Paris is a totally dreamy destination for fashion lovers. It’s where many legendary fashion houses were born, and today it’s still buzzing with designers working their creative magic. But don’t worry, you don’t need a platinum credit card or a couture obsession to enjoy Paris’s fashion scene.
Whether you’re into hunting down vintage gems or can’t wait to see where big names like Dior and Chanel got their start, here are a few of my favorite things to do in Paris for fashion lovers.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Get the backstory on a fashion history tour
If you want the inside scoop, this tour is a great place to start. Led by a true fashion insider, this tour spills all the tea on how Paris became the fashion capital. You’ll stroll through chic spots in and around the Rue Saint-Honoré, dipping into everything from haute couture temples to high-end vintage boutiques. By the end, you’ll be dropping fashion history facts like a pro.
Book the Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour | WA
Do some window shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré or Avenue Montaigne
Even if you don’t take an organized tour, you can channel your inner fashion editor by browsing the boutiques of the top fashion areas of the city. And no, I’m not talking about the Champs-Élysées (that’s a hard pass). The real Parisian fashion world gravitates around the Rue Saint-Honoré and the Avenue Montaigne.
These two streets are where major French labels like Chanel and Hermès got their start and where they still hold court. Peek in the glamorous windows, wander into a boutique or two, and pretend you’re late for Fashion Week.
Here are some Google pins to find Rue Saint-Honoré and the Avenue Montaigne
Image Courtesy of Palais Galliera via Tiqets
Soak up style at the Palais Galliera
Paris oddly doesn’t have a museum that traces the history of fashion, but this place is the next best thing. The Palais Galliera hosts some seriously amazing temporary exhibitions, from shows on specific designers to fashion eras and icons.
As you tour the exhibits, you’ll definitely have plenty of “wow, I wish I could wear that” moments. It also has a café you can linger at and check out what Parisian trendsetters are wearing.
Gaze at gorgeous creations at the Galerie Dior
If you’re happy to zero in on one legendary fashion house, this is the place to do it. Tucked near Avenue Montaigne, the Galerie Dior lets you wander through the history of Dior. And yes, the dresses are as dreamy as you’ve imagined. It’s just like stepping into a couture daydream.
Just a little heads-up that it’s the most popular place on this list of things to do in Paris for fashion lovers, so book your tickets ahead of time. Standing in line in stilettos is not fun.
Book tickets at the Galerie Dior | WA*
*While the venue is accessible, some sections may have limited space (around 80 cm / 31.5 inches wide). It is recommended to contact them in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
Image Courtesy of Fondation Azzedine Alaïa via Instagram
Discover the creative genius of Azzedine Alaïa
If you’re a BIG fashion fan (or secretly dream of being a designer), you have to swing by the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa. Born in Tunisia, Azzedine Alaïa worked his way through top fashion houses, including Guy Laroche, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent, before launching his own label.
By the 1980s, he earned his fame by dressing stars from Madonna to Naomi Campbell. Today, his legacy lives on in this gorgeous little spot tucked away in the Marais, where rotating exhibitions give you a peek into his world, his designs, and the magic behind them.
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Attend a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette
Snagging a seat at a show during Paris Fashion Week? Impossible, unless you’re ultra-connected. But don’t worry, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has your back. The famous historic department store has 30-minute fashion shows that give you a taste of the catwalk life without the stress (or the guest list drama).
You can expect a fun lineup of current-season looks, a little trend-spotting, and possibly some inspiration for some shopping afterwards. Be sure to bring your passport for your shopping, the Galeries Lafayette has its own tax refund office. Plus, while you’re here, don’t miss out on the store’s free viewing deck on the 7th floor.
Reserve your spot at a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette | WA
Image Courtesy of Viator
Take a custom shopping tour with a local fashion expert
Paris has a LOT of shops, like, a where-do-I-even-begin level of choice. If you’d rather skip being overwhelmed, I really think a private shopping tour is the way to go. With a local fashion expert leading the charge, you’ll get a fully personalized experience tailored to your style.
Even better, you’ll hit the kind of boutiques Parisians actually shop at, and not the streetwear international chain brands found on the Champs-Élysées.
Image Courtesy of Merci via Facebook
Browse the city’s best concept stores
If you want to check out what’s the hottest in today’s fashion scene (and maybe leave with a few new pieces), a cool concept store is the place to go. These shops are kinda like if someone with impeccable taste is doing all the trend-hunting for you, so you can just stroll in and browse the very best of the moment.
The Marais is packed with amazing concept stores, and I’ve mapped the best out on Day 3 of our Paris Itinerary, but don’t skip these:
- Dover Street Market Paris (WA): A fashion playground of avant-garde designers and seriously statement pieces. Even if you’re just looking, it’s a whole experience.
- Merci: Effortlessly cool, with a beautifully curated mix of fashion, homeware, and accessories and a fantastic café.
- The Broken Arm: A bit smaller than the others, but packed with carefully chosen pieces from both big names and rising designers.
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Track down the best vintage boutiques in Le Marais
If vintage is more your thing, head straight to Le Marais. This neighborhood is packed with amazing secondhand shops, but finding the good ones can take some serious digging. This is where this tour can be a real lifesaver.
It’s led by local stylist Faiza, who knows exactly where the hidden gems are. and how to spot that perfect piece buried in those racks. It’s a fun experience that kinda feels like an effortless treasure hunt.
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Take a fashion design workshop with brunch on the Seine
Feeling creative? This one’s a little out of the box, but in the total best way. Hop aboard a private boat on the Seine River for a fashion design workshop with a side of brunch. You’ll learn how to sketch a fashion figure like a real designer, dream up your own outfits for different occasions, and maybe even leave with ideas you’ll want to bring to life back home. It’s part workshop, part hangout, and 100% an “only in Paris” sort of experience.
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