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Paris - Paris en Couleur
For most tourists, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe might top the list when it comes to visiting Paris. But when you're done with the museums and monuments and are in need of some retail therapy, Paris has a plethora of interesting and diverse shopping districts to explore, each with its own distinct flavour. Here, Karl Mckeever, Brand Director of Visual Thinking, gives us an insight into some of Paris' retail highlights...
It should be remembered that Paris does not exist just for tourists alone. As one of Europe's most populated urban metropolises, with around 12 million inhabitants, the locals have many reasons and lots of opportunities to go shopping.
Last month saw the news that the French economy had grown 0.3 per cent between April and June, bringing an end to the country's year-long recession.
A large proportion of that growth was attributed to consumer spending and, taking a walk around the retail districts of Paris, it's easy to see why shoppers have been tempted to continue their spending.
For those wanting an easy shopping experience in the heart of the city, Forum des Halles is just the ticket. Located close to the Rue de Rivoli and the popular Centre Pompidou, this 1979-built mall sits on the former site of Paris's central market.
The design has a striking architectural style, featuring curved umbrella-like canopies and multiple floors that sink below ground. In fact, most of the mall is subterranean, with a clever use of light and space preventing it from becoming oppressive.
As the mall is served by its own rail and metro station, getting there is easy and convenient. Scheduled for a major upgrade and renovation, it is a popular and busy haunt for French locals.
However, I can't help but feel that it appears somewhat tatty and suffers at the hands of a confusing layout, especially when compared to the high standards set by some of the more recently opened shopping centres.
Forum des Halles and the surrounding area, host many familiar international brands, including branches of Gap, Célio, Zara and Eram, providing an accessible and predominantly mainstream shopping experience.
One area to have received a resurgence in recent years is that around the Louvre, known as Pont Neuf. It still carries some old world charm, with branches of major stores retaining an exclusive feel. Adidas, Louis Vuitton and Habitat, all have important outposts in the vicinity.
One major disappointment is the continued closure of the once iconic Parisian department store Samaritaine, with its famous Art Nouveau / Deco interior and red neon signs that shone out brightly over the River Seine.
Bought by the LVMH Group in 2001, the store was initially closed in 2005, citing 'security reasons' as a result of structural problems. Since its closure, there have been several rumours about possible redevelopment into a luxury hotel and retail complex, which has allegedly now been dropped due to planning controversy.
Either way, to see this 'grand old dame' of retail lying neglected and dark is a shame. It would be like losing Harrods from Knightsbridge. Sacre bleu!
Opposite Pont Neuf is the eclectic district of Le Marais. Here, stores tend to be more individual and with an artisan feel, specialising in jewellery and art. However, there are some trendy boutiques and home stores set amongst the narrow streets too.
A favourite of mine has to be Fleux, a fun store with a great selection of stylish gift and home items - make sure you take time to explore both branches, positioned on opposite sides of the same street.
This place is also great for restaurants, bars and nightlife, with a real buzz about the area.
If big department stores are your thing, the area to head for is around Boulevard Haussmann. Department stores in the French capital are world-renowned for luxury, choice and splendour, and the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are no exception, with their names now being franchised globally.
However, these original stores ooze with 'old money' grandeur, and feature top designer fashion and accessory collections, gourmet foods and luxurious home design, alongside cosmetics, perfume and jewellery, all housed in spectacular heritage buildings with jaw-dropping architectural features.
Look out for the amazing spice gallery on the landing between the ground and 1st floors in Galleries Lafayette. The colours, textures and smells are truly inspiring and are an unexpected find.
Those wishing to immerse themselves in the designer brands should go no further than the area around Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Once synonymous with famous intellectuals who frequented the local cafés, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has acquired a new chic ambience and is now the preferred haunt of the aspiring classes of Paris.
It's now a place with smart pavement cafés, luxury cars, and beautifully dressed couples out window shopping - watch out for Carla Bruni and President Nicolas Sarkozy, who both spring to mind here.
Branches of Sonia Rykiel, Emporio Armani and Hugo Boss rub shoulders with each other. Eagerly awaited is the new Ralph Lauren flagship store that opens in the autumn of this year.
Be careful not to head too far towards the far end, close to Place Félix Éboué, though, unless you're looking for a posh new kitchen! This end quickly turns into designer interior heaven, with major international kitchen brands having extensive showrooms nearby.
Above all, Paris is famous for its exclusive Haute Couture fashion stores. These are concentrated in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district, set between the Louvre and Paris Opera.
This is where the crème de la crème of designer fashion, chic home furnishings and quality cosmetics can be found and is home to the luxury boutiques of classic designers like Versace, Chanel, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent.
The much-celebrated, avant-garde lifestyle store, Colette is also found here and never fails to disappoint. Of course, it's the many smaller, independent stores that have all the eye-catching goodies, with tiny couture shops offering their own tailor's workrooms on site, for alterations and bespoke 'red carpet' commissions.
As one of our nearest European neighbours, Paris is surprisingly similar to London in many ways, offering incredible architecture, great leisure and entertainment options and a huge choice of quality shopping opportunities. Being so close, it can be easily overlooked, but in my opinion, it really is worth rediscovering.
And, with so many easy travel options offering great value, the money you save on getting there can be spent in the stores instead!