Printemps
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Printemps in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Printemps stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Printemps
Founded on November 3, 1865 by Jules Jaluzot and Jean-Alfred Duclos, Printemps is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious department stores. Jaluzot, previously head of the silk department at Au Bon Marché, envisioned a store dedicated to spring (printemps) fashion and new beginnings. The iconic Boulevard Haussmann flagship features a breathtaking 42-meter glass dome and original Art Nouveau architecture. The store is divided into three separate buildings: Printemps Femme (women's fashion), Printemps Beauté Maison Enfant (beauty, home, children), and Printemps Homme & Le Printemps Goût (men's fashion and gourmet food with rooftop). With 45,000 square meters dedicated to shopping, Printemps remains a Parisian institution for luxury, fashion, and beauty.
Signature Products & Prices
Luxury Fashion (Women & Men)
€50–€5,000+
Beauty Hall (World's largest)
€15–€500
Green Market Beauty (-1 floor)
€20–€200
Le Printemps Goût (Gourmet food)
€10–€300
Rooftop Dining & Bar
€15–€80
Why Shop Printemps in Europe?
Printemps offers immediate VAT refunds (12% on purchases over €100) processed in-store before you leave Paris—no waiting weeks for bank transfers. The beauty hall is unrivaled globally, featuring exclusive French cosmetics brands and the innovative Green Market for natural/organic beauty on the -1 floor. The three-building structure allows focused shopping: dedicate time to women's fashion, beauty, or men's separately. The rooftop terrace on Printemps Homme offers free Eiffel Tower views while dining—combine shopping with sightseeing. Personal shopping services and multilingual staff make international shopping seamless.
Best Cities to Shop Printemps
Paris
Boulevard Haussmann flagship with 42m glass dome, 3 buildings, world's largest beauty hall
Lyon
Part-Dieu shopping district location, regional presence
Marseille
Provence shopping destination
Why Shop Printemps with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
2 Printemps Locations
Across 2 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Printemps Store Locations in Europe
Lyon
Printemps Lyon
42 Rue de la République, 69002 Lyon, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:30
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:30
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:30
thursday: 10:00 - 19:30
friday: 10:00 - 19:30
saturday: 10:00 - 19:30
sunday: Closed
Paris
Printemps Haussmann
64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
📞 +33 1 42 82 50 00
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:30
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 20:00
How Much Can You Save?
VAT Refund Examples
Purchase: €1,000 → Get back €120-150 (standard refund) or up to €180 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €5,000 → Get back €600-750 (standard refund) or up to €900 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €10,000 → Get back €1,200-1,500 (standard refund) or up to €1,800 (TravelMoney)
How to Get Your VAT Refund: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before making a purchase
Request Custom Invoice
When checking out at Printemps, request the invoice to be made out to "Travel Money" with our Paris address. This is critical for maximizing your refund.
Step 2: When making a purchase
Pay in Local Currency
Always choose to pay in euros (€) instead of your home currency to avoid poor exchange rates and maximize savings.
Step 3: After shopping
Upload Invoice & Receipt
Immediately upload your Printemps invoice and receipt in the TravelMoney app. Don't wait until you get to the airport.
Step 4: When leaving the EU
Scan Barcode at Point of Departure
At the airport, port, or train station, scan the barcode on your TravelMoney app at customs. Bring your Printemps purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €100.01 in total purchase value
- Eligibility: Non-EU permanent residents, under 6-month stay, purchasing goods for personal use
- Time limits: 3 months to validate at point of departure + 6 months to claim refund
- VAT Rate: 20% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Printemps Shoppers
- →Printemps Beauté houses the world's largest beauty department—unmatched cosmetics selection
- →Immediate VAT refund available at in-store services area (12% refund on purchases over €100.01)
- →Free rooftop terrace on Printemps Homme building offers Eiffel Tower views and dining
- →42-meter glass dome is architectural masterpiece—visit 6th floor for best interior views
- →Personal shoppers, hands-free shopping, and hotel delivery services available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Printemps online purchases?
No. VAT refunds are only available for in-store purchases made in Europe. Online orders shipped internationally are already VAT-exempt.
Do I need to show my Printemps purchase at customs?
High-value items (typically over €1,000) may require physical inspection at customs. Keep your purchase in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
What if I'm connecting through a non-EU airport?
You must validate your VAT refund at your last EU point of departure, not your final destination. For example, if flying Paris → London → New York, validate in Paris.
How long does it take to get my refund?
With TravelMoney, refunds are processed instantly once validated at customs. Standard tax-free services can take 4-12 weeks.
For Shoppers
Get up to 100% VAT refunds on your Printemps shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.