This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
If you’re planning a trip to France, chances are you’ve considered buying a Longchamp bag in Paris. The iconic French handbag brand has become a favorite among frequent flyers, stylish students, and French fashion lovers alike. I still remember carrying my first Le Pliage tote in high school, and years later, toting the same style around Paris for university.
It’s no secret that clothing and accessories often cost less in France than abroad, so it’s worth asking: does that hold true for Longchamp? Before you buy, there’s quite a bit to know, from where to find the best selection to what you can actually expect to pay. Consider this your complete guide to buying a Longchamp bag in Paris.
Why Longchamp Is So Popular in France
Founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain, Longchamp is one of France’s most recognizable fashion brands.
While many fashion houses focus primarily on luxury handbags with four-figure price tags, Longchamp has carved out a different lane entirely. The brand brings together timeless French style with genuine practicality and pricing that’s relatively accessible. It’s aspirational without being exclusionary.
The ever-iconic Le Pliage tote is perhaps the clearest proof of that appeal. Stroll through Paris and you’ll spot students, professionals, and travelers carrying one. Its popularity isn’t limited to the capital either. Here in Strasbourg, I see Le Pliage bags on a daily basis, in every size and color imaginable. Most of my French friends (women and men) own at least one Longchamp bag.
Is Longchamp Cheaper in Paris?
In many cases, buying a Longchamp bag in Paris (or anywhere in France for that matter) can save you a decent amount of money compared to purchasing the same bag in the United States or other countries. Add in the possibility of a VAT refund, and you can save even more money.
Longchamp bags can be 15–30% lower than equivalent pricing abroad, depending on the specific model, currency exchange rates, and local pricing in your home country. For many shoppers, that gap alone is reason enough to hold off and buy in Paris rather than at home.
How Much Is a Longchamp Bag in Paris?
To save you the research and help you compare, I’ve pulled current prices for Longchamp’s bestselling bags. These prices come directly from both the US and French Longchamp websites. I converted them using today’s exchange rate (each France price converted at €1 = $1.16, rounded to the nearest dollar). Keep in mind that prices and exchange rates shift over time. Always verify before your trip!
| Bag | Reference | US Price | France Price | France Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Pliage Original M Tote | L2605089349 | $165 | €125 | $145 |
| Le Pliage Original L Tote | L1899089001 | $180 | €135 | $157 |
| Le Pliage Original XL Travel Bag | L1625089P68 | $230 | €175 | $203 |
| Le Pliage Xtra XS Handbag | L1500987001 | $570 | €430 | $499 |
| Épure L Shoulder Bag | 10346HYZ035 | $635 | €480 | $557 |
| Le Roseau S Handbag | 10273HFP001 | $820 | €620 | $719 |
Understanding VAT Refunds
One of the biggest advantages of buying a Longchamp bag in Paris is the potential for a VAT refund. And believe me, it’s one that’s well worth understanding before you shop.
France includes value-added tax (VAT) in retail pricing, meaning visitors who live outside the European Union may be eligible to reclaim part of that tax when leaving the country
To be eligible, you must live outside the EU, be at least 16 years old, and spend a minimum of €100 in a single store on the same day. If you’re planning to shop at multiple Longchamp locations, note that each store counts separately.
France’s standard VAT rate is 20%, though the actual refund you receive will be slightly lower once administrative fees are deducted. Even so, it’s a meaningful amount, particularly on mid-range and higher-priced bags.
The process is pretty straightforward:
- Make a qualifying purchase of €100 or more.
- Request the VAT refund paperwork at checkout.
- Hold onto your receipt and keep the item unused and in its original packaging.
- Validate your paperwork at customs before departing France.
- Receive your refund after processing.
One important rule to know: officially, VAT-refunded items must be unused and in their original condition when leaving France. That means resisting the temptation to break in your new Longchamp while still in Paris (at least until you’ve cleared customs).
In practice, however, customs officials usually aren’t too strict about this. If you own the item and are taking it out of the country, some light use normally isn’t an issue (at least in my experience). That said, knowing the official rules lets you make that call yourself.
For a full walkthrough of the process, I’ve put together a complete guide on how to claim a VAT refund in France, which I highly recommend reading if you plan to do any serious shopping during your trip.
Longchamp Paris Store Locations
Longchamp Champs-Élysées
If you’re only visiting one Longchamp location in Paris, make it the flagship on the Champs-Élysées. At 500m², it’s the largest Longchamp store in Europe and carries the brand’s full men’s and women’s collections, including handbags, luggage, ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes.
Address: 77 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7:30pm; Sunday: 12pm – 7pm
Categories: Bags, travel, accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear
In-Store Services: Hot stamping, in-store returns, click & collect
One of the great things about shopping in Paris is that Longchamp boutiques are scattered throughout the city. Although I’d highly recommend the flagship store, the neighborhood locations also have their advantages. They’re typically less crowded and depending on where you’re staying, far more convenient. Many also offer hot stamping and personalization services.
