Words by Aude Camus, in collaboration with Zapptax
Ok, my previous Paris Hit List was such a hit! You loved hearing about the restaurants I never skip and the streets I wander every summer. So, I thought—why not share my favourite spots for shopping for French fashion, for me and my little ones? And no, I’m not talking about luxury labels. I mean the everyday French pieces that somehow make getting dressed feel effortless, chic, and totally Parisian.
There’s something about the French style that I can’t get enough of. I can spot a French girl on the street in Hong Kong just from the way she dresses. I grew up with this sense of style, and I still try to channel that Parisian vibe every day. Sure, some of these brands are available in Hong Kong—but for me, the real thrill is shopping in Paris. There’s nothing like wandering the streets of my favourite city, peeking into a window display, feeling the fabrics in your hands, and slipping into a boutique to try something on. And, let’s be honest, it’s often better for my wallet too. Many French brands are marked up in Hong Kong, and as a Hong Kong resident, you can claim a VAT refund when shopping in France. I never miss it—and I always rely on Zapptax to make the whole process smooth, simple, and stress-free.
Why I love Zapptax:
One place, one scan: If you’ve claimed VAT refunds before, you know the drill. The boutique hands you an envelope, then you’ll have to scan it at the airport. So that’s one envelope per purchase. Do we really want to juggle 15 envelopes (yes, I tend to shop a lot when I’m back home, don’t judge me) while shopping till we drop? I don’t! Especially with two kids in tow.
Zapptax combines all your purchases into a single form to scan at the end of your trip.
No passport drama: Impulse buys happen—you see something, fall in love, and realise your passport is back at the hotel. No problem. Ask for an invoice, add it to Zapptax (where your passport is safely stored), and voilà—you still get your VAT refund. It also means less risk of losing documents (and more freedom to shop).
Combine purchases to hit €100: VAT refunds in France are only available on purchases over €100. Sometimes a t-shirt, a pair of socks, or a small accessory won’t make the cut—but Zapptax combines all your purchases during the trip, so hitting the threshold is easy.
Online shopping too: You can start early—order online, have items delivered to your relatives in France, try them on once you arrive, return what doesn’t work, and still enjoy your VAT refund via Zapptax. Some stores in Paris don’t even know how to handle VAT refunds, so simply asking for an invoice and entering it in Zapptax keeps things effortless.
For me, Paris shopping is as much about the experience as the savings. The streets, the window displays, the little boutiques tucked in hidden corners—they all make it a small adventure every time. And with Zapptax, I can enjoy the magic without the fuss.
Ready to shop like a Parisian? Follow me as I take you through my favourite stores—for me, for my girls, and for a wardrobe refresh that’s fun, stylish, and smart.
Wardrobe Refresh: The French Brands I Always Shop for Myself
Sézane
1 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 75002
33 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004
122 Rue du Bac, 75007
25 Rue de l’Annonciation, 75016
63 Boulevard des Batignolles, 75017
Ok, my previous Paris Hit List was such a hit! You loved hearing about the restaurants I never skip and the streets I wander every summer. So, I thought—why not share my favourite spots for shopping for French fashion, for me and my little ones? And no, I’m not talking about luxury labels. I mean the everyday French pieces that somehow make getting dressed feel effortless, chic, and totally Parisian.
There’s something about the French style that I can’t get enough of. I can spot a French girl on the street in Hong Kong just from the way she dresses. I grew up with this sense of style, and I still try to channel that Parisian vibe every day. Sure, some of these brands are available in Hong Kong—but for me, the real thrill is shopping in Paris. There’s nothing like wandering the streets of my favourite city, peeking into a window display, feeling the fabrics in your hands, and slipping into a boutique to try something on. And, let’s be honest, it’s often better for my wallet too. Many French brands are marked up in Hong Kong, and as a Hong Kong resident, you can claim a VAT refund when shopping in France. I never miss it—and I always rely on Zapptax to make the whole process smooth, simple, and stress-free.
Why I love Zapptax:
One place, one scan: If you’ve claimed VAT refunds before, you know the drill. The boutique hands you an envelope, then you’ll have to scan it at the airport. So that’s one envelope per purchase. Do we really want to juggle 15 envelopes (yes, I tend to shop a lot when I’m back home, don’t judge me) while shopping till we drop? I don’t! Especially with two kids in tow.
Zapptax combines all your purchases into a single form to scan at the end of your trip.
No passport drama: Impulse buys happen—you see something, fall in love, and realise your passport is back at the hotel. No problem. Ask for an invoice, add it to Zapptax (where your passport is safely stored), and voilà—you still get your VAT refund. It also means less risk of losing documents (and more freedom to shop).
