You may come to Paris dreaming of chic outfits and perfectly curated boutiques, but one of your best shopping stops is a pharmacy.
Yes, really.
That’s because, in addition to being a fashion powerhouse, France also makes some of the best skincare and beauty in the world. From cult-favorite creams to miracle serums, France has got you covered on all the best glow-giving essentials.
And the best part is that these are often at prices MUCH lower than back at home, especially since the US slapped new tariffs on European goods. You’ll find a pharmacy around virtually every corner in Paris, but not all French pharmacies are created equal, and they work a bit differently than what you might be used to.
So keep reading to find out EVERYTHING you need to know about shopping at a French pharmacy, as well as a handy list of the best pharmacies in Paris.
How to find a French pharmacy in Paris
It definitely won’t be hard to find a pharmacy in Paris. Just look for a bright neon green cross. Once you start noticing them, you’ll see them everywhere, especially along busy shopping streets.
You’ll see so many because most French pharmacies aren’t part of a big chain like in the US or the UK. They’re independently owned, which means that each one has its own personality and product selection. Some are small and no-frills, while others are packed with row upon row of goodies that you’ll feel like you’re in a skincare-lover’s paradise.
When are most Paris pharmacies open?
Typically, pharmacies in Paris are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 8pm. Some open a bit earlier or close a bit later, but that’s the general rhythm. That said, lately I’ve been seeing these hours loosening up a tad. You might just stumble upon those green signs flashing on Sundays, especially in neighborhoods like Montmartre and the Marais, which are popular shopping areas for Parisians and tourists.
If you have a medical emergency outside of regular pharmacy hours, you can still get some help because there’s a rotating system of emergency pharmacies called pharmacies de garde (an on-duty emergency pharmacy).
There’s always one on call in every neighborhood. You can find these by googling “pharmacie de garde Paris,” or by checking the notice posted on any pharmacy door, which’ll point you to the nearest open one. They look like this below:
Image courtesy of CPTS Val Durance via Instagram
But there’s another option too. If you don’t mind traveling a bit (or who knows, one could actually be not too far from your hotel), Paris has a few 24-hour pharmacies, including:
- Pharmacie Européenne de la Place de Clichy (6 Place de Clichy, 75009 Paris)
- Pharmacie de la Place de la République (5 Place de la République, 75003 Paris)
- Pharmacie Bastille (3 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris)
Since there aren’t too many, this unfortunately means they usually have long lines, often snaking out the door. But they can really help out in a pinch with some over-the-counter meds to battle a nasty cold or seasonal allergies.
Different “types” of pharmacies you’ll find in Paris
Here’s where things get slightly confusing, but in a very French, “there’s a category for everything” kind of way. There isn’t just one kind of pharmacy here. These are the little differences you’ll find.
Pharmacie vs. Parapharmacie
First and foremost, a “pharmacie” is a place run by a pharmacist that provides medication (prescription and over-the-counter), while a “parapharmacie” is a place that only sells beauty, skincare, and other wellness products.
Most of those glowing green cross shops you’ll see around Paris are actually a bit of both. So you can grab allergy pills, earplugs, AND your favorite moisturizer in one stop.
You’ll also spot parapharmacy sections tucked into some bigger supermarkets, like Monoprix. So this is a handy option if you just need some shampoo, mascara, or night cream along with some snacks or picnic supplies.
Herboristeries (a mecca for natural product lovers)
Paris also has its fair share of herboristeries, which are kind of like old-school apothecaries with a modern twist. These spots specialize in plant-based remedies, herbal teas, and natural beauty products.
You find similar items in organic grocery stores, like Naturalia or Bio C’Bon, and even at some “regular” pharmacies.
Differences between French and American pharmacy products
First off, as I mentioned earlier, most French pharmacies are independent and tiny. Don’t expect massive aisles like at a US drugstore, but do expect French pharmacies to somehow fit an impressive amount into every inch of shelf space.
You’re free to browse the beauty section yourself, but when it comes to medication, everything is kept behind the counter. So if you need something, just ask. And actually, French pharmacists are super knowledgeable. They’re trained to help with minor health issues, and many speak English. So whether it’s a cold, sore throat, upset stomach, or mild allergies, they can often sort you out on the spot, no doctor’s appointment or hospital visit required.
