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The best Paris souvenirs: What to buy in Paris by a local
Discover the best Paris souvenirs to bring home, from food and fashion to non-touristy gifts, with local tips from a Parisian.
If you’re visiting Paris, there’s a moment that always comes sooner than expected: the confusion of what to bring home. Even if your suitcase is nearly full, there’s always room for an authentic souvenir to memorialize your Paris trip.
French pastries, champagne, candles, silk scarves, and Laguiole knives are among the items our local Holafly expert, Camille Norest, suggested. She was born and raised in Paris and still lives there today.
This Paris souvenir guide includes Camille’s local insights so you can discover items that feel authentic and real, capturing taste, memory, and meaning. Get an unlimited data travel eSIM to go souvenir shopping with peace of mind.
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Nine Paris souvenirs worth bringing home
The best things to buy in Paris often come from bakeries, grocery stores, flea markets, and historic shops, not just tourist shops near the Eiffel Tower. It’s worth familiarising yourself with Paris’ public transportation system to make getting around the city as smooth as possible.
1. French pastries that travel well
Food is one of the best Paris souvenirs, but not everything survives the trip, as Camille says:
“Croissants or pain au chocolat would probably get squished. But some pastries travel surprisingly well,” Camille suggests.
Your safest bets are:
- Madeleine cakes
- Brioche
- Orangettes from La Mère de Famille
- Vacuum-sealed baked goods from good bakers
These are souvenirs from Paris that still taste wonderful a few weeks later. They’re easy to pack and always make great gifts for friends. Plus, the tins they come in can be used for decoration or to store other treats. Nonetheless, you’ll be reminded of your time in Paris every time you use them.
2. Macarons from Ladurèe or Pierre Hermè
Macarons are classic Parisian souvenirs, but where you buy them definitely matters.
Camille recommends trusted names like Ladureè, while many locals also love Pierre Hermè for more modern tastes. These macarons feel luxurious and are the perfect “gift for her”. Conveniently, you can find both of these shops at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
3. French cheese and charcuterie
This tends to surprise many visitors. According to Camille, “You’re allowed to fly with cheese and salami. Camembert, Cantal, Livarot — very French cheeses.”
Important: While this may be true for the EU (in some cases), import rules vary country by country. Some places, like the USA and Australia, restrict/prohibit meat and dairy products entirely, even if they’re professionally packaged. Before you buy, always check your country’s official customs website so you know exactly what you’re allowed to bring back.
Vacuum-packed cheese and cured meats from grocery stores or speciality shops make great gifts. Add a small charcuterie board, and you have one of the best souvenirs from Paris.
4. Champagne
“Champagne, rather than wine”, is a universal French gift, in Camille’s words. Champagne feels celebratory and is one of the best things to buy in Paris if you want something luxurious and elevated.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, some excellent local French wine shops are Nicolas, Fauchon, or La Grande Epicerie. You can also get high-quality yet affordable options in supermarkets like Monoprix.
5. French candles and ceramics
If Paris food souvenirs aren’t your thing, scents and candles are a beautiful alternative. Buly and Diptyque are luxury French brands that offer a wide variety.
You can even get your items engraved, which adds a personal touch to any gift souvenirs.
Astier De Villatte, in particular, is a beautiful historic building to visit and has intricately designed handmade ceramics. Other options include Cire Trudon and Mad et Len.
6. Silk scarves and French fashion
A silk scarf is definitely one of the unique things to buy in Paris that never goes out of style. You’ll find beautiful scarves in department stores like Galeries Lafayette, small boutiques in Le Marais, and shops around Saint Germain des Pres.
Scarves are lightweight, timeless, and ideal gifts and souvenirs. Pair them with any outfit to add a chic touch or wrap them around your bag for extra flair.
7. French skincare
French skincare is simple yet refined. You can find many French pharmacies, such as Citypharma, Pharmacie du Forum des Halles, and Pharmacie Monge, that offer exclusive French products.
De Marseille and d’Ailleurs is a small, local French brand that sells skincare products with minimal ingredients. This would be a great souvenir or gift for those with more sensitive skin types.
French soap is also a cherished local item. It may seem humble, but the French take soap seriously. You’ll find cold-pressed, essential oil-scented, buttery bars that feel luxurious.
Some popular picks are:
- Fragonard’s Ginger & Heliotrope Soap
- Marin Montagut’s Bonjour Sicile Soap
- Bienaimé 1935 Liquid Soap
8. Laguiole knives from the Auvergne region
For something truly special, Camille suggests a less obvious item.
“Knives from Laguiole. They come from the Auvergne region.”
A Laguiole knife is a functional work of art. It’s one of those unique souvenirs that lasts for years and feels deeply French. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best Paris souvenirs that aren’t food or fashion.
Important: Make sure to carry knives and other sharp objects in your checked baggage. If airport security finds sharp items in your hand carry, they will be confiscated.
9. Christmas ornaments and seasonal gifts
If you’re visiting Paris in autumn or winter, Christmas ornaments make beautiful Paris gifts. The Samaritaine is a great place to shop for Christmas-themed items.
Other store options are Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Bon Marche, with an amazing variety, especially during the festive season.
Where to buy authentic Paris souvenirs
For the best experience, skip the souvenir shops near the Eiffel Tower. Instead, explore:
- Le Marais
- Saint Germain des
- The Latin Quarter
- Department stores like Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette
Walking through these areas is a fun experience in itself. You’ll discover shops, cafés, and small stores you didn’t plan to visit, and that’s often where the best souvenirs are found.
If you’re planning your route, our guides on things to do in Paris and how many days in Paris can help you fit souvenir shopping naturally into your trip.
Pair your Paris souvenir shopping with an unlimited data travel eSIM
Before you head out to buy the perfect Paris souvenirs, make sure staying connected is one less thing to worry about. With Holafly’s eSIM for Paris, you can get fast, reliable, and unlimited mobile data — no physical SIM cards, no roaming surprises, and no waiting in store queues.
That means you can look up shops, check opening times, and navigate what to bring back from Paris with peace of mind.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
