Paris is known as the city of fashion. The greatest designers like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton or Jean-Paul Gaultier, are all from Marianne, which is not a coincidence. France has been known as one of the most artistic countries for many years, and it is obvious that fashion isn’t excluded. Are you a fashion lover taking a trip to Paris? France Hotel Guide has selected the best fashion museums and shops in the City for you to visit.
The Museums
1) Palais Galliera
10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, Paris 16e, 75116 Paris
Before it became a fashion museum, the Palais Galliera was built by the Duchess Galliera to host her art collection. However, she ended up bequeathing it to the city of Genoa in Italy, and the Palace became an Industrial Art Museum, then a painting museum. In 1977, it finally became a fashion museum.
Due to the fragility of the pieces, the exhibitions of the Palais Galliera are only temporary and the museum isn’t open all year round. Indeed, a piece disclosed for four months needs four years of “rest”! However, the exhibitions of the Palais Galliera are always very extensive, with numerous period pieces, photographs, drawings, and videos. You will find exhibitions on 1940s fashion as well as fashion from the 18th century!
Opening hours (in the opening season): From Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Open until 9pm on Thursday and Friday. Closed on Monday and some holidays.
Access: Metro 9 (Iéna ou Alma-Marceau), Métro 6 (Boissière) ou RER C (Pont de l’Alma)
Prices: The prices change depending on the exhibitions, but the entrance is free for those under 18 and the persons of reduced mobility. A reduced fare also applies for teachers and anyone under the age of 26.
For more information on the Palais Galliera and its exhibitions, you can check the official website here.
2) The Docks – Cité de la Mode et du Design
34 quai d’Austerlitz 75013 Paris
Formerly industrial warehouses made to keep goods in transit towards the Gare d’Austerlitz, the Docks were transformed into the Cité de la Mode et du Design in 2004. All year round, you will find exhibitions and events around fashion and modern art.
On the roof of the Cité de la Mode et du Design, you will find a rooftop bar as well as a nightclub where clubbers, students, fashion professionals, and curious people can all mix for a night.
Prices: The entrance is free
Opening hours: From 10am to midnight, 7 days a week.
Access: Metro: Gare d’Austerlitz (5 minutes away), Quai de la Gare (5 minutes away), Gare de Lyon- sortie rue de Bercy (10 minutes away).
RER: C – Gare d’Austerlitz.
For more information on the Cité de la Mode et du Design and its exhibitions, you can check the official website here.
3) Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107-111, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Opened in 1864, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs owns the biggest exhibition space dedicated to fashion and textile in the world, with more than 1.500 m2. Like the Palais Galliera, the collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs do not offer a permanent display, and so the fashion division of the museum only organizes temporary exhibitions. Two exhibitions a year are displayed on average.
Opening hours: From Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 6pm, 11am to 9pm on Thursday. Closed on Monday as well as December 25th, January 1st, and May 1st.
Prices: 11€ for a full price ticket and 8.50€ for a discounted fare ticket. The entrance is free for those under 25 years old.
Access: Metro Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (line 1)
For more information on the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, you can check the official website here.
4) Temporary exhibitions
Although Paris only has three museums entirely dedicated to fashion, they are not the only places where you will find exhibitions. Indeed, many museums in Paris hold temporary exhibitions dedicated to the fashion of a period or to a fashion designer. You simply need to take a look at the Officiel des Spectacles (link in French) to know what the best exhibitions are in Paris right now, and you will certainly find one or several fashion exhibitions.
The Fashion Week
The Fashion Week is an entire week of fashion shows, which has occurred every six months since 1973 in Paris. It is the most important of the four biggest weeks of international fashion shows, with New York City, London, and Milano. The Haute Couture weeks generally occur in January and July, and the ready-made weeks occur in March and September.
If you cannot get an invitation to the fashion shows, it’s no big deal. During the Fashion Week, all of Paris awakens, and the fashionistas are out and about. You’ll just have to go out to see the best outfits of the season! And if you pass by the show venues, you will probably get to see some iconic faces of the fashion industry.
Where to buy?
The official shops
Most major brands own shops on the Avenue des Champs Elysées and on the Place Vendôme. They are also available in the Grands Magasins of the Avenue Haussmann.
Louis Vuitton
Address: 23 place Vendôme, 75001 Paris; 101 avenue des Champs-Elysées 75008 Paris
To find a Louis Vuitton store near you, you can check the official website here.
Chanel
Address: 17 place Vendôme, 75001 Paris; 31 rue Cambon, 75001 Paris.
To find a Chanel store near you, you can check the official website here.
Saint Laurent
Address: 53 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris; 6 place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris
To find a Saint Laurent store near you, you can check the official website here.
Hermès
Address: 17 avenue George V, 75008 Paris; 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 75008 ParisTo find an Hermès store near you, you can check the official website here.
Dior
Address: 25 rue Royale, 75009 Paris; 30 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
To find a Dior store near you, you can check the official website here.
Galeries Lafayettes
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
For more information on the Galeries Lafayette, you can check the official website here.
Le Printemps Haussmann
Address: 64, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
For more information on the Printemps Haussmann, you can check the official website here.
Le Bon Marché
Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
For more information on Le Bon Marché, you can check the official website here.
Le BHV
Adresse: 52 rue de Rivoli, 75019 Paris
For more information on the BHV, you can check the official website here.
Concept Stores
Reciproque
Address: 95 rue de la Pompe 75016 Paris
Second-hand clothes shop specialized in luxury brands, Reciproque offers items from the biggest designers around the world.
For more information on Reciproque, you can check the official website here.
Seize
Address: 16 rue de Crussol, 75011 Paris
The Seize shop allies fashion with DIY (Do It Yourself). Indeed, you can attend a workshop where you will learn how to make jewels, embroidery or macramé, and you will go home with your creations!
For more information on Seize, you can check the official website (link in French).
Abou d’Abi Bazar
Address: 33 rue du Temple, 75004 Paris.
At the Abou D’Abi Bazar, you will find many little-known brands, always on the latest trends and the best quality!
For more information on the Abou d’Abi Bazar, you can check the official website here. (link in French)
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
