Paris is one of the few cities in the world where you should not go to a specific place to make your shopping because opportunity encountered everywhere. Shop windows are full of creativity and expression, as few can find in other cities of the world.

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 10 to 19, but hours vary and some small shops have lunch break for two hours. Thursday is the day for shopping as the stores are open until 21 or 22 hours. Sunday, only shops in tourist areas that are of great interest and those on the Champs Elysees are open.
Twice a year, there is the highly anticipated "rendez-vous" with discounts for bargain lovers and fashion victims. Big discounts and special offers are everywhere.

Discounts are especially at clothes, shoes, accessories but also at household products. Discounts are promoted to sell remaining products from last season collection. For a pleasant shopping experience, visit the shops from the two famous shopping centers on the Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement: Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, which are located next to each other.

One from the most popular places where you can find a real treasure is The Fair. Paris France has three such fairs, which dates back to ancient times and are situated around the old city's gates. If you are looking for rare and unusual books, then you have to walk on the banks of the Seine, the home of famous bouquinistes. Paris Art Market is the place to go on Sunday (10 - 19:30), in Montparnasse, was a huge outdoor art gallery where exhibit more than 100 sculptors, painters, photographers, jewelers.

For fashion shopping you can go the 8th arrondissement, Avenue Montaigne, for brands: Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Valentino, and Rue du Faubourg St-Honore, for: Christian Lacroix, Gucci and Hermes, and for other famous art galleries and antique shops. Champs-Elysees and the four commercial galleries - Le Claridge, Elysees 26, Galerie du Rond-Point and Le Lido - have become a tourist attraction, but first, a landmark for shopping enthusiasts. Here are established the brands: Benetton, Adidas, Nike, Gap, Disney Store or Sephora. Louis Vuitton store dominates one of the streets that crosses the famous boulevard from Paris.

Increasingly many famous designers and stores have moved on Rive Gauche: Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton, and if you're lucky even find a parking place on this street. For discounts and oldest collections go on Rue St-Placide.
Although there are many places to see in Paris, many come here for shopping. Whatever you are looking to buy, Paris is probably the most appropriate destination, since shops are an integral part from the city's cultural identity.

Museums and Galleries
There are so many in this city that it's hard to know which ones to visit so to help, I've selected a few of my favourites which I think you should go and see. Here they are:

Musee du Louvre
One of the world's largest collections of art and antiques, including the famous Mona Lisa. It was a royal residence for 700 years before it was a museum. Visit their web site at www.louvre.fr.

Musee d'Orsay

This is a huge iron and glass railway station built in 1900 (it was originally the Gare d'Orsay) - it was converted to an arts complex in 1986. There are paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, furniture, architecture and photography, all illustrating (in their words) 'the artistic creation of the western world from 1848 to 1914'. It is considered by a lot of people to be the most viewer-friendly of the Paris museums, even in the world - I would urge you to go and decide for yourself! Find out more at www.musee-orsay.fr.

Musee Picasso

There are over 3000 examples of Picasso's work plus art by Cezanne and Matisse. It all belongs to the man who collected the salt tax in the 17th century, who owned the hotel that the museum is housed in.

For the Family

There are lots of places that the whole family can enjoy. The 2 best places to go are:

Disneyland Paris

The one place you absolutely must visit with kids is Disneyland. Every child dreams of visiting the magical kingdom and you'll see their faces light up as they meet Mickey, Minnie and all their other favourite characters. It's great any time of year, with rides and attractions for kids and adults of all ages – there's even a world-class golf course, a luxurious spa and loads of shops. You can take advantage of some great offers, including some ‘kids go free' packages. Family holidays have never been more fun!

Aquaboulevard

It's a large indoor aquatic park on the edge of Paris with waves, slides, exotic trees, swimming pools… and gorgeously inviting water. It also has tennis and squash courts, and a fitness centre. All in all, it's a great day out if you're looking to have fun, relax or indulge in a bit of sport – or all three!

Shopping

For designer labels like Cartier, Dior and Chanel, you need to visit Rue du Cherche-Midi and Rue de Grenelle. If you're like me and can't quite stretch to that, then move onto the Champs-Elysees where you can find slightly more affordable stores like Zara, GAP and H&M. The one place you have to go is Paris' flea markets – they're great for picking up bargains and unusual treasures. Eating Out There are far too many great restaurants in Paris to even begin to write a good list. Instead there are 1 or 2 which you absolutely HAVE to visit:
Au Bon Accueil This chic restaurant used to be a bistro and serves a great value set lunch cooked by chef Naobuni Sasaki. The pavement terrace has an Eiffel Tower view.
L'Avant Gout This is a classic French bistro. A typical dish is the pot-au-feu de cochon – pork served with sweet potatoes, fennel and a glass of spiced broth. At lunch, you can have a soup, plat du jour, glass of wine and coffee for just €14!
So there you have it. If your planning on visiting Paris for your family holidays, the above list should keep you fairly busy. Have a great trip!