The 7 best souvenirs from Paris and where to buy them

Not sure what souvenirs from Paris to bring back to your loved ones? Don't feel like spending money on plastic key rings, pens with the city's name on them or T-shirts with "I love Paris" printed on them? No wonder! The chance that the recipient will ever use them is very slim. So what other things can you buy in France to give your sister, cousin or mother-in-law real, unadulterated joy? And what shops offer the best souvenirs from Paris? Here are some suggestions!

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1. Macarons - a delicious souvenir from Paris

France is known for its cuisine. A good gift from this country would therefore be something to eat. Although such a souvenir won't physically stay with the recipient for long, they will certainly remember it well. Perhaps they might even be tempted to take a trip to France themselves? That's why, in our opinion, an elegantly packaged box of macarons will work best as a souvenir from Paris. They are not only delicious, but also beautiful! You can buy macarons in many colours and flavours in Parisian pâtisseries, so you are sure to find the perfect set for a loved one. It can also be a great birthday or Christmas gift for a lover of sweets.

Where to buy macarons in Paris? We particularly recommend the pastry shop Pierre Hermé at 39 Av. de l'Opéra and Ladurée at 16 Rue Royale.

2. A bottle of good red wine

French wine is a gift that will please any lover of good alcohol, as well as a lover of the culinary arts. After all, you can either drink it or use it while cooking. Such a gift will certainly not be forgotten. Red wine is always the best choice - for example, produced in Bordeaux (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc) or Burgundy (Pinot Noir).

Where to buy good wines in Paris? You can find them in almost any shop, but we can recommend places such as Lavinia at 22 Av. Victor Hugo or Legrand Filles et Fils in the beautiful Galerie Vivienne at 1 Rue de la Banque.

3. Cheese from Paris - a souvenir for French cuisine lovers

Cheese is a staple of French cuisine. It appears in almost every dish; it can be both a starter and a main course. Hard, soft, liquid, aromatic or even smelly - whatever its form is, almost everyone loves it! If your loved ones are cheese lovers too, be sure to bring them a etable souvenir from Paris.

Where to buy good cheese in Paris? We recommend shops such as Taka & Vermo - Artisans Fromagers at 61 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis or Montbleu Faubourg Montmartre at 37 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre.

4. The Eiffel Tower gadget - a classic souvenir of Paris

There is probably no more popular souvenir from Paris than the tiny Eiffel Tower. However, if you don't want to buy a key ring or a metal figurine for your home, you can opt for a more interesting gadget with this world-famous building. We recommend, for example, a bottle of alcohol in the shape of Paris' most famous symbol. This can be wine, cognac, rum or any other beverage. Importantly, once the contents have been drunk, such a decanter can serve the gifted person for a long time to come.

Where to buy alcohol in Eiffel Tower shaped bottles? In Paris, you can find it even in regular supermarkets. It is also available in many souvenir shops.

5. A book from the Boulevard du Seine

Along the banks of the Seine, you will find many stalls manned by so-called bouquiniste (bouquiniste comes from the word bouquin meaning “a book''). They sell old books, postcards and various trinkets associated with Paris. This is the perfect place to stock up on a gift for a lover of antiques or literature. You won't pay much for such a souvenir, and you can be sure that the recipient will appreciate its uniqueness.

Where in Paris to buy a gift for someone who loves second-hand things? You'll find bouquinistes near the Seine, where their stalls are located.

6. Best souvenir from Paris? A beret!

No item of clothing is more associated with France than the beret. What's more, this distinctive headgear is currently coming back into fashion, so take the opportunity to give a loved one a practical and beautiful gift. It's a thing that will stay with them for years to come! Every time it starts to get colder outside, and they will reach for their chic beret, they will remember you warmly.

Where to buy a beret in Paris? The best place to go is to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann at 40 Bd Haussmann.

7. A painting depicting Paris - a souvenir for art lovers

If you are looking for a gift for someone who likes to surround themselves with beautiful things, we have the perfect idea for you: a painting. Walking around Paris, you are bound to come across many street artists who display their works for sale. To make such a gift an even better souvenir of your visit to the city of lights, choose a painting depicting one of its landmark buildings. It could be the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower.

Where to buy a painting with a panorama of Paris? The easiest way to find it will be during a trip to Montmartre. Many artists paint on the Place du Tertre. A cheaper option would be to buy one in a souvenir shop.