavender to Laguiole knives, making France a shopper’s paradise that rewards those seeking authentic French quality. This shopping guide for France reveals the 25 best purchases that capture the essence of French culture and craftsmanship. 

25 Best Things To Buy In France

1. French Perfumes and Fragrances

Why Buy from France: France created the modern perfume industry, with master perfumers in Grasse developing legendary scents for over 400 years. French perfume houses like Guerlain, Chanel, and Dior continue this tradition using the finest natural essences and time-honoured techniques that make French fragrances the world’s most coveted.

Where to Buy:Galeries Lafayette Haussmann perfume department, Fragonard boutiques in Paris and Grasse, Sephora flagship stores, individual perfume houses on Rue Saint-Honoré.

Price Range: Classic fragrances €50-150, luxury perfumes €150-350, limited editions €300-800, bespoke fragrances €500-2000.

Authenticity Identification: Genuine French perfumes display official house markings, batch numbers, and proper French labeling. Quality bottles have precise cap fit, smooth glass finish, and aromatic consistency. Purchase from authorized retailers to ensure authenticity.

Pro Tip:

• Test perfumes on your skin and wait 30 minutes to experience full scent development
• French perfumes last longer and have better sillage than most international alternatives
• These luxury items in France often cost 20-30% less than in other countries

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2. French Wine and Champagne

Why Buy from France: French wine regions produce the world’s most prestigious bottles using appellations that guarantee origin and quality. From Bordeaux grands crus to Burgundy vintages, French wines represent centuries of viticulture expertise and terroir that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Where to Buy: Wine shops in French markets, Nicolas wine stores throughout France, Galeries Lafayette gourmet sections, local vignerons at wineries, specialized wine merchants.

Price Range: Regional wines €8-25, quality vintages €30-100, premium bottles €150-500, rare collectors’ wines €800-5000.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French wines display AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) labels, proper vintage dating, and château or domaine information. Quality bottles have consistent labels, proper corks, and clear wine clarity.

Pro Tip:

• Buy directly from wineries for the best prices and authenticity guarantees
• These famous food items to buy in France improve with proper storage and ageing
• French wine shops provide expert guidance for selecting regional specialities

3. French Cheese Varieties

Why Buy from France: France produces over 400 cheese varieties using traditional methods and protected designations that ensure authentic flavours. French cheesemakers perfect their craft over generations, creating textures and tastes that represent regional terroir and artisan expertise.

Where to Buy: Local French food markets, Fromageries (cheese shops), Galeries Lafayette food halls, Bon Marché gourmet sections, regional farms, and cooperatives.

Price Range: Fresh cheeses €3-12 per piece, aged varieties €15-35, artisan specialities €25-60, truffle cheeses €45-100.

Authenticity Identification: Genuine French cheeses show proper AOC labels, natural rinds, and regional markings. Quality cheeses have appropriate texture, natural colours, and characteristic aromas without artificial additives.

Pro Tip:

• Purchase from speciality fromageries for expert selection and storage advice
• French cheese travels well when properly wrapped and cooled
• These best local products in France that pair perfectly with regional wines

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4. Laguiole Knives and Cutlery

Source: Wikipedia

Why Buy from France: Laguiole knives represent France’s finest cutlery tradition, handcrafted since 1829 using techniques passed down through generations. Each authentic Laguiole displays exceptional steel quality, ergonomic design, and the iconic bee motif that symbolizes French craftsmanship.

Where to Buy: Laguiole village workshops in Aveyron, authorized dealers in major cities, speciality cutlery shops, verified online retailers offering authentic French-made pieces.

Price Range: Basic Laguiole knives €35-80, premium handmade pieces €120-300, custom designs €250-600, collector sets €500-1500.

Authenticity Identification: Genuine Laguiole knives bear the maker’s mark, display hand-forged construction details, and feature quality steel that holds sharp edges. Authentic pieces show slight irregularities proving handcrafted origins.

