For Parisian retail therapy without ripping a hole through your purse, make sure shopping sprees coincide with the summer sales.

The "soldes", as they're known, can attract as many as 160,00 to 200,000 shoppers to department stores on opening days, but those willing to brave the frenzy could see discounts of up to 50 per cent on top designer wear.

The best bets for a bargain include the enormous Galeries Lafayette on the boulevard Haussmann and nearby department store rival Printemps.

Rue de Rivoli is also recommended for basic high street favourites including H&M and Zara, while the famous Champs-Elysees strip caters for credit card splurges with a dazzling array of designer couture.

Some shops stay open late during June and July to accommodate the extra shoppers, but for a quieter soldes session head out on weekdays or early mornings.

Mix consumerism with some culture while you're in the capital with visits to Notre Dame and the Louvre, both close to city centre shopping areas.