Le Bon Marché
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Le Bon Marché in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Le Bon Marché stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Le Bon Marché
Founded in 1838 by brothers Paul and Justin Videau, Le Bon Marché is the world's oldest department store and the model for all modern department stores. Entrepreneur Aristide Boucicaut became a partner in 1852 and revolutionized retail with fixed prices, money-back guarantees, and seasonal sales—concepts now standard worldwide. The store's Art Nouveau building, designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), remains a Parisian architectural landmark. In 1984, Bernard Arnault purchased Le Bon Marché, and it became a founding member of LVMH in 1987. Today, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche focuses exclusively on luxury goods, offering a curated selection of high-end fashion, beauty, and home design. Its sister building, La Grande Épicerie de Paris (opened 1988), houses over 30,000 gourmet food items from around the world.
Signature Products & Prices
Luxury Fashion (LVMH brands + designers)
€100–€10,000+
La Grande Épicerie (30,000+ food items)
€5–€500
Beauty & Perfume
€30–€600
Home Design & Furniture
€50–€5,000
Parisian Macarons & Pastries
€3–€80
Why Shop Le Bon Marché in Europe?
Le Bon Marché offers the world's oldest department store experience in a building designed by Gustave Eiffel, combining retail history with LVMH luxury curation. Unlike Galeries Lafayette and Printemps (which stock 3,500+ brands), Le Bon Marché focuses exclusively on luxury with expert curation—think private boutique experience at department store scale. La Grande Épicerie is essential for food lovers: 30,000+ gourmet items including rare French cheeses, wines, pastries, and charcuterie unavailable elsewhere. VAT refunds with on-the-spot cash option simplify the process. The Left Bank location attracts a more discerning, less touristy crowd.
Best Cities to Shop Le Bon Marché
Paris
Rive Gauche flagship (world's oldest department store), Gustave Eiffel building, La Grande Épicerie
Why Shop Le Bon Marché with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 Le Bon Marché Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Le Bon Marché Store Locations in Europe
Paris
Le Bon Marché
24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:30
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 Le Bon Marché, 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 Le Bon Marché 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 Le Bon Marché 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 Le Bon Marché Shoppers
- →Le Bon Marché focuses on luxury only—curated selection vs. mass-market, quality over quantity
- →VAT refunds available: Choose cash refund or credit card (on-the-spot processing)
- →La Grande Épicerie is Paris's best gourmet food hall—30,000 items including French delicacies
- →LVMH-owned: Expect exclusive LVMH brand showcases (Dior, Fendi, Loewe, Celine)
- →Left Bank location (Rive Gauche) offers quieter, more refined shopping than Haussmann district
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Le Bon Marché 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 Le Bon Marché 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 Le Bon Marché shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
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