The Paris Holiday Shopping & Sipping Guide
Where to shop, sip, and celebrate this December in Paris
Paris in December doesn’t shout for attention. It glows. The lights along the boulevards, the warm shop windows, the sound of clinking glasses inside cafés where everyone’s taking refuge from the chill. It’s a month for wandering, not rushing. You don’t need an itinerary so much as a rhythm: a little shopping, a little sipping, a little sparkle.
This is my personal guide to Paris during the holidays. The places I want to actually go for gifts, good wine, and winter cheer. Every shop here was chosen for craftsmanship and character. No influencer traps, no crowds (well, I should not promise that - it is the holidays after all), just beautiful things and a few lovely places to pause along the way.
Leather and Handcrafted Goods
RSVP Paris – 8 rue Sainte-Claude, 3rd arrondissement
RSVP’s handbags are limited to 500 pieces per design and made in small Paris workshops. The shapes are sculptural, the finishes rich, and each piece feels made to last.
Nearby pause: After you’ve fallen for RSVP’s limited-edition leather bags, wander a few blocks for a chocolat chaud that rivals any gift you’ll take home — Carette for the classic Parisian scene, or Jacques Genin for pure chocolate artistry.
Le Tanneur – 18 Rue de Sèvres, 7th arrondissement
A classic Parisian leather house founded in 1898, Le Tanneur is known for timeless craftsmanship and elegant design. This is where locals go when they want a handbag or wallet that won’t date by spring.
Pair it with: A wander through Le Bon Marché’s La Grande Épicerie just across the street for gourmet gifts and a quick espresso at the counter.
Cashmere and Winter Layers
Tricot Paris – 12 rue des Filles du Calvaire, 3rd arrondissement
Tricot’s recycled cashmere pieces are soft, modern, and meant to be lived in. Each sweater feels like a souvenir from a slower season.
Afterward: Walk to Le Mary Celeste in the Marais for oysters and a winter cocktail. The bar is warm, welcoming, and perfectly Parisian. Or if it is something more cozy and a bit of people watching, try to slip into Café Charlot on Rue de Bretagne for a warm drink.
Kujten – 46 Rue du Bac, 6th arrondissement
Parisians love Kujten for its high-quality Mongolian cashmere and easy shapes. Their jewel tones and relaxed cuts make it simple to look polished while staying warm.
Tip: Ask about their seasonal palette; the color combinations change every winter and never disappoint.
Couleurs & Cachemire – (@couleursetcachemire) · Paris
This boutique specializes in incredible pashminas that make you wish for colder weather. Each piece feels designed to make you feel cozy and beautiful all at once. Last time I was there, it was by appointment only, so call ahead, it’s worth it.
Crimson 8 Rue Marbeuf, 8th arrondissement - I have been following Lynda Wright for ages, and I love her vibe and her choices. So simple, yet always so pulled together and so completely Parisienne. The shop is in the Triangle D’Or, so if you feel like opening up the wallet floodgates, there is no better spot. I am in love with her silk bomber jacket this season!
Afterward: Keep the fancy feels going with a drink at Bar Les Ambassadeurs at the Hotel de Crillon or Le Marta - the rooftop bar at Hotel Fouquet’s Paris. Either one of these jewel box-looking bars offers a glamorous cap to your shopping afternoon.
Design, Décor, and Objects with Soul
Astier de Villatte – 173 rue Saint-Honoré, 1er arrondissement also in the 6th
Astier de Villatte is part shop, part dreamscape. White ceramics, smoky-scented candles, and stationery that feels as if it’s been waiting for your hand. Artisans make everything here and feels unmistakably Parisian.
Nearby pause: Stroll through the Tuileries, then stop at Bar Hemingway at the Ritz for an evening martini and a dose of timeless glamour.
Officine Universelle Buly 1803 – 6 Rue Bonaparte, 6th arrondissement
Buly is an apothecary of the old world, filled with perfumes, oils, and grooming tools that look as beautiful as they smell. They’ll personalize labels in calligraphy on the spot.
Pair with: A stop at Café de Flore for a warm-up and a view of Saint-Germain’s winter swirl.
Empreintes – 5 rue de Picardie, 3rd arrondissement
Empreintes is where Parisians go when they want to give something meaningful. The four floors are filled with ceramics, jewelry, and artful home pieces made by French craftsmen. This is one of my favorites to just browse and enjoy. There is so much to look at and it changes all the time - take your time and soak it in, and if you are inclined…take something home.
Nearby idea: If you didn’t make it earlier, loop back to Le Mary Celeste for oysters and a glass of natural wine, a well-earned finale to your Marais finds - obviously, I like this one since I have suggested it twice. I just like the vibe and the oysters.
Photo by Trey Schatzmann
The One Department Store Worth Visiting
Le Bon Marché & La Grande Épicerie – 24 Rue de Sèvres, 7th arrondissement
Le Bon Marché is what a department store should be: elegant, calm, and beautifully curated. During December it’s especially magical, with tasteful decorations and a gourmet food hall that makes you want to host a dinner party on the spot.
Plan ahead: Combine your visit with Le Tanneur or Caroline De Marchi nearby, then stay for lunch at La Table, the restaurant inside La Grande Épicerie.
**I also admit to loving La Samaritaine! The holiday windows do not disappoint, and although they are filled with the larger “marques,” the collections are small and curated, and the service is fantastic - I am always grateful for excellent service at the holidays.
Paper, Pens, and Little Luxuries
L’Écritoire – 26 Passage Molière, 3rd arrondissement
A family-run stationery shop since 1975. Wax seals, fine papers, and fountain pens fill every corner. If you still believe in handwritten notes, this is heaven.
Nearby stop: Café Charlot on Rue de Bretagne is close by and perfect for a midday bistro break.
Photo by Francesco La Corte
December Events Worth Adding to Your List
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market (1st arrondissement)
From late November through early January, the Tuileries transform into a festive village of wooden chalets, lights, and the scent of roasting chestnuts. Stop after shopping along Rue Saint-Honoré and soak up the glow.
Rooftop Ice Rink at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann (9th arrondissement)
Skating on a rooftop while the Eiffel Tower sparkles in the distance feels almost cinematic. Open December through early January, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Christmas Village at Champ de Mars (7th arrondissement)
Set beneath the Eiffel Tower, this market runs from mid-December through New Year’s Eve. Expect artisanal food stalls, hot chocolate, and champagne by the glass. Go at dusk for the lights.
Holiday Lights Walk and Window Displays
The city truly shines in December. Start at Place Vendôme, continue along Avenue Montaigne, and finish at the Champs-Élysées. End your walk with a nightcap at Bar Hemingway or a glass of wine in Saint-Germain.
Paris at the holidays isn’t about quantity. It’s about slowing down long enough to see what’s beautiful, to buy something with intention, and to savor the season the way Parisians do: one small pleasure at a time.
Keep your scarf handy, your appetite curious, and your heart open to whatever magic the city offers you this winter. À bientôt sous les lumières de Noël.
Sidenote: Check websites for updated hours of operation, addresses, and holiday market dates - things change, and it is always a great idea to double-check the details before heading out on the town.