Combine purchases to hit €100: VAT refunds in France are only available on purchases over €100. Sometimes a t-shirt, a pair of socks, or a small accessory won’t make the cut—but Zapptax combines all your purchases during the trip, so hitting the threshold is easy.
Online shopping too: You can start early—order online, have items delivered to your relatives in France, try them on once you arrive, return what doesn’t work, and still enjoy your VAT refund via Zapptax. Some stores in Paris don’t even know how to handle VAT refunds, so simply asking for an invoice and entering it in Zapptax keeps things effortless.
For me, Paris shopping is as much about the experience as the savings. The streets, the window displays, the little boutiques tucked in hidden corners—they all make it a small adventure every time. And with Zapptax, I can enjoy the magic without the fuss.
Ready to shop like a Parisian? Follow me as I take you through my favourite stores—for me, for my girls, and for a wardrobe refresh that’s fun, stylish, and smart.
Wardrobe Refresh: The French Brands I Always Shop for Myself
Sézane
1 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 75002
33 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004
122 Rue du Bac, 75007
25 Rue de l’Annonciation, 75016
63 Boulevard des Batignolles, 75017
Ok, so Sézane isn’t exactly a hidden gem —you’ll probably find it on every Parisian girl’s list, and you can even get it delivered here in Hong Kong (though prices are higher, not to mention the shipping fees)—but there’s a reason it’s so loved. For me, it’s the perfect mix of trends and timelessness: playful yet sophisticated prints, effortlessly elegant cuts, and limited collaborations that are always to die for. If effortless chic had a brand, it would be Sézane. And with Petit Sézane , their children's line, this mama is obsessed.
Hong Kong Madame Tip: I always keep an eye on the Sézane Archives—they happen online twice a year and offer pieces from past collections at discounted prices. And here’s my trick: if I spot something I love before my trip, I order it online and have it delivered somewhere in France. With Zapptax, I can still enjoy duty-free shopping without lugging bags around Paris—it’s a total lifesaver when you’re bouncing between boutiques (and countries) with kids in tow.
Pssst: While you’re in Paris, check out Les Archives store (12 Rue d’Uzès, 75002) where you’ll find past-collection pieces with minor faults at discounted prices.
Elise Chalmin
1b Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris
Hong Kong Madame Tip: I always keep an eye on the Sézane Archives—they happen online twice a year and offer pieces from past collections at discounted prices. And here’s my trick: if I spot something I love before my trip, I order it online and have it delivered somewhere in France. With Zapptax, I can still enjoy duty-free shopping without lugging bags around Paris—it’s a total lifesaver when you’re bouncing between boutiques (and countries) with kids in tow.
Pssst: While you’re in Paris, check out Les Archives store (12 Rue d’Uzès, 75002) where you’ll find past-collection pieces with minor faults at discounted prices.
Elise Chalmin
1b Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris
Bold, colourful, and unapologetically unique—that’s Elise Chalmin for me. I adore the mix of precious fabrics—poplin, silk, jacquard—and the fact that everything is sustainable and traceable. I also love knowing that my pieces are rarely seen on anyone else; it feels like Parisian style, but with my own personal twist.
Current Obsession: The Côme Pink Sweater with Red Hearts is exactly the kind of cosy, joyful piece I wear when I need a little pick-me-up on a chilly winter day.
Rouje
11 bis Rue Bachaumont, 75002
16 Rue de Turenne, 75004
83 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75016
Current Obsession: The Côme Pink Sweater with Red Hearts is exactly the kind of cosy, joyful piece I wear when I need a little pick-me-up on a chilly winter day.
Rouje
11 bis Rue Bachaumont, 75002
16 Rue de Turenne, 75004
83 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75016
If you’ve ever wanted to channel that quintessential Parisian je ne sais quoi, Rouje is it. Jeanne Damas, the founder, is basically the living embodiment of the brand— feminine, retro, yet effortlessly cool. I’ve been following her for years; she was one of the first famous fashion bloggers in France, then an Insta-girl, and since we’re around the same age (I think!), I’ve kind of grown with her. It almost feels like she’s a friend. Am I crazy?
Rouje’s pieces feel like they’ve been kissed by the French countryside but are made for city life —daring but chic, cool yet elegant.
Current Obsession: The Phyllis fitted knit midi dress in Bordeaux is on my radar. I can already imagine pairing it with boots for a café stroll or layering it for a dinner date—Parisian chic with zero fuss.
