If you're looking to show off a brand new collection of trends, that technically, haven't made its way to India yet, take advantage of your vacation in France to indulge in some tax free* shopping, for yourself, your spouse, friends and family or even your children. Keep in mind that the best deals are found at the start of the sales when there is more choice and at the end when the prices are the lowest.

While the sales are held everywhere in France, the dates differ for different regions. However, if you find yourself vacationing in Paris, we bring you a list of the best shopping districts, so that you don't waste your time scouting but use that time to savour a "glace à la fraise" instead.

*As a non-resident of Europe Union, you are entitled to claim back 12% of the paid price. The purchases must be over 175.01€ made on the same day in the same store.

Les Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps

The 2 most famous department stores, Les Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps, are competitors and are located next to one another. All the major luxury brands have outlets in both stores. And because Les Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps attract so many shoppers, many other famous brands have set up their boutiques in this area.
Located on the Boulevard Haussmann in the heart of Paris, Galeries Lafayette offers its visitors 70,000 sq. metres of pure indulgence. Even in the chaotic atmosphere of the sales, you are sure to spend many blissful hours going through 7 floors of a wonderland. Men can enjoy the extensive pleasures of retail therapy at Lafayette Homme, an entire building dedicated to men and their shopping essentials.
In addition to names like Prada, Marc Jacobs and Ladurée, Le Printemps also boasts the largest beauty department in the world, with every makeup brand and perfume you can whiff. The building dates back to 1865, and the facade is now registered as a historical monument. There are eight places to fuel up on food, including underneath the colourful Art Deco dome at Brasserie Printemps, or you can go to the ninth floor of the home store and enjoy a glass of champagne on the rooftop terrace while admiring the 360-degree view of Paris, all after a hard day's work of shopping.

Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne & George V

Hailed as "the most beautiful avenue in the world", the Champs-Elysées is quite impressive and the gorgeous views from the Arc de Triomphe don't disappoint either. The shopping possibilities, too, are endless. From high end boutiques (Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Tiffany's) to affordable souvenir shops, and global chain stores, there is something for everyone here.
If luxury end products are more what you're looking for, head out to the "Golden Triangle" on Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Avenue François 1er. You'll find the most prestigious luxury brands there, but be advised, designers don't offer sales on their haute couture collections.

La Vallée Village

The secret weapon of the effortlessly elegant Parisiennes is La Vallée Village. It may not be located in the center of Paris, but a visit to La Vallée Village should definitely be on your to-do shopping list. Located in the beautiful countryside of the Île-de-France, just 35 minutes east of Paris, La Vallée Village is a luxury shopping experience that hosts 120 best-known French and international designer brands offering stylish products of their previous seasons' collections. Here, you can hardly get tired, as you can always avail of hands-free shopping and other VIP services to make your experience more comfortable. From Balmain to Burberry, to Diane Von Furstenberg and Dolce & Gabbana, be prepared to be answering numerous questions from your friends in India about your new purchases, all at an unbelievable cost- a minimum deduction of 33% and often more! There is also a late-night shopping spree on 14th July! The village is also ideal for families with a well-equipped play area and Disneyland Paris is only 5 minutes away by a dedicated shuttle service.