Beyond the Louvre: Paris’s lesser-known museums and the art of bringing something home

Everyone knows the Louvre. But Paris holds other treasures; quieter, more intimate spaces where fashion, fragrance, and decorative arts take centre stage. These smaller museums offer a different kind of cultural experience, where the story of French savoir-faire unfolds not in crowds, but in detail.

Step inside the Palais Galliera, Paris’s fashion museum, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the elegance of haute couture. From archival gowns to designer retrospectives, it’s a tribute to style as heritage. A visit here stays with you but, if you’re tempted to hold on to the feeling a little longer, the boutique offers carefully chosen pieces: design books, rare prints, or accessories echoing the grace of the exhibitions.

Nearby in the 9th arrondissement, the Musée du Parfum Fragonard invites you into the world of French perfumery. Housed in a 19th-century mansion, it traces the art of scent through time. After exploring antique flacons and aromatic traditions, many visitors linger in the boutique, not just for the fragrances, but to capture a sensory memory of their visit.

At the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, you’ll wander through centuries of creativity, from intricate tapestries to modern design objects. It’s a museum of taste, in every sense of the word. And just as the exhibits are curated with care, so is the museum shop: elegant stationery, jewellery, homeware, often inspired by the very pieces on display.

In these museums, the boutique is more than an afterthought. It’s a quiet way to take a piece of the experience with you. And for travellers from outside the EU, these purchases may be eligible for a VAT refund, an often-overlooked benefit of cultural shopping.

With Zapptax, claiming your refund is simple. Ask for an invoice in the name of Zapptax, upload it in the app, and validate your tax-free form before leaving the EU. It’s an effortless way to turn your museum visit into something lasting, a tangible memory of Paris, with a little bonus on the side.

So next time you’re in Paris, don’t just enjoy the classic museums, claim your VAT back and bring a piece of the design home for less. Download the app now!