Here are a few other things that might surprise you:
- Smaller sizes: Medications often come in more compact packaging than back at home (no jumbo packs here).
- Different brand names: You won’t find certain brands of medicine here, such as Tylenol and Advil. Instead, you have to ask for the type of painkiller, like ibuprofen.
- Certain meds are NOT over-the-counter here: Like Naproxen and Aleve, so be sure to pack enough for your trip.
- Ampoules: You might be handed a tiny glass vial that you snap open and drink (very French, slightly dramatic).
- Individually packaged doses: You might also be given little plastic vials, especially for things like eye drops, instead of a larger bottle.
- Suppositories: Ummm… where to start. So, in France, these are pills you put up your derrière, so if you’re offered these, just say “non merci”!
Can you get prescription medication at a French pharmacy in Paris?
If you run out of a prescription (une ordonnance), a French pharmacist might be able to help, but it really depends on the medication. In some cases, they’ll ask your doctor to email the prescription directly to them to confirm it’s legit. So it’s doable, but not always straightforward.
Also, while prescription meds are generally much cheaper here than in the U.S., pharmacies aren’t really set up for casual “stocking up” on prescription meds. So it’s best to plan to bring everything you need for your trip (or even extra) rather than rely on trying to get some while you’re here.
What you might want to buy at a French pharmacy
Let’s be honest, you’re probably not flying to Paris for cold medicine. You’re here for the good stuff: the glow-boosting, skin-saving, suitcase-filling French beauty products. I’ve even had friends who had to buy an extra suitcase because they were so thrilled with all the amazing items they found.
One reason that you might like to get French skincare products is that they don’t contain phthalates or parabens, which many North American brands do. These ingredients have been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and other health issues. So this is certainly a big advantage of picking up some products here.
Now, I can’t tell you what you should definitely get while you’re shopping at a French pharmacy. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person might not for another. But if you’re staring at shelves wondering where to start, keep an eye out for French favorites like Avène, Nuxe, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Caudalie, Vichy, Biotherm, SVR, and Phyto.
Image courtesy of Pharmacie Monge via Instagram
The best pharmacies in Paris
As I said before, you can find some skincare products at most pharmacies, but if you’re ready to go beyond a casual browse and into full-on beauty haul mode, you should go to one of these big-hitters. They also have some incredible deals, so you can really save a ton.
Citypharma
Located in Saint-Germain, this super famous pharmacy has unbeatable prices and a massive selection. No longer the well-kept Parisian secret it once was, expect it to be VERY crowded. I always try to go before 10 am and during the week, which is when it isn’t totally crazy. You’ll find most beauty and skincare on the ground floor and meds on the second floor (there’s a separate line for over-the-counter products).
Grande Pharmacie du Forum des Halles
I think this place is even bigger than Citypharama, but when I last went, I didn’t find their prices quite as good. But it’s got a super convenient location in the center of the city, and its calmer vibe can make for a more pleasant browsing experience. Find it inside the Westfield Les Halles shopping mall (Floor -2, near the Porte Rambuteau entrance).
Pharmacie Monge
This Left Bank pharmacy on the edge of the Latin Quarter is a tiny bit less convenient to reach, which means it’s less busy than Citypharma. It’s got a great range of products and often has sales. So it’s a solid choice if you want deals without the chaos of Citypharma.
Tax-refund shopping at Paris pharmacies
If you’re visiting France from outside the EU, you can get a partial VAT refund on your purchases, which makes those already-good prices even better.
You can check out the full details on how to do this in our complete guide to VAT shopping in Paris, but let me give you a quick rundown:
- You need to spend over 100€ at one store (very easy to do).
- Not all pharmacies offer this, so you have to look for “detaxe”, ask at the register, or shop at one of the pharmacies listed above.
- You’ll need to request the tax refund form before paying.
- Keep your receipt/tax form in a safe place, you’ll need it to get your refund.
- Bring your passport (or sometimes a picture of it on your phone works, but not always).
Once you have this, follow the rest of the instructions given in our guide.
Bon shopping! Happy shopping!
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