We'll be in Paris in late June. My daughter, age 15, would gladly choose shopping over sightseeing any day of the week, so we're going to have to limit her to one day of maybe 2 or 3 hours. That being said, if you had to select one or two stores that a girl her age should absolutely not miss, what would they be?
Thanks,
Cal
The rue de Rivoli has many, reasonably priced clothing, jewelry, shoe shops that cater to young women, Etam, Zara, H&M, etc. They start around the Hotel de Ville area, going down to the Louvre. She should love this area. Also, the Marais has wonderful, unique shops. A department store like Printemps is great also, You will have no trouble finding placs to shop, virtually everywhere you go! And don't forget Monoprix!
The "Born to Shop" Paris book by Suzy Gershon might be a good reference to get - though it can be an overwhelming!
stores not to miss: H & M, Monoprix for sure....
For mainstream shopping, take her to a couple of the large department stores (i.e., Printemps) and let her check out what sections appeal to her (jeans, shoes and handbags are usually interesting as she might see styles that aren't available yet in the U.S.) - or stroll down the Champs Elysees on your way to the Arc, they have a giant Sephora and a ton of designer stores (very expensive, but good for window shopping).
If she's more into vintage or unique finds for jewelry or clothing, she might enjoy spending time at one of the big outdoor flea markets. Another option to fit in "shopping" without really taking up much of your time is to walk along the Seine between Notre Dame and the Musee D'Orsay and let her buy souvenirs from the bouquinistes, or just pop into a small boutique here and there if you walk around the neighborhoods like the Marais/St Germain.
Limit her shopping time to just a few hours - besides being expensive, she'll likely have all summer to spend at any mall in the US when she gets back. If she's got art museum and cathedral overload, spend time outdoors in a park, go on a boat ride, sit at an outdoor cafe or see something a little offbeat (Catacombs, Pere Lachaise).
Hi Callan,
I'd like to echo everything that BG said, I thought her post was really spot on (the area around H&M, Monoprix - if you're daughter likes make-up she NEEDS to look at the Bourjois selection at Monoprix, she'll pay tripple for it at Sephora in the US). I also bought the book she mentioned, it's a good resource.
Also, when you're rushing to and from sights, you'll pass amazing little shops every day. Let her go in every once and awhile. I really applaud your decision to let your 15 year old shop in Paris, I think it will be a very memorable experience for her. Sights every day can be grueling. Some of my favorite memories of Paris (though I'm 25) was the day my boyfriend and I spent the afternoon shopping -it was more like just a relaxed day like we'd spend at home, with lots of laughing, neighborhood exploration, and fun.
I respecfully disagree with some of the previous posts. 3 hours is like, well THREE HOURS! Your daughter will see plenty of great sights, day after day of sights, but those 3 hours will please and pacify her - and keep her from feeling like she missed out on something that she is interested in. Plus-when I wear the things I bought in Paris here in the US, people and friends are always noticing and asking; which leads into some great conversations about Paris in which I am able to talk about the amazing sights, ect. The necklace or sweater she gets will just be an outlet for her to start talking about the Mona Lisa, or the Orsay =) Have a nice trip!!
BG's post of good places to shop is a great place to start, since the ones down Rivoli from Paris City Hall are close to the center of Paris, near Notre Dame (including some great department stores). Maybe split the time into two, 2-hour segments so you can hit up the Marais as well. Just remember to tell her not to grab stuff to try on. French clerks are from the "old school" as we used to have it. They are professionals, and are more than willing to spend all day pulling out proper sizes, making suggestions, etc. Always nod and smile to the clerks upon entering a store or department, and say a polite "bonjour." And keep an eye on your credit card! ;)
Right Norm, all must know the Paris shopping ettiquite. But all of the stores I listed are large, corporate stores, not small shops, so you can browse and try on things to your heart's content (like in the department stores) without having to go through a sales clerk. In the small shops of any kind, you greet the clerk/owner and ask to see things.
Funny, BG, anytime I've been in the men's department of any of the large department stores, I've always had a clerk come running over to me as I handled the stuff, intent on serving me (and probably avoiding the destruction of their beautifully lined-up displays!) Maybe it's different in the womens' departments.
I guess it is. In 7 trips to Paris, doing tons of shopping -- I've never had a clerk approach me, except in small boutique shops.
I am a 15 year old girl, and I go to Europe every year. I've been to Paris, and we plan on going back this month. In Paris, like London, Vienna, and other European cities, my mom and I found that shopping was part of the city-life experience. It's the way to really be a local and to see how the locals live. If you want your daughter to really appreciate such a world-class city, you have to let her spend a lot more than 3 hours shopping! Of course, you can mix shopping in with sights. When you're out sightseeing, you will pass by stores, and letting your daughter pop in a few of them won't mess up the day.
How could you go to Paris and NOT shop? I don't have any advice on where to go, just wanted to say, I think it's a great idea! I have been admonishing my 10 year old (who is much more of a shopper than I will ever be) to save her spare money for Europe when she tries to waste it on junk here. It's a once in a lifetime experience!
Wow BG....I guess you look like you know what you're looking for. I never seem to. I think all the guys in the mens' department must get paid on commission! That's probably why they don't let me alone.
Norm -- oh I definately look like I know what I'm looking for!
