Shopping in France is heaven on earth, as long as you budget prices two times than Madison Avenue, Rodeo Drive or Worth Avenue. The beauty is that everything is very high quality, fashion being on the leading edge of world perfection.

Each region has its own specialties, and everyone can profit from buying directly from artisans and very high quality of craftsman.


Tax Free Shopping

Non-European Union residents over the age of 15 who stay in France or elsewhere in the European Union (EU) for less than six months can get a refund of the value-added tax (VAT, or TVA in French) on purchases amounting to more than 175€ at any single store. In most cases, the refund represents 16.38% of the purchase amount. When making purchases, ask the store to complete a VAT refund form, then submit the form to customs (within three months of date of purchase) when leaving France or the last EU country you visit. If leaving from an airport, arrive before your check-in time and be prepared to show your purchases. Customs will stamp the form, which must then be mailed to the store where the purchases were made within six months of the date of purchase. Refunds are credited to your credit card account or are sent by mail within a few months.

Cultural Crossroads Tours of France at a Glance

• Gardens and Gastronomy in France
  

  This “colorful and tasty” program has been designed especially for Cultural Crossroads travelers who are particularly interested in discovering the secrets of French cuisine and some of the most interesting gardens including many private gardens not normally opened to the public. Cultural Crossroads travelers will enjoy a cooking demonstration by a well-known Chef, wine and olive oil tastings, and a private visit to a Renaissance castle which is now a private residence. We also visit a workshop that creates Provencal fabrics, a glass blowing museum, the impressive estate and winery of Val Joanis, and a class with a perfume expert in her laboratory in one of the most famous perfume factories of Grasse. Of course, every day will include local French cuisine.

• Treasures of Art in the Loire Chateaux Country
  

  Amboise will be our home for 6 nights, a perfect location in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is often referred to as the center of the French “Art de Vivre” because of its long tradition of elegant chateaux and delicious food. Cultural Crossroads travelers will follow our expert study leader, from castle to castle from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the 18th and 19th century, we will discover treasures of art, exceptional parks and gardens, arts and crafts of the region and enter the fascinating history of the châteaux country.