Shopping on the Left Bank for Christmas

Find those perfect gifts for family and friends this Christmas by treating yourself to a stay at the Vice Versa Hotel and a fabulous shopping on the left bank. The hotel is within easy access of some of the most exciting boutiques and department stores in the left bank district of Paris, and close to the magical Christmas villages at Montparnasse and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. [caption id="attachment_7551" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Shop front - Tourist Office Paris - Photographer Amélie Dupont[/caption]

The left bank of the River Seine boasts some of the city’s most wonderful shops and department stores, and as Christmas approaches they pull out all the stops with amazing window displays and a massive range of gift ideas.

Christmas shopping left bank style

The shopping mall at the famous Montparnasse tower is where you’ll find the famous Galeries Lafayette department store. Galeries Lafayette is one of the city’s most upmarket retailers and at Christmas it’s a wonderful source of inspiration for those special gifts and treats. The mall is also home to many top designer brands such as Guerlain and favourite high street names like C&A.

Don’t miss the shops on Rue de Rennes, the bustling street that links Boulevard Saint Germain and Montparnasse. Zara, Naf-Naf and H&M and many other popular high street names are here, alongside designer stores such as Celine, Kenzo and Burberry. Rue de Rennes also boasts a host of cool quirky boutiques such as Sophie Sacs; this Parisian icon was founded in 1976 and shoppers come from all over the city to pick up fabulous handbags at terrific prices. Pick up gorgeous Annick Goutal fragrances at number 136, and don’t miss Le Dressing de Brigitte at number 85.

No shopping trip to the left bank district is complete without a visit to Bon Marché. The iconic department store is owned by the LVMH luxury goods group, and you’ll find all the high end products and clothing you need to make Christmas magical. Whether you’re looking for a stylish outfit or a very special gift, this magnificent Parisian store will certainly be able to help.

The traditional Christmas markets are so much fun, and you can choose decorations for your festive table, last minute gifts and select local produce to help you create a truly delicious feast. Santa’s Christmas Village is at Saint-Germain-des-Prés from November 15th 2014 to January 6th 2015, and Montparnasse Christmas Village takes place below the tower from 5th to 30th December.

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• Le Bon Marché department store, 24 Rue de Sèvres, Paris 7ème Tél. 0033 (0)1 01 44 39 80 00 Métro : Sèvres - Babylone, lignes 10,12 • Shopping Rue de Rennes • Christmas market at Montparnasse • Christmas market at Saint-Germain-des-Prés

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Vice Versa Hotel, Chic and glamorous Hotel near Paris Expo Porte de Versailles