This is from one of Eli's old post, but thought it would be interesting...
click here to see a glimpse of paris fashion and the essentials.
Cal,
We're taking our 2 daughters (12+14) to Europe for 5 weeks this summer, and shopping is Big on our Sightseeing List. If we balance our shopping with our museum hopping we all win. And, in the event the girls want to shop longer than I do, I'm sure we will be able to find some shops with Cafe's nearby that I can grab a cup and relax while waiting.(hmm, that sounds like shopping with them at home) You might want to consider this option for yourself, after all, what a great way for you to People Watch and remain "the worlds best parent" at the same time. Have fun !
I sure envy all these young kids who seem to have money to go shopping in Europe ,,, I had barely enough for souvenirs for friends at their ages.. I mean, who supplies a 12 yr old with money to go shopping as a hobby!
My 12 yr old is bringing her own spending money for our trip this July, she has so far managed to save almost 150 dollars( allowance money for last 6 months or so) , she thought that was alot. Till I told her it wasn't even 100 euros, and that for 26 days that adds up to only 2.60 euros a day spending allowance, which adds up to less then one ice cream cone in Paris,, puts it in perspective.
Pat- Yep, we were on limited allowances too. My teens had saved their money and had gotten a little from their Grandparents for Christmas, but didn't have a lot. But they still had a great time spending it and this made nice memories for them. The boys managed to spend it on food treats and they both bought berets (we were surprised at this) and some little souvenirs. My oldest boy was so proud of the present he bought his girlfriend- a Chinese artist painted letters of names to look like animals (outside the Pompideau). So shopping even with a little money is important for the kids. Their purchases and dealing with the vendors are some of their favorite memories.
Cal- My 20 year old daughter LOVED the flea market (Puce St. Ouen). It's where we bought the most-she got a vintage crocheted & cotton camisole top, a leather purse, and new high boots (20 Euros). There are TONS of new items/tents at the flea markets and they are resonably priced and fun for the kids to make a deal with (negotiate- my youngest got a 10 Euro ring down to 5). The main supply of new things is just after you get off the metro and head under the underpass before you get to the permanent flea market there are tents with lots of vendors selling all the new things-she'd love this and I'd highly recommend it for teens on a budget!
Shopping does not mean buying! Half the fun for us girls is just browsing through stores, trying on, and thinking about if we want to buy something. I just love to look around in stores - I don't usually decide to buy things until it gets to the end of my trip. So just because a teenage girl spends time shopping in Paris does not mean she's blowing all her cash. You have to go in stores in Paris; it's one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Hi Pat,
I agree with what you were saying about kids with all this disposable money, and so I wanted to clarify. My girls (12+14) have been saving since last summer. (we've been planning for a year) The younger has "cat sat" for our neighbours, and they have both "baby sat" as well. We all agreed to have a "lean" Christmas this past year, so we could put money aside for them, & they held a Garage Sale this past weekend where they sold lots of our unwanted stuff and made about $200.
All together, they have managed to save a fair bundle which would make shopping a blast. With all of the work they've put into saving, you've got to know that these 2 girls are the toughest bargain hunters and comparison shoppers around. Unlike many teens and tweens around they truly know the value of a dollar and work hard for everything.
Thats great Sylvia, I think your girls deserve a fair amount of time for shopping , they certainly earned the right! Good thinking about the cat sitting and garage sale, although I am keeping that under my hat as I don't know if I'm feeling up to having one right now, my daughter would be following me around the house going " do we need that" all day long, LOL
I guess I should clarify for others, I am not a shopping fan myself, so if there isn't alot of actual money to spend, I would never choose to just shop for the sake of shopping, which I can see from some of your posts some of you consider fun.
I like to buy things,, ( shoes are a weakness) but I would hate to waste hours just looking at and not being able to buy.. I now understand for others( Nicole) that would be fun!
Its like going into a bakery and not buying a treat, just looking and smelling them,, ugh!
Happy shopping in Paris for teens....definitely Monoprix which has fun jewelry and clothing at reasonable prices but in fashionable styles. Also the rue st. Placide which is sort of across from Bon Marche dept. store(expensive but nice to look at) has outlet stores..not cheap but then NOTHING is cheap in Paris. Further out from the center is the rue ALesia (14th) which also has outlet shops if you have time as there really isn't anything of interest nearby. Watch out for cheap clothes,etc. at flea markets as it all tends to be from China, but the French don't require country of orgin labels on their stuff like we do. Best flea market, I think. is
at the Porte de Vanves on Sat/Sun. mornings.
Have fun!!
Try the Etam store on the right bank. It has great stuff and the prices are low. I bought a great scarf there last year for 5 Euros. They have funky shoes, bags, etc. Great place for a teen.
Pat, I have to admit I did hear alot of "do you need that" but you know what? I actually didn't need it and the house looks somewhat less cluttered. No doubt it's just temporary :)
Well I have just changed my mind. We WILL be shopping in Paris. Thanks for the info, I am adding some of these stores to our stops and the flea markets as well.
They have regular "fashion shows" all over (at stores, shopping malls, etc.), many are teen oriented. I'm not sure how to best look for those but maybe the shopping day would start off well with a teen oriented fashion show near some stores that sell teen oriented clothes.