Longchamp Saint-Honoré
Address: 404 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7:30pm; Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Categories: Bags, travel, accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear
In-Store Services: Hot stamping, in-store returns, click & collect
Longchamp Saint-Honoré Homme
Address: 271 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7:30pm; Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Categories: Bags, travel
Longchamp Vieux-Colombier
Address: 21 Rue du Vieux-Colombier, 75006 Paris
Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 7:30pm; Wednesday: 10am – 6:30pm; Sunday: 12pm – 7pm
Categories: Bags, travel, accessories
In-Store Services: In-store returns, click & collect
Longchamp Passy
Address: 87 Rue de Passy, 75016 Paris
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7:30pm; Sunday: Closed
Categories: Bags, accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear
In-Store Services: In-store returns, click & collect
Shopping at Department Stores
Another excellent option is picking up your Longchamp bag at one of Paris’s iconic department stores. The most popular destinations are Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Printemps Haussmann, and Le Bon Marché, all of which typically carry a wide selection of Le Pliage totes and other bestselling styles.
Department stores are particularly convenient if you’re planning to shop multiple brands in a single outing, since you can do it all under one roof. On top of that, it makes it easier to reach the €100 minimum for the VAT refund!
I prefer to do the majority of my shopping at the French department stores, mostly for the loyalty points. I mainly shop at Galeries Lafayette, since there’s one here in Strasbourg and many other French cities. They offer €10 for every €300 you spend, which after a while, really adds up.
That said, if you’re only in Paris for a short trip and not planning to shop extensively, the loyalty program won’t make much of a difference. In that case, the Longchamp boutiques are just as good an option.
For a full list of department store locations carrying Longchamp, check the brand’s store locator on their website. You’ll also find a directory of authorized resellers there, typically independent fashion and accessory boutiques that stock a selection of Longchamp products.
Is There a Longchamp Outlet in Paris?
There is no Longchamp outlet in Paris proper, but if you’re willing to travel a short distance, La Vallée Village in Serris is well worth the detour.
Less than an hour outside of Paris, La Vallée Village is an outdoor shopping center with over 100 luxury and premium brand outlet stores. For affordable shopping in Paris, it’s one that I highly recommend to my friends, family and readers of Lily Chérie.
Their Longchamp boutique carries a nice selection of Longchamp products as well as past-season inventory at discounted prices. You can even browse their catalog online and build your shopping list before you even arrive. For type A planners like myself, this is a huge plus!
One thing to keep in mind is that outlet stores are subject to availability, so if you have your heart set on a specific color or style, it’s worth contacting the boutique in advance to confirm they have it in stock. The last thing you want is to make the trip only to find it isn’t there.
It’s also worth knowing that you don’t necessarily have to shop in person. Many brands at La Vallée Village ship across France. I’ve even ordered from them here in Strasbourg more than once. If you have specific questions about stock or availability, you can contact the Longchamp boutique at La Vallée Village directly by WhatsApp or phone.
Buying Longchamp at the Airport
If you’re looking to do some last-minute shopping or prefer the convenience of picking up a Longchamp bag before your journey home, it might be worth buying a Longchamp at the airport.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the few places in Paris where tax-free pricing is applied upfront, meaning you don’t need to go through the VAT refund process at all. You are immediately given the lower price at the register. In practice, this typically works out to around 5–10% less than the equivalent price at a central Paris store.
The only issue with buying at CDG Airport is the selection may be limited at times. If you have a specific bag in mind, it’s worth checking availability before you count on finding it there. You can also reserve your Longchamp bag online at Extime and collect it at the airport via Click & Collect!
CDG has eight Longchamp boutiques across its terminals. You can browse the full list of locations to find which one is closest to your departure gate.
Most Popular Longchamp Bags to Buy in Paris
Le Pliage Original Tote Bag
The most iconic Longchamp bag and the best starting point if you’re new to the brand. It’s lightweight, foldable, and a Parisian style staple. For help choosing the right size and color, check out my complete Le Pliage tote bag guide.
Le Pliage Original Travel Bag
A favorite among frequent travelers, the Le Pliage travel bag is made from the same durable canvas as the classic tote but sized for longer adventures. The L is ideal as an under-seat carry-on, while the XL works beautifully as a weekend bag.
Épure Shoulder Bag
A step up in sophistication, the Épure is crafted from supple grained Russian cowhide leather and makes for a polished everyday bag. If you’ve been carrying a canvas Le Pliage for years and are ready for a leather upgrade, the Épure L shoulder bag is the natural next step.
Le Roseau Handbag
An understated classic instantly recognizable by its bamboo-inspired clasp. The Le Roseau embodies quiet luxury: refined enough for any occasion, yet compact enough to keep things light. Don’t let the small size fool you; it holds more than it looks like it should and can even be worn crossbody.
Is Buying a Longchamp Bag in Paris Worth It?
For most visitors, buying a Longchamp bag in Paris is 100% worth it! Prices are generally lower than in the US and other countries, and if you factor in a VAT refund, the savings are even better.
Shopping at a dedicated boutique also gives you access to a wider selection of styles, colors, and sizes than you’ll typically find abroad, plus personalization options like hot stamping that aren’t always available elsewhere.
For longtime fans of the brand, there’s also something to be said for the experience itself. I’ll always remember purchasing my first Le Pliage bag at the Champs-Élysées flagship.
That all being said, Longchamp isn’t the kind of brand where the savings alone will justify a trip. Unlike some other high-end luxury goods where buying in Europe can offset a significant chunk of travel costs, the difference here is much more modest. But saving on a new bag is definitely a happy bonus, especially if you’re already going to Paris!
Discover More About Paris Shopping
- The 15 Best Beauty Stores in Paris
- 16 Non-Touristy Paris Souvenirs to Bring Home
- The Ultimate Guide to the Paris Summer Sales
Have you shopped for Longchamp in Paris? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below.