Pro Tip:

• Verify “Made in France” markings, as many imitations exist worldwide
• Authentic Laguiole knives improve with use and proper maintenance
• These handmade items from France make exceptional gifts for cooking enthusiasts

5. French Macarons and Pastries

Why Buy from France: French patisseries create macarons and pastries using precise techniques and premium ingredients that establish France as the world’s pastry capital. Master pastry chefs train for years to perfect these delicate confections that represent French culinary artistry.

Where to Buy: Ladurée flagship stores, Pierre Hermé boutiques, local patisseries throughout France, Galeries Lafayette food courts, traditional boulangeries in every neighbourhood.

Price Range: Individual macarons €2-4, gift boxes €15-45, speciality pastries €4-12, celebration cakes €25-80.

Authenticity Identification: Quality French macarons have smooth tops, ruffled “feet,” and proper chewy texture. Authentic pastries show artisan presentation, fresh ingredients, and traditional flavour profiles without artificial elements.

Pro Tip:

• Purchase macarons on the day of consumption for optimal texture and flavour
• French pastry shops often provide beautiful packaging for gifting
• These cultural souvenirs from France represent edible art at its finest

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6. Provence Lavender Products

Why Buy from France: Provence lavender grows in ideal Mediterranean conditions that produce essential oils with therapeutic properties and a distinctive fragrance. Local artisans create pure lavender products using traditional harvesting and distillation methods perfected over centuries.

Where to Buy: Lavender farms in the Provence region, local markets in Valensole and Sault, speciality shops in Aix-en-Provence, artisan boutiques throughout southern France.

Price Range: Lavender sachets €5-15, essential oils €12-35, soaps €4-12, honey €8-25.

Authenticity Identification: Pure Provence lavender products display rich purple colour, strong natural fragrance, and proper botanical labeling. Quality items show hand-harvested origins and traditional processing methods.

Pro Tip:

• Visit lavender fields during the July-August flowering season for the best selection
• Provence lavender products maintain potency longer than synthetic alternatives
• These traditional souvenirs in France provide natural aromatherapy benefits

7. French Fashion and Designer Items

Why Buy from France: France leads global fashion with legendary houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton creating timeless designs that define luxury style. French fashion combines impeccable craftsmanship with innovative design, making these pieces investment purchases that retain value and elegance.

Where to Buy: Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores, Avenue Montaigne boutiques, Rue Saint-Honoré flagship stores, Le Bon Marché designer sections.

Price Range: Ready-to-wear pieces €200-1500, handbags €800-6000, haute couture €3000-50000, accessories €150-2000.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French fashion items display official labels, quality construction details, and proper documentation. Designer pieces show exceptional materials, precise stitching, and brand-specific authentication features.

Pro Tip:

• Take advantage of VAT refund opportunities for purchases over €100
• French fashion seasons offer 30-50% discounts during sales periods
• These iconic items to purchase in France represent timeless style investments

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8. French Scarves and Accessories

Why Buy from France: French silk scarves and accessories showcase centuries of textile expertise and artistic design. Houses like Hermès create collectable pieces that combine luxury materials with distinctive patterns, making French accessories coveted worldwide for their quality and prestige.

Where to Buy: Hermès flagship stores, department store accessory sections, speciality silk shops, local artisan boutiques, and vintage accessory dealers.

Price Range: Silk scarves €80-400, designer pieces €300-800, vintage scarves €45-200, custom accessories €120-500.

Authenticity Identification: Quality French scarves show hand-rolled edges, vibrant colour consistency, and luxurious silk weight. Authentic pieces display the maker’s signatures and proper care instructions.

Pro Tip:

• Learn basic silk quality indicators before making expensive purchases
• French scarves’ versatility makes them excellent travel accessories
• These unique gifts to buy in France suit all ages and personal styles

9. French Chocolate and Confections

Why Buy from France: French chocolatiers create exceptional confections using premium cocoa and traditional techniques that elevate chocolate making to an art form. Master chocolatiers train extensively to perfect ganaches, pralines, and speciality chocolates that represent French confectionery excellence.