Ysé
55 Rue Montmartre, 75002
117 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
72b Rue Bonaparte, 75006
30 Rue de Charonne, 75011
2 Rue Guichard, 75016
75 Rue Legendre, 75017
45 Rue des Abbesses, 75018
Rouje’s pieces feel like they’ve been kissed by the French countryside but are made for city life —daring but chic, cool yet elegant.
Current Obsession: The Phyllis fitted knit midi dress in Bordeaux is on my radar. I can already imagine pairing it with boots for a café stroll or layering it for a dinner date—Parisian chic with zero fuss.
Ysé
55 Rue Montmartre, 75002
117 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
72b Rue Bonaparte, 75006
30 Rue de Charonne, 75011
2 Rue Guichard, 75016
75 Rue Legendre, 75017
45 Rue des Abbesses, 75018
Hear me out, girls—where in Hong Kong do you even get lingerie that’s both functional and beautiful? I love Ysé because it’s romantic without being over-the-top, sexy without feeling vulgar. The attention to detail is just chef’s kiss. They’ve also recently expanded into ready-to-wear, and I’m obsessed with their bodysuits, which are perfect for layering, whether I’m running after the kids or meeting friends for a coffee.
Current Obsession: Any of their triangle bras. Without underwires, they’re perfect for small busts and deliver that ideal, quintessentially French mix of elegance and comfort.
NOO
68 Rue Bonaparte, 75006
Current Obsession: Any of their triangle bras. Without underwires, they’re perfect for small busts and deliver that ideal, quintessentially French mix of elegance and comfort.
NOO
68 Rue Bonaparte, 75006
Another French brand shaking up the codes of lingerie and homewear, NOO and I have a bit of a love affair. Their signature pieces are the bodysuits that take you from day to night—and in and out—with just the right touch of sensuality. It’s all in the details: think lace V-necklines, bare shoulders, semi-sheer panels, or long sleeves with open backs. Always suggested, never vulgar.
Current Obsession: The Midnight Bloom long backless dress. With its long sleeves and high collar, it looks a little strict from the front, but the moment you turn around, you’ll captivate every gaze with that open back. A perfect mix of hot and cold—that’s very Parisian. Plus, it’s made from elastane and viscose, so it’s wonderfully stretchy. Sexy and elegant without sacrificing ease.
Other brands that are always on my shopping list—and that you might want to check out too—include Balzac Paris, for elegant Parisian-style wardrobe staples; Jonak, for shoes that strike the perfect balance between timeless and stylish (after all, what’s the point of a perfect wardrobe if your shoes don’t match?). I also love that they offer affordable dupes of luxury must-haves like Chanel’s slingbacks or Carel’s Mary Janes. And finally, Petite Mendigote—for that effortless Parisian look with just a touch of countryside chic.
For My Girls: The French Kidswear Labels I Always Bring Home from Paris
Bonton
5 Boulevard dess Filles du Calvaire, 75003
82 Rue de Grenelle, 75007
80 Avenue Paul Doumer, 75116
144 Avenue de Courcelles, 75017
Effortlessly cool with that unmistakable Parisian twist, Bonton is my go-to for playful prints, bold colours, and soft, comfy fabrics. I love how every piece feels like it tells a story—bright dungarees for park days, soft knits for family lunches, and the prettiest accessories to mix and match. It’s fun, it’s stylish, and it perfectly captures that joie de vivre that makes French kidswear so special.
That Mama Loves: The always cool collabs—whether it’s with a cult lifestyle brand, a famous designer, a hype magazine, or a rising fashion house, they always deliver pieces that I secretly wish came in adult sizes!
Bonpoint
50 Rue Etienne Marcel, 75002
6 Rue de Tournon, 75006
42 Avenue Montaine, 75008
15 Rue Royale, 75008
64 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75016
184 Rue de Courcelles, 75017
That Mama Loves: The always cool collabs—whether it’s with a cult lifestyle brand, a famous designer, a hype magazine, or a rising fashion house, they always deliver pieces that I secretly wish came in adult sizes!
Bonpoint
50 Rue Etienne Marcel, 75002
6 Rue de Tournon, 75006
42 Avenue Montaine, 75008
15 Rue Royale, 75008
64 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75016
184 Rue de Courcelles, 75017
If Bonpoint were a kid, it would be that perfectly well-behaved one who always says please and thank you, never climbs on furniture, and somehow never comes back from school with paint all over their clothes and hair all sweaty. Well, if you ask me, that perfect kid doesn’t exist—but while I can’t stop my daughters from being the crazy monkeys that they are, I can still dream and dress them like perfect children for special occasions. And for that, I trust Bonpoint.
