Paris Shopping Tips by tini58de

La Samaritaine: Elegance and Splendid Views Samaritaine Review

La Samaritaine is a huge department store in the heart of Paris. Well, I should correct myself now (2006): it was a huge department store, since it was closed in summer 2005 due to security reasons. There are lots of rumors going on now: one rumor is that the renovation will last at least 5 years, other rumors are that instead of the reopening of the department store there will be a first class hotel opening and yet other rumors are that the whole building will be torn down....

When I visited in 1996, I didn't go shopping there, but rather enjoyed the fabulous view from the very top!
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Address: 19, rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris

Directions: Bus: 72,76, Louvre Rivoli, 74, 75, 67,
M?tro: Ch?telet, Louvre-Rivoli, Pont Neuf
RER A, B, D, Ch?telet les Halles
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Theme: Department Store

Website: http://www.lasamaritaine.com/

Marche St. Quentin

This covered market was right across the street from our hotel and it was such an enjoyable place to visit! While researching for this tip I found out that this is the one market that mostly resembles the looks and the atmosphere of the old "Halles" that were torn down in the 80s.

We went shopping there, just enjoyed the architecture AND also had a coffee (and later a sip of wine) at one of the very frequented bars there!

Highly recommended!

Address: 85, bis boulevard Magenta 75010 PARIS

Directions: Metro: Gare de l'Est

Theme: Food and Drink

Marché Montparnasse

Just across the street from the Montparnasse Tower was a wonderful little market, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We bought some baguette, cheese and rillettes and since I had a sore throat, my husband bought me a wonderful cashmere shawl. That was my absolute favourite souvenir!

Theme: Food and Drink