Where to Buy: Pierre Marcolini boutiques, Jean-Paul Hévin shops, local chocolateries, Galeries Lafayette gourmet sections, speciality confectionery stores throughout France.

Price Range: Artisan chocolates €3-8 per piece, gift boxes €20-60, speciality truffles €35-85, seasonal collections €45-120.

Authenticity Identification: Quality French chocolates display smooth finishes, complex flavour profiles, and proper tempering. Authentic pieces show artisan craftsmanship and use premium ingredients without artificial additives.

Pro Tip:

• Purchase chocolates with temperature-controlled packaging for travel
• French chocolate quality peaks during cooler months for better preservation
• These famous food items to buy in France make sophisticated gifts

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10. French Skincare and Beauty Products

Why Buy from France: French skincare represents scientific innovation combined with natural ingredients, creating products that set global beauty standards. French brands like L’Occitane and Caudalie develop formulations using French botanical extracts and advanced research that deliver proven results.

Where to Buy: Sephora flagship stores, French pharmacy chains, L’Occitane boutiques, department store beauty sections, specialized beauty retailers.

Price Range: Pharmacy brands €8-35, luxury skincare €40-150, professional treatments €80-250, speciality serums €60-200.

Authenticity Identification: Genuine French beauty products display proper labeling, ingredient transparency, and regulatory compliance. Quality items show professional packaging and authentic brand authentication.

Pro Tip:

• French pharmacies offer expert consultations for skincare recommendations
• French beauty products often use unique active ingredients unavailable elsewhere
• These luxury items in France frequently offer superior formulations at competitive prices

11. French Antiques and Vintage Items

Why Buy from France: France’s rich history creates abundant antique markets filled with authentic pieces that reflect centuries of French craftsmanship and cultural heritage. From furniture to decorative arts, French antiques offer unique character and investment potential.

Where to Buy: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue antique markets, Saint-Ouen flea market in Paris, Marché aux Puces, regional brocante markets throughout France.

Price Range: Small decorative items €10-100, furniture pieces €150-2000, rare antiques €500-10000, collector items €1000-25000.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French antiques show period-appropriate construction, ageing patterns, and provenance documentation. Quality pieces display traditional craftsmanship and historical accuracy.

Pro Tip:

• Learn basic French antique periods and styles before major purchases
• Antique shopping in France requires patience and careful inspection
• These cultural souvenirs from France often appreciate in value over time

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12. French Kitchen and Tableware

Why Buy from France: French culinary culture produces exceptional kitchen equipment and elegant tableware that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. From copper cookware to fine porcelain, French kitchen items represent professional quality and timeless design.

Where to Buy: E. Dehillerin professional kitchen shop, Galeries Lafayette home sections, Le Bon Marché housewares, regional pottery workshops, specialized culinary stores.

Price Range: Copper cookware €80-400, professional knives €45-200, porcelain sets €120-800, speciality tools €15-85.

Authenticity Identification: Quality French kitchenware shows superior materials, precise construction, and maker’s marks. Authentic pieces display traditional design elements and professional-grade durability.

Pro Tip:

• Professional French cookware lasts for generations with proper care
• French kitchen tools often feature ergonomic designs perfected over decades
• These handmade items from France enhance culinary experiences significantly

13. French Artisan Soaps

Why Buy from France: French soap-making traditions date back centuries, with artisans creating natural soaps using traditional methods and premium ingredients. Marseille soap and other regional specialities offer pure formulations and therapeutic benefits.

Where to Buy: Local markets throughout France, speciality soap shops, Provence artisan boutiques, traditional savonneries, and organic product stores.

Price Range: Marseille soap bars €3-8, artisan soaps €6-15, gift sets €20-45, speciality formulations €12-30.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French soaps display traditional rectangular shapes, natural ingredients, and proper ageing. Quality bars show consistent texture and natural colouring without artificial additives.

