5 places to shop for Christmas gifts in Paris

For inspiring city breaks, Paris is easily one of the most popular locations, and when it comes to shopping, the French capital can offer a truly unrivalled experience. A true capital of style, booking a shopping trip to Paris is certain to appeal to anyone who likes to keep up with the latest fashion trends, but also along the charming streets and avenues, you can discover a variety of quaint shops and boutiques hiding some other unique treasures. Choosing self catering holiday rental apartments in Paris offers a perfect base for both romantic weekend breaks and family holidays, leaving you moments way from the wide variety of shops, the Christmas markets and of course the magical display of Christmas trees in Paris over the festive period.

The French capital boasts some of the most glamorous and historic department stores where you are sure to find something for everyone. The Galeries Lafayette, on Blvd. Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, is the place to go for high-end brand names and gourmet food. Housed in a captivating art nouveau building, it is well worth a visit just to experience its glamour and luxurious atmosphere.

Le Bon Marche, on 24 rue de Sevres in the 7th arrondissement, is in a similar vein to the Galeries Lafayette, but it first opened its doors in 1853, forty years before its nearby neighbour. Here you can browse through collections from forty different designers before perhaps paying a visit to their world-renowned wedding boutique.

For designer gizmos and gadgets, there is better recommendation than a trip to Colette, which is on Rue Saint Honore in the 1st Arrondissement. This is where celebrities come to find the latest innovations in electronics and there is also an impressive range of music, DVD’s, beauty products and books.

Literature enthusiasts will be in for a treat with the many bookstalls lining the streets of the Latin Quarter. In Paris, there is over 200 stalls selling rare and collectable works, and there is estimated to be upwards of 300,000 books for sale.

Of course, no seasonal shopping trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the city's charming Christmas markets, which can be found right across the city. Among the countless wooden chalets that takeover the city during December, you can find handicrafts and plenty of fresh French bread and mulled wine.

Have you got a favourite shop in Paris? Why not share it in the comments section below or how about sharing it with fellow travellers by submitting a Travel Tip?