Finding deep discounts at Paris consignment shops.

Anyone who’s been to Paris knows that the shopping is some of the best in the world.  Licking the windows -- as window shopping is called here -- along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore or Avenue Montaigne is both a pleasure and a torture.  Because very few of us can afford to pay retail at Dior, Chanel, Hermes, and the other designer boutiques on those stately avenues. 

If you get tired of looking without buying, there is an alternative. Paris is also well known for its flea markets and consignment shops or depots-vente. These are where smart Parisians on a budget make their Euros go farther. And they’re fun places to shop where the staff are usually friendly and helpful.

Although it’s hard to believe, French women who wear haute couture don’t want to be seen in the same outfit more than once.  And they wouldn’t be caught dead in something that was seen on the runway last year.  But even they are more cost conscious than they used to be.  So they take their once- or twice-worn clothes to high-end consignment stores.  These shops, which specialize in top end designers, give the seller a percentage of the sale.   So the store and the seller make some money, and someone else picks up a gently used designer outlet for about half of the original price.  Truly a win, win, win situation.

Some consignment stores get their wares from models who are given the clothes after photo shoots.   You’ll also find handbags, shoes, belts, accessories, and sometimes even artwork and furniture.  Don’t expect prices that match your local Goodwill.  There are some great buys, but no giveaways.

The first depot-vente and the one that started the craze was established in 1978. Called Reciproque, it is divided up into seven boutiques, selling all kinds of things. It’s in the 16th arrondissement, which is a little out of the way for most travelers. But if you’re a serious shopper, it may be worth the effort.

One of the best known Paris consignment shops is Free “P” Star, which is conveniently located in the Marais. It’s a small shop, jam packed with clothes. Sofia Coppola and Kirtsen Dunst discovered the place when they were in Paris making Marie Antoinette.

Another well-known shop is Fan-Fan’s Depot Vente. The gals here will be happy to help you find a Hermes scar, Vuitton handbag, or little something from Dior.

Depot Vente de Buci-Bourbon has a shop that specializes in Gaultier, Yamamoto, and other current designers, and another one that sells vintage couture.

Although it’s not really a consignment shop, the Vallee Village outlet mall near Eurodisney Paris is another good place to buy designer duds at a discount.  There are more than 90 boutiques there, including Versace, Givenchy, Agnes B, Armani, and Christian Lacroix.

To get there, take the RER train from Paris.