Pro Tip:

• Genuine Marseille soap contains a minimum of 72% olive oil content
• French artisan soaps often feature regional ingredients and traditional recipes
• These affordable shopping spots in France offer excellent quality-to-price ratios

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14. French Mustard and Condiments

Why Buy from France: French mustard varieties showcase regional specialities and traditional recipes that create distinctive flavors impossible to replicate elsewhere. Dijon mustard and other French condiments represent culinary heritage and artisan quality.

Where to Buy: Local French food markets, speciality food shops, Maille boutiques, gourmet sections of department stores, regional producers.

Price Range: Traditional mustards €4-12, speciality varieties €8-20, gift sets €15-35, artisan condiments €6-18.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French mustards display AOC certifications, traditional labeling, and proper ingredient lists. Quality products show natural consistency and regional authenticity markers.

Pro Tip:

• French mustard varieties pair specifically with different regional cuisines
• Traditional French condiments maintain flavor longer than mass-produced alternatives
• These famous food items to buy in France enhance any gourmet cooking

15. French Books and Stationery

Why Buy from France: France’s literary heritage creates beautiful books and elegant stationery that reflect French cultural sophistication. From art books to fine writing papers, French publications and stationery represent intellectual tradition and aesthetic quality.

Where to Buy: Shakespeare and Company bookstore, Galignani bookshop, local libraries, stationery shops throughout France, and museum gift shops.

Price Range: French books €8-35, art publications €25-80, stationery sets €15-45, speciality papers €10-30.

Authenticity Identification: Quality French publications show superior printing, binding quality, and paper selection. Authentic stationery displays traditional design elements and craftsmanship details.

Pro Tip:

• French bookstores often stock limited editions unavailable elsewhere
• Quality French stationery makes excellent gifts for writers and artists
• These cultural souvenirs from France provide lasting intellectual value

16. French Ceramics and Pottery

Why Buy from France: French ceramic traditions produce distinctive pottery that reflects regional styles and artisan expertise. From Provence earthenware to Limoges porcelain, French ceramics combine functionality with artistic beauty.

Where to Buy: Regional pottery workshops, local craft markets, speciality ceramic shops, Limoges porcelain dealers, artisan studio visits.

Price Range: Decorative pieces €15-80, functional pottery €25-150, porcelain sets €100-500, artist ceramics €80-400.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French ceramics show traditional glazes, regional styling, and makers’ marks. Quality pieces display proper firing techniques and artistic integrity.

Pro Tip:

• Regional French pottery styles reflect local clay and traditional techniques
• French ceramics often feature lead-free glazes for food safety
• These local crafts and art in France represent generations of artistic tradition

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17. French Textiles and Home Décor

Why Buy from France: French textile heritage creates beautiful fabrics and home décor items that exemplify elegance and quality. From Provence prints to luxury linens, French textiles add sophistication to any living space.

Where to Buy: Textile markets in Provence, home décor sections of department stores, speciality fabric shops, regional craft centers, and interior design boutiques.

Price Range: Provence fabrics €12-35 per meter, luxury linens €45-200, decorative items €20-120, custom textiles €60-300.

Authenticity Identification: Quality French textiles show superior weaving, color fastness, and proper labeling. Authentic pieces display traditional patterns and regional characteristics.

Pro Tip:

• French textiles often feature higher thread counts than international alternatives
• Traditional French patterns reflect regional cultural heritage
• These unique gifts to buy in France transform home environments beautifully

18. French Cognac and Spirits

Why Buy from France: French cognac represents the pinnacle of distilled spirits, with Cognac region producers creating aged spirits using traditional methods and protected appellations. French spirits showcase centuries of distillation expertise and exceptional quality.

Where to Buy: Cognac houses in the Charente region, speciality spirit shops, duty-free stores, premium liquor retailers, distillery visits, and tastings.

