Looking to score up to 80% off on luxury French brands? Then plan your trip around the Paris summer sales (Les Soldes d'été), running this year from June 25 to July 22, 2025. Here's your ultimate guide to where to shop, how to save, when to go, and how to get your tax refund. Let’s make your shopping spree smarter - and more Parisian.

When are the Paris summer sales in 2025?

France's official Les Soldes d'été start on June 25, 2025, and run through July 22, 2025. These dates are fixed by the French government and apply nationwide.

Sales typically unfold in three markdown phases:

• Week 1: 20–40% off
• Week 2: 50–60% off
• Final markdown: 70–80% off - with limited stock

Pro tip: The first days are perfect for choice and sizes. The last days are for true bargain hunters.

Where to Shop During Les Soldes in Paris - A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Breakdown

Paris is a city made for shopping - and Les Soldes turn it into an absolute playground. But not all shopping areas are created equal. Below is your insider guide to the best places to score deals - from high-end boutiques to trendy concept stores and budget-friendly chains.

What to Buy in Paris, France: A Local-Inspired Guide for Smart Shoppers

Galeries Lafayette & Printemps (9th Arrondissement - Opéra District)

Type: Luxury & mid-range department stores

What to find: High-end fashion, cosmetics, accessories, shoes, lingerie, home decor

Brands: Balenciaga, Maje, Sandro, The Kooples, Claudie Pierlot, YSL Beauty, Estée Lauder, Dior, Chanel Fragrances

Why go: These two grand magasins are Parisian institutions. They offer the widest variety of designer and premium French brands under one roof, with structured markdowns updated weekly. Expect huge selections, themed displays, and even dedicated “Soldes Zones” with racks organized by discount tier.

Pro tip:

• Head to the "Galerie des Galeries" outlet corner inside Galeries Lafayette for deeper final-week markdowns.
• Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the city (free access!).

Golden Triangle (8th Arrondissement - Avenue Montaigne, Champs-Élysées & Avenue George V)

Type: Ultra-luxury & flagship boutiques

What to find: Haute couture, limited editions, premium leather goods

Brands: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, Givenchy, Balmain

Why go: If you’re dreaming of buying luxury in its homeland, this is where dreams come true. While brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel don’t officially participate in Les Soldes, you can often find sales in adjacent multi-brand boutiques (e.g., Montaigne Market) or on older collections and seasonal pieces.

Pro tip:

• Check out Sézane’s Appartement on Rue Saint-Fiacre (nearby 2nd arr.), where lines are common - but worth it.
• Vintage alert: Guerrisol and Kilo Shop often run €1–5 bins during final markdown week!

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement - Boulevard Saint-Germain)

Type: Quiet elegance & upscale casual

What to find: Designer basics, accessories, perfumes, books, gourmet food items

Brands: A.P.C., Agnès B., Sonia Rykiel, L'Occitane, Diptyque, Longchamp

Why go: For a relaxed yet refined shopping experience, Saint-Germain is perfect. Many stores are less crowded, and the sales are more curated. It’s ideal if you’re looking for quality over quantity - and maybe a designer tote or signature perfume.

Pro tip: Visit Le Bon Marché (Paris’s oldest department store) for an artsy, more local vibe. Their soldes are generous - and beautifully presented.

Rue de Rivoli & Les Halles (1st Arrondissement)

Type: Budget-friendly & high-street

What to find: Mass-market clothing, basics, trendy seasonal wear, cosmetics

Brands: Zara, Mango, Uniqlo, H&M, Bershka, Sephora, KIKO Milano

Why go: If you want to stock up on stylish essentials without breaking the bank, this is your go-to. Rue de Rivoli is lined with international fast-fashion giants, while Forum des Halles offers multi-level shopping - ideal for rainy days.

Pro tip: Sephora’s flagship (next to Hôtel de Ville) does huge markdowns on gift sets and discontinued products. Explore side streets like Rue du Temple for surprise sample sales during the season.

Outlet Malls & Discount Villages (Day Trips from Paris)

Want designer deals beyond the city center?

• La Vallée Village (Serris) – 40 min by train from Paris. Over 110 boutiques (e.g., Prada, Tod's, Céline) with year-round discounts + extra reductions during Les Soldes.
• One Nation Paris – The largest outlet near Versailles with many French mid-range brands.

Pro tip:

• Go early and on weekdays - these places get packed during sales!
• Tax Refund applies here too.

Summary Table - Where to Shop Based on Your Style & Budget 2025

Type of Shopper	Go Here	Budget Level
Luxury Lover	Golden Triangle, Le Bon Marché	$$$$
Fashion-Forward	Le Marais, Galeries Lafayette	$$$
Casual Smart	Saint-Germain, BHV Marais	$$–$$$
Trendy & Budget-Conscious	Rue de Rivoli, Forum des Halles	$–$$
Serious Bargain Hunter	La Vallée Village, Kilo Shops	$–$$$

Tips for Smart Shopping During Les Soldes

✅ Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best sizes

✅ Create a wishlist ahead of time - focus on investment pieces

✅ Try before you buy - returns are limited during sales

✅ Use offline maps to navigate districts

✅ Don’t forget about the VAT refund (Tax-Free shopping) - details below

How Tax Refunds Work During Les Soldes

Non-EU tourists who can also get an extra 13% off via VAT refund when shopping in France.

Requirements:

• Be a permanent resident outside the EU
• Hold a valid passport
• VAT refund application (Airvat)
• Submit VAT invoices, generate a barcode to scan at the airport before departure.
• Have your shopping items unused and ready in case selected for a customs inspection

Tip: You can shop Tax-Free in all shops with a tax refund application, such as Airvat, as long as you collect a VAT invoice issued to Airvat. The shop does not need to participate in the “Detaxe” scheme or offer VAT refunds at the checkout.

French Vocabulary for Shopping in Sales Season

French	English
Soldes	Sales
Jusqu'à -70%	Up to 70% off
Démarque	Markdown
Dernière démarque	Final markdown
Taille	Size
Remboursement	Refund
Essayage	Fitting room

Best Dates to Visit Paris for Les Soldes

• June 25–30: Best size selection
• July 1–10: Great balance between price and choice
• July 15–22: Deepest discounts, but limited options

Instagram tip: Window displays in Paris during the sales are spectacular — don’t miss them!

Les Soldes in Paris is more than a sale — it’s a shopping ritual. Plan your trip well, know the neighborhoods, Install a VAT refund application. Carefully study the refund instructions!, and return home with a suitcase full of Parisian style.

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FAQ - What Tourists Ask Before Shopping

• Can I return items bought on sale?
  Sometimes yes, but often sale items are final. Always ask the staff before paying.
• Can I pay in cash and still get a VAT refund?
  Yes. You can still claim VAT even for cash purchases.
• What if I’m traveling around the EU before flying home?
  Stamp your VAT refund form at the last EU country before exiting the European Union.