If you’re anything like us, then the words sale and discount will most likely conjure feelings of internal conflict. ‘I know I must, but I really don’t have the stomach for it’. Disordered rails, spirited shoppers (to be polite) and sporadic sizing options? With designer goods at sale prices, but in a boutique setting, La Vallée Village is where the smart girls are heading to juice up their designer wardrobes.
With its winding streets, greenery and blossoming floral arrangements, La Vallée is designed to reflect the scale and intimacy of the surrounding Île-de-France Villages. Compared to the hefty sized malls of the Middle East, its a dream location. One of eleven destinations forming the Bicester Shopping Collection – the namesake Bicester village is prominently placed just outside London, England – La Vallée has gained popularity with Middle Eastern clients due to its luxurious approach to markdown shopping. Prada is one the latest brands forming La Vallée’s roster of 110 high-end boutiques. Versace, Valentino, Givenchy and Jimmy Choo also take position.
Be warned, La Vallée's Burberry is large-scale and not quite as calm as other boutiques in the village. But there's nowhere else as good for stocking up on plenty of statement pieces, all at once.
Get lucky and you may find a Luggage, Frame or Sangle Bucket waiting for you. But enter with indulgence in mind, as exotic skins and flamboyant hues tend to make the cut. Away from bags, think functional fashion and quiet luxury. Céline is the place to update your workwear wardrobe with statement silhouettes, timeless fabrics and unassuming hues. Pieces are durable and seasonless, so buying at cut price is the wise way to shop the brand.
La Vallée's Loewe is clean, spacious and entirely shoppable. Admittedly, markdowns aren't as large as elsewhere in the village, (averaging around 20/30 percent), but the buy-in is well worth it. Current stock and just-out-of-season takes pride of place and the handbag selection makes for worthy collectors items. The best part? Loewe's 'under the radar' fashion rep means next to no customers. Practically, a private shopping experience...
Ladurée
What would shopping in Paris be without a sugary pit stop? Ladurée is located at the heart of La Vallée and offers its usual selection of cake, macaroons and ice cream. Don't forget the hot chocolate, come rain or shine...
L'Occitane en Provence
There's no time for shyness in L'Occitane. Stock up with aplomb on your basic beauty needs from hand creams to gift sets. It's also the opportune moment to indulge in natural, delicious skincare products to accompany you on the plane journey home.
With lounge access, personal styling services, Arabic speaking staff, on the spot tax refunds and chauffer services from Paris laid on especially for Middle Eastern clients over the Eid period, August is the time to visit. It is however one of Paris’ most popular tourist destinations so be smart in your approach. Set off early, aim for a weekday and be prepared to wait in line for a handful of shops. The most obvious names – Gucci, Prada and Chloe – should be tackled first thing in the morning. The likes of Max Mara, Kenzo and Calvin Klein can wait until the masses take to the heavyweights.
La Vallée Village is a 60 minute chauffeur drive outside of Paris. Lavalleevillage.com
