The summer sales (called soldes d’été in French) are the perfect time to save big on everything from fashion to home essentials—especially when you’re living on a student budget.
Here’s your complete guide to making the most of the summer sales in France.
Understanding how summer sales work in France
The summer sales are official, government-regulated sales that happen once a year—usually starting in late June and lasting 4 weeks. During this period, shops are allowed to significantly reduce their prices, sometimes by as much as 70%.
In France, these sales are more than just discounts—they’re a national event. Shop windows across the country fill with bold SOLDES signs, and news channels often show interviews with shoppers and store owners discussing their best deals of the season.
See 2025 dates: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/particuliers/dates-soldes
Get early access with private sales
Before the official summer sales begin, many brands run private sales (ventes privées), which offer early access to discounts—usually around 10–30%. These are reserved for customers who sign up for a store’s newsletter or loyalty program.
If you have your eye on a specific store or brand, sign up for their email list a few weeks in advance. You’ll often get exclusive access to early promotions before the general public.
What to expect throughout the summer sales period
The sales are rolled out in phases, which affects both pricing and availability:
- Week 1: Best selection, moderate discounts (20–30%)
- Weeks 2–3: Deeper discounts (up to 50%) and possible restocking
- Week 4: Deepest markdowns (up to 70%), but limited inventory
If you’re shopping for essentials like a mattress, a desk, or a laptop, early in the sale is best for choice. But if you’re after budget-friendly fashion or smaller items, waiting can pay off with bigger savings.
Where to find the best deals
Looking for the best deals as a student? Here are key shopping categories and where to find great discounts during the summer sales:
| Category | What to buy | Where to shop |
|---|---|---|
| For your apartment | Furniture, décor, bedding, kitchenware | IKEA, Conforama, But, Maisons du Monde, Monoprix, Carrefour, Leclerc |
| For your studies | Laptops, tech accessories, stationery, desk lighting | Fnac, Darty, Boulanger, Monoprix, |
| For your wardrobe | Clothes, shoes, accessories | High-street brands: Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, Mango Mid-high-end brands: Sandro, Maje, The Kooples, Zadig & Voltaire Sneakers: Courir, Foot Locker |
| For online deals | Fashion, tech, home goods | La Redoute, Cdiscount, Amazon |
Smart shopping tips for students
Here are our essential tips for shopping smart during the summer sales:
- Make a list: Think ahead: do you need a desk or a new laptop for studying, a fan for the hot months, or new clothes for weekend getaways? Listing essentials will help you stay focused.
- Add things to your cart: Browse your favorite online stores and add items to your cart before the sales start. When prices drop, you can quickly decide whether to check out now or wait for better discounts.
- Set a budget: Decide in advance how much you can spend, and prioritize your purchases.
- Compare prices online: Many retailers adjust prices in real-time, both online and in-store. Compare across platforms to make sure you’re getting the best value.
- Check return policies: Some stores limit returns or exchanges on sale items. Always check the return policy.
For more information about life in France, keep following the Go! Go! France blog.