Timeless elegance meets childhood charm—it’s basically couture for kids (and yes, with a price tag to match). The soft pastels, delicate embroidery, and impeccable cuts make every piece feel heirloom-worthy. It’s a splurge, I know—but it lasts.
Hong Kong Madame Tip: If you love Bonpoint as much as I do but want to shop smart, head to their outlet in the very heart of Paris (42 Rue de l’Université, 75007). Combine outlet prices and a VAT refund with Zapptax, and you’ve just unlocked luxury shopping at its most satisfying.
Tartine & Chocolat
24 Rue de la Paix, 75002
266 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75007
152 Avenue Victor Hugo, 76016
60 Avenue Paul Doumer, 75016
142 Rue de Courcelles, 75017
Sweet, whimsical, and utterly refined, Tartine & Chocolat captures childhood innocence like no other. Think delicate fabrics, pastel palettes, soft knits, and tiny details that make every outfit feel straight out of a fairytale.
That Mama Loves: The Toile de Jouy soft toys line —prints that scream French chic, with adorable plush toys guaranteed to become your kids’ favourite comforters (both my daughters’ doudous are Tartine & Chocolat). They also make the perfect gift for a newborn.
Petit Bateau
Many stores across Paris (and France)!
That Mama Loves: The Toile de Jouy soft toys line —prints that scream French chic, with adorable plush toys guaranteed to become your kids’ favourite comforters (both my daughters’ doudous are Tartine & Chocolat). They also make the perfect gift for a newborn.
Petit Bateau
Many stores across Paris (and France)!
If there’s one brand that defines the French kids’ wardrobe, it’s Petit Bateau. My daughters are wearing it, I’ve worn it, my brothers have worn it, and so did our parents before us. Known for its signature stripes, butter-soft cottons, and quality that withstands every tumble and adventure, it’s my go-to for everyday essentials. Think cotton PJs, underwear with adorable prints like hearts and Paris monuments, iconic yellow raincoats, and Breton tops. I always stock up when I’m in France—not just because prices are better than in Hong Kong, but because with Zapptax, I can easily claim my VAT refund on top of those savings. Win-win.
That Mama Loves: Their nightwear—whether it’s a long-sleeve pyjama for cooler days, a cotton nightdress for Hong Kong’s heat, or a bodysuit for my baby girl. Plus, they come in matching prints if you feel like snapping cute pics of your kids in coordinated outfits.
Billie Blush
In department stores across Paris: Le Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann
That Mama Loves: Their nightwear—whether it’s a long-sleeve pyjama for cooler days, a cotton nightdress for Hong Kong’s heat, or a bodysuit for my baby girl. Plus, they come in matching prints if you feel like snapping cute pics of your kids in coordinated outfits.
Billie Blush
In department stores across Paris: Le Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann
Fun, energetic, and full of colour—Billie Blush is for little girls who love to twirl, sparkle, and move. My daughter adores their bold patterns and glittery details (and honestly, I secretly love them too). It’s Parisian flair with a playful twist, perfect for kids who have their own sense of style already!
That Mama Loves: The dresses —think tulle, sequins, velvet, and ruffles, perfect for making a little girl feel like a princess on a special occasion.
That Mama Loves: The dresses —think tulle, sequins, velvet, and ruffles, perfect for making a little girl feel like a princess on a special occasion.
Ok, and if you’re up for a one-stop shopping experience, most of these brands can be found under one roof at Le Bon Marché (24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007). It’s my absolute favourite department store in Paris—it just gets me. Every time I shop there, I know I’ll find a curated selection of brands, a focus on French fashion and lifestyle, and even limited-edition pieces I can’t resist. While you’re there, don’t skip La Grande Épicerie de Paris next door—the luxury food hall is full of gourmet treasures that make the whole trip even sweeter. And if you want to turn it into a proper Left Bank stroll, check out my itinerary at the bottom of my Paris Hit List, which takes you to both Le Bon Marché and La Grande Épicerie with plenty of tasty stops along the way!
About Zapptax
Zapptax is your smart companion for hassle-free VAT refunds while shopping in Europe (France, Spain and Belgium). Whether you’re buying in-store or online, Zapptax combines all your purchases in one place, lets you handle invoices digitally, and makes claiming your VAT refund fast, secure, and simple. All you need to do is download the app before your trip—and you’re ready to shop stress-free and save more on every purchase.
Zapptax is your smart companion for hassle-free VAT refunds while shopping in Europe (France, Spain and Belgium). Whether you’re buying in-store or online, Zapptax combines all your purchases in one place, lets you handle invoices digitally, and makes claiming your VAT refund fast, secure, and simple. All you need to do is download the app before your trip—and you’re ready to shop stress-free and save more on every purchase.
