Historically the birthplace of haute couture, Paris continues to attract as many luxury boutiques as ever. Spotlight on the most sought after shopping streets in Paris, and those on the rise.

In 2015, France, and above all Paris, recorded a wave of luxury boutique openings. According to a study conducted by real estate consultant, Cushman & Wakefield, 63 luxury boutiques opened in 2015, compared to 34 in 2014. This figure can be attributed to two factors: the arrival in France of new international brands for the first time, injecting growth into the creation of retail spaces and the improvement of existing commercial outlets through renovation or enlargement. The flagship cities for such commercial activity are Paris and Cannes.

*”Go to” addresses in Paris

Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris (spanning the 1st and 8th arrondissements) undoubtedly remains the address in Paris most sought after by luxury brands, with eight new boutiques opening in 2015. In second and third place in the rankings of “hot spots” prized by luxury shopkeepers are rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré (8th arrondissement) and rue de la Paix (1^st and 2^nd arrondissements). Other locations desirable to luxury brands: rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the Marais (3^rd and 4^th arrondissements) and more recently, rue des Archives, located behind the department store BHV (3^rd arrondissement), and Boulevard des Capucines (2^nd arrondissement).

One fresh trend is the rise in such boutiques replacing antique shops and art galleries.

*The appearance of new brands

The current vitality in the luxury goods market can be explained by the arrival in France of new foreign brands. From women’s and men’s fashion to cosmetics and accessories, there is something for everyone with such a variety of stores.