One of the best times to visit Paris . may surprise you as it has nothing to do with spring time; in fact, one of our favorite times to be in Paris has nothing to do with weather at all! Twice a year boutiques and department stores in the City of Light open their doors and offer deep discounts to customers from both near and far. Called simply Les Soldes (the sales), the bi-annual events stretch over 5-6 weeks in mid-January and in mid-summer. Les Soldes draw thousands of Parisians and tourists alike as shops slash prices on everything from the stunning dress you saw in this month’s Vogue to housewares and antiques. If you count shopping as one of your passions, or covet the finer things in life, you will want to consider a trip to Paris during Les Soldes!

If the rush of Black Friday isn’t quite your thing, do not despair. These sales don’t require lining up before dawn. Although, it is a good idea to arrive when stores open or to scout out your must-have items a day or 2 before the sales begin. If you are looking for goods at higher end designer boutiques (Hermès is very popular during Les Soldes), it’s beneficial to have knowledge of the normal retail pricing so you can determine if the sale price has been discounted enough. As the weeks wear on during this 5-6 week event, most shops will further reduce prices on items that still linger on the shelves. It’s a fine line to walk in your Louboutins, though. If you buy immediately you may be discouraged to see the price go down a few days later, but wait too long you may miss out on something you love. Being clear about what you’re willing to splurge on (and what you’re not) will make the shopping experience more fun!

Ready to get out and shop like a Parisian? Time & Place’s outstanding concierges can help make Les Soldes even better. Your concierge can arrange transportation to your chosen department stores and boutiques, or set up appointments with personal shoppers who will help you navigate the racks and assist in selecting the perfect garments for you. With the bounty of shopping districts, each with their own style and personality, our concierges can also lead you to the best neighborhoods with shops that suit your style. The comfort of returning to your luxury home-away-from-home after a day full of shopping will only be outshined by the thrill of finding the perfect Parisian piece and the experience of living like a local!