Shopping in Paris: our favourite spots near Hôtel R de Paris

Laiterie Gilbert is the fromagerie-crèmerie at 1 Rue de Vintimille that selects the finest products from French regions at fair prices. The speciality here is ready-made platters: raclette, fondue, cheese-and-charcuterie apéro or end-of-meal cheese boards, all put together to order based on your preferences and the number of guests. What makes it special is the no-nonsense guidance: say whether you prefer something mild or something with character, and the fromager will steer you to the right selection in seconds.

Why go: Ideal to build a French cheese board for an aperitif in your room.

Good to know: Ask for pairing advice—staff usually recommend wines and quantities.

La Maison des Bulles is the 9th arrondissement's wine shop entirely devoted to champagne and sparkling wines, tucked away at 26 Rue la Bruyère in a refined, intimate atmosphere. The speciality here is finding the right bottle of bubbles for every occasion — from a casual apéritif to a grand celebration — without necessarily blowing the budget. What makes it special is the welcome and the expertise: the caviste takes the time to understand your context (meal, gift, dessert) and steers you with rare care toward the right style, brut, rosé or extra-brut.

Why go: Perfect to pick a great bottle for apéritif, a gift, or a special occasion in Paris.

Good to know: Share context (aperitif, meal, dessert) and budget to get the right style (brut, rosé, extra-brut).

Philovino is the wine shop on Place d'Estienne d'Orves run by Bruno Quenioux, a recognised expert who curates terroir wines from responsible farming and traditional winemaking. The speciality here is wines of character — Burgundy, Champagne, Loire — with bottles starting at 7.90€ and formats going up to jeroboam. What makes it unique is that Bruno also runs tasting workshops for all levels: you learn to identify aromas, textures, and leave with a bottle chosen with real understanding.

Why go: Easy way to pick a great French wine without guessing.

Good to know: Ask for food pairings and a price range—staff will tailor options.

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse has taken up residence in the iconic "À l'Étoile d'Or" boutique at 30 Rue Pierre Fontaine, steps from the Moulin Rouge. The speciality here is bean-to-bar: the cocoa beans are roasted, ground and conched at Ducasse's Parisian Manufacture, then transformed into bars, pralinés and ganaches from varied origins — Colombia, Madagascar, Peru, Thailand. What makes it unique is tasting a chocolate of real character, signed by one of France's greatest chefs, in a historic setting with the charm of an old-fashioned fine grocery.

Why go: A premium gourmet stop for chocolate lovers in Paris.

Good to know: Great for gifts; ask for seasonal creations.

Inaugurated in 2012 by Klepierre at the heart of the Gare Saint-Lazare, this 12,000 m2 centre across three levels welcomes 130 million visitors a year. Over 80 brands — Sephora, Mango, Lacoste, Levi's, Nespresso, Rituals — and one curiosity: "Muji to Go", Europe's first Muji concept store dedicated to travel. Open from 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, it's the most convenient address in the neighbourhood for a last-minute purchase.

Why go: Convenient if you need essentials or last-minute shopping near Saint-Lazare.

Good to know: Best for efficiency rather than leisurely browsing.

Founded in 1865 by Jules Jaluzot, Printemps was among the first department stores to adopt hydraulic lifts and electric lighting. Its 1923 stained-glass dome, erected at a height of 16 metres by master glazier Eugene Briere, is a hidden marvel on the 6th floor. And the panoramic terrace on the top level offers one of the finest free views in Paris — Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, Opera — with no queue.

Why go: Classic shopping stop in central Paris.

Good to know: Go early for calmer aisles, especially on weekends.

A temple of urban fashion since 2000, Citadium spreads 6,000 m² of streetwear across Rue de Caumartin, right behind Printemps. Over 250 brands — Nike, Adidas, Vans, Converse plus edgier labels — are spread across several floors in a lively atmosphere punctuated by showcases and events. It's the playground for sneaker lovers, collab hunters and anyone after pieces that don't stay on the shelves for long.

Why go: Great for trends, limited drops and a central Paris shopping session.

Good to know: Go early if you want popular sizes.

Gérard Taurin is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France and World Champion ice-cream maker at 27 Rue de Lévis, steps from the hotel. The speciality here is artisanal "haute glace": the milk comes from Norman cows at the Ferme de l'Étoile in the Perche region, and each flavour is crafted with pâtissier precision after 32 years at Lenôtre. What makes it unique is tasting the very best of French ice-cream making — textures of exceptional finesse, worlds away from anything industrial.

Why go: Recommended if you want truly top-quality ice cream, to enjoy on the go or take away.

Good to know: Makes a great foodie gift—ask for boxes/insulated packaging if you'd like to bring some back.

Behind the Boulevard Haussmann facade, the Galeries Lafayette's Art Nouveau dome remains one of the most beautiful ceilings in Paris: inaugurated in 1912, it soars to 43 metres beneath a 1,000 m2 stained-glass window by Jacques Gruber, with ironwork by Louis Majorelle. Below, fashion, beauty and homeware spread across ten floors. The Glasswalk — a glass walkway suspended over the central void — offers a dizzying perspective on the dome.

Why go: One of the top shopping destinations in Paris and a landmark in itself.

Good to know: Visit the dome area for photos, and check for rooftop views if available.

Glazed is the "rock'n'roll" artisan ice-cream shop on Rue des Martyrs, created by Henri Guittet who was bored of classic flavours. The speciality here is offbeat creations named after cult tracks: "Smoke on the Water" (vanilla and hemp seeds), "Pump up the Volume" (mango and Espelette pepper), or "Behind Blue Eyes" (blueberry and coriander). What makes it unique is the commitment: organic, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal flavours that rotate regularly, and a true auteur approach behind every scoop.

Why go: Great for a tasty daytime treat, on your own, as a couple, or with kids.

Good to know: Ask for the flavors of the moment (often seasonal) and lactose-free options if available.

Maison Kitsuné is the Paris-Tokyo crossover imagined in 2002 by Gildas Loaec (former Daft Punk manager) and Masaya Kuroki, a Franco-Japanese architect. The fox-logo brand blends fashion, music (they run their own label) and coffee in minimalist-design boutiques. Iconic sweatshirt, embroidered tee, understated accessories: every piece reflects that effortless chic at the crossroads of two cultures.

Why go: Perfect for a signature buy (sweatshirt, tee, accessories) or a quick Paris shopping stop.

Good to know: Some collections/collabs sell fast—stock can change quickly.

The Galeries Lafayette Gourmet is a temple of French gastronomy spread across three floors and 4,500 m², right behind the Opéra Garnier. Sample the market stands — cheesemongers, butchers, fishmongers, bakers — or build a platter from the fine grocery and wine cellar, which stocks over 2,500 references. What makes it unique is being able to move from a chocolate tasting stand to a seafood counter, then leave with a bottle and a gourmet gift box, all under one roof.

Why go: Perfect for grabbing quality bites or bringing back Paris gourmet products.

Good to know: Go earlier for a calmer experience, especially on weekends.