Whether you are looking for a large department store or hoping to find the item of a lifetime on the back streets of Paris, this is one of the best cities to shop in. And here's a hint, the smaller shops are better. They have better prices, like to barter and haggle, and often have a sand pit out back for the children to play in.

Paris, along with London and Milan, is the fashion heart and capitol of the world. When a new style hits the runways, Paris is where you'll find it in the stores first. You could easily return home with the first of its kind item that hasn't made it anywhere near the docks for shipment yet. Little boutiques sell the regular fashion items of the Paris locals, so you can easily pick up something local and worldly on the same street.

Each district sells something specific and special to that area, and this is where the best souvenirs are. Don't shop in the large brand name department stores for memorable small items to take home with you, these little shops carry items of significance to the locals, and when traveling in a region, you want to remember them for their specific individuality