Price Range: VS cognacs €30-60, VSOP varieties €50-120, XO cognacs €150-500, rare vintages €300-2000.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French cognacs display proper age statements, AOC labeling, and house authentication. Quality spirits show complex flavour profiles and traditional production methods.

Pro Tip:

• French cognac quality improves significantly with proper ageing and storage
• Distillery visits provide education about traditional production methods
• These luxury items in France often cost less than in export markets

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19. French Gourmet Food Specialties

Why Buy from France: French regional specialities represent centuries of culinary tradition and local expertise that create distinctive flavours and artisan quality. From foie gras to regional honeys, French gourmet foods showcase local terroir and traditional methods. These famous food items to buy in France offer authentic taste experiences

Where to Buy: Top French food markets, speciality gourmet shops, regional producers, Galeries Lafayette food halls, traditional épiceries.

Price Range: Regional specialities €8-35, gourmet preserves €12-30, artisan products €15-60, luxury food gifts €45-150.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French gourmet foods display regional origin labels, traditional packaging, and proper ingredient transparency. Quality products show artisan preparation and local sourcing.

Pro Tip:

• French gourmet specialities often reflect seasonal availability and traditional preparation
• Regional food markets provide direct access to local producers

20. French Handbags and Leather Goods

Why Buy from France: French leather craftsmanship produces handbags and accessories that set global luxury standards. French leather goods combine superior materials with impeccable construction, creating pieces that improve with age and use.

Where to Buy: Hermès flagship stores, Louis Vuitton boutiques, Le Tanneur shops, luxury department stores, specialized leather goods retailers.

Price Range: Quality handbags €200-1500, luxury pieces €1500-8000, small leather goods €80-400, bespoke items €1000-5000.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French leather goods show superior hide quality, precise stitching, and official authentication. Quality pieces display traditional construction methods and attention to detail.

Pro Tip:

• French leather goods often feature unique tanning and finishing techniques
• Investment pieces from French luxury houses maintain resale value

21. French Jewelry and Watches

Why Buy from France: French jewelry and watch making combine artistic design with technical precision, creating pieces that represent luxury and sophistication. French jewelers and watchmakers maintain traditions of excellence that produce collectable timepieces and jewelry.

Where to Buy: Place Vendôme jewelry district, Cartier boutiques, specialized watch dealers, antique jewelry shops, certified pre-owned retailers.

Price Range: Fashion jewelry €50-300, luxury pieces €500-5000, haute joaillerie €3000-50000, vintage watches €200-10000.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French jewelry displays proper hallmarks, quality settings, and official documentation. Quality pieces show superior craftsmanship and materials.

Pro Tip:

• French jewelry often features unique design elements and superior gemstone quality
• Vintage French pieces frequently offer excellent value and distinctive style
• These luxury items in France require authentication for valuable purchases

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22. French Art and Prints

Why Buy from France: France’s artistic heritage creates abundant opportunities to acquire original art and prints that reflect French cultural sophistication. From contemporary galleries to vintage poster shops, French art offers diverse styles and investment potential.

Where to Buy: Paris art galleries, Montmartre artist studios, vintage poster shops, museum gift shops, art markets, and fairs throughout France.

Price Range: Vintage posters €25-200, contemporary prints €50-400, original paintings €200-5000, limited editions €100-800.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French art displays proper signatures, provenance documentation, and quality materials. Original pieces show artistic integrity and traditional techniques.

Pro Tip:

• French art markets often feature emerging artists with investment potential
• Vintage French posters represent an affordable entry into art collecting
• These cultural souvenirs from France provide lasting aesthetic value

23. French Regional Crafts

Why Buy from France: French regions maintain distinct craft traditions that produce unique items reflecting local culture and artisan skills. From Brittany pottery to Alsace woodwork, regional crafts showcase France’s diverse cultural heritage.

Where to Buy: Regional craft centers, local artisan workshops, traditional markets, tourist information centers, specialized craft retailers.

