SOLDES !
The annual Paris winter sales are running full force now, and continue on until February 14. Similar sales run at approximately the same dates throughout France, so you can go bargain hunting in Nice or Lyons as well. And if you have a favorite French shop, many of the sales are also taking place now online.
Lots of websites -mostly in French- are devoted to bargain hunting strategies and styles. About.com has some good advice:
http://goparis.about.com/u/ua/shopping/Paris-Sales-Tips-Readers-Share-Their-Paris-Annual-Sales-Tips.htm
Bargains in winter also include Paris hotels, with many discounts until the end of March. And for travelers from North America, airfares are at their lowest this time of year.
Shoppers should keep in mind that the sales are twice-annual. Summer sales in 2012 will run from June 27-July 31 in Paris and most of France, July 4 - August 7 in most of Provence and the Riviera.
