the soldes!!

Dreaming of investing in a classic French handbag or drooling over a cute little dress in that left bank boutique? This is the time to go bargain-hunting in Paris. Shops, department stores, and boutiques all over France will be celebrating in the soldes, the government-regulated sale period that takes place twice a year. (Note that sale dates differ by region; dates above are specifically for Paris.) Prices are first dropped by 20-30% and decrease as the weeks go by, often ending up at 70% off the original price. Chic Shopping Paris’ advice: get to the stores early for the best selection; try the items on before the sale period (if possible) to save yourself time during the sale; and dress in layers—fitting room lines are often horrendous and shops are often overheated. Bon shopping!

The details: from 24 june to 23 july [about 6 weeks long] at shops, boutiques, and department stores all over Paris