Price Range: Small craft items €10-45, traditional pieces €35-150, artisan works €80-400, collector crafts €150-800.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic regional crafts show traditional techniques, local materials, and cultural accuracy. Quality pieces display artisan signatures and regional characteristics.

Pro Tip:

• Regional French crafts often reflect centuries-old techniques and cultural traditions
• Local artisans provide insights into traditional methods and cultural significance
• These handmade items from France make meaningful cultural connections

24. French Honey and Preserves

Why Buy from France: French honey varieties and preserves reflect regional flora and traditional production methods that create distinctive flavours and therapeutic properties. French beekeepers and preserve makers maintain artisan standards that produce exceptional quality.

Where to Buy: Local farmers markets, specialized honey shops, regional producers, gourmet food stores, traditional confituriers throughout France.

Price Range: Local honey €8-20, speciality varieties €12-35, artisan preserves €6-18, gift sets €25-60.

Authenticity Identification: Quality French honey shows regional flower sources, natural crystallization, and producer information. Authentic preserves display traditional recipes and local fruit sourcing.

Pro Tip:

• French honey varieties change seasonally based on flowering patterns
• Traditional French preserves often feature unique fruit combinations and cooking methods

25. French Christmas Decorations

Why Buy from France: French Christmas traditions create beautiful decorations that reflect regional customs and artisan craftsmanship. From Alsace ornaments to Provençal santons, French holiday decorations add authentic charm to seasonal celebrations. These festive buys in France create lasting holiday memories and traditions.

Where to Buy: Christmas markets throughout France, speciality holiday shops, regional craft centers, traditional decoration makers, seasonal market stalls.

Price Range: Small ornaments €5-20, traditional decorations €15-60, artisan pieces €35-150, complete sets €80-300.

Authenticity Identification: Authentic French Christmas decorations show traditional designs, quality materials, and regional styling. Quality pieces display artisan craftsmanship and cultural accuracy.

Pro Tip:

• French Christmas markets offer the best selection during November and December
• Traditional French decorations often feature unique regional variations

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FAQs

What are the best things to buy in France?

French perfumes, wines, cheeses, and fashion items represent the finest purchases. These authentic products showcase French expertise in luxury goods, culinary arts, and traditional craftsmanship. Luxury items like handbags and jewelry often cost less in France than in other markets.

Where to shop in France for authentic French products?

Galeries Lafayette and Printemps offer comprehensive selections under one roof. Local markets provide regional specialities and artisan products. Department stores guarantee authenticity while markets offer direct contact with producers and competitive pricing.

What are the top markets in France for tourists?

Lyon’s Les Halles de Paul Bocuse, Provence food markets, and Parisian weekend markets provide excellent shopping experiences. Each market specializes in regional products, fresh foods, and local crafts that represent authentic French culture.

How does local markets vs malls in France shopping compare?

Markets offer authentic regional products, competitive prices, and cultural experiences. Malls provide convenience, guaranteed quality, and VAT refund services. Markets excel for food and artisan items, while malls serve luxury shopping and international brands.

Can tourists get VAT refunds on French purchases?

Yes, non-EU residents can claimVAT refunds on purchases over €100 from single retailers. Process refunds at the airport customs before departure. Major department stores provide refund assistance and proper documentation.

What shopping tips for France tourists ensure authentic purchases?

Shop at authorized retailers for luxury goods. Learn to identify quality markers for specific products. Compare prices between different shopping areas. Keep receipts for VAT refunds and customs declarations.

Which best malls in France offer luxury shopping experiences?

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann provides the ultimate luxury shopping with historic architecture and rooftop views. Printemps offers focused luxury brands. Le Bon Marché delivers sophisticated shopping in elegant surroundings.

What makes antique shopping in France special?

Markets like L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Saint-Ouen brim with authentic antiques, making them perfect spots for things to buy in France. These French antiques offer unique character, cultural significance, and investment potential, embodying centuries of craftsmanship and artistic heritage.