Released on: November 21, 2007, 9:08 am

Press Release Author: Alistair White

Industry: Consumer Services

Press Release Summary: Shopping is one of the great joys of a visit to France. Not
only is the range of goods incomparable in range and quality, but the act shopping
itself is like in no other place. It\'s almost an art form. The way to get the most
from your French shopping experience is to take your time. This article looks at the
scene in two of France\'s top shopping centers. The first, of course is Paris. The
second might come as a surprise. It\'s Bordeaux and we guarantee the surprise will be
a very pleasant one.

Press Release Body: Shopping In France

France is the ultimate shopping destination for the sophisticated consumer. It
offers everything from the ultimate in haute couture to perfumes to wines and
cheeses. And shopping in France is not the
utilitarian experience it can be elsewhere. Rather it\'s a serious activity that
demands attention and a certain flair.

First we look at Paris where the shops make up an important part of the fabric of
the city\'s cultural identity. Then we\'ll head to Bordeaux which offers more than
just its famous wines.

Shopping In Paris

Think of Paris and you think of designer fashions, perfumes, and accessories with
brand names famous for their chic the world over. But of course they come with hefty
price tags. Here\'s a tip. Bargain seekers should do their window shopping at the
grand fashion houses to get a feel of what\'s in vogue. Then head to the budget shops
and markets to get similar items at pennies on the dollar.

If you\'re short on time you can get all your designer labels under one roof at one
of the large French department stores. The two queens, les grands magasins Printemps
and Galeries Lafayette, sit side-by-side on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th
arrondissement. Fully exploring them could take days.

If you want the real Paris shopping experience, head for one of the unique wonders
of the city - the galleries or passages. These are glass-roofed shopping arcades
that date back to the 19th century. They ooze charm and transform rainy days into
episodes of romance and discovery.

Don\'t\' forget that Sundays are closing days for most stores in Paris. But fear not,
one of the city's many flea markets will provide a great alternative shopping
experience.

Shopping In Bordeaux

Bordeaux is truly one of Europe\'s best kept shopping secrets. In the scenic charm of
the city you\'ll find the world\'s most popular brand names: Cartier and Rolex for
watches, Hermes and Christian Lacroix for fabrics and clothes, Louis Vuitton for
luggage, Mont Blanc for pens, the list is endless.

Bordeaux is home to the longest pedestrianised street in Europe. Rue St. Catherine
runs from the stately Place de la Comedie to the student district near the place de
la Victoire. And its entire length is graced with some of the country\'s premier
shopping outlets.

Bordeaux\'s epicenter for shopping is known fittingly as the Golden Triangle. This
triangle contains the prime shopping zones of the Allées de Tourny, the Cours de
l\'Intendance and the Cours Clemenceau. In its heart is the Place des Grands-Hommes,
where you\'ll find Bordeaux\'s most prestigious outlets.

If such luxury doesn\'t tempt you, don\'t worry. Bordeaux is home to a plethora of
chain stores that offer good value purchases. And the local boutiques offer
distinctive items without the brand name mark ups.

And of course don\'t forget the wine. The Bordeaux region is France\'s premier wine
making area and you can get sublime local vintages by the bottle or by the case.

Web Site: http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/France

Contact Details: cheaperuk@tbi.com.au