Citypharma

I recently visited a toiletry shop in Paris that offered discount on range of products The store’s layout was neat and well-organized, making it easy to find what I was looking for. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, providing helpful recommendations. I was particularly impress skincare brands and perfumes, all priced more competitively than in other shops I visited. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, I highly recommend this store for all your toiletry needs.

Omg! Wow wow!! Not the good wow. I have never done any kind of shopping on a Black Friday due to fear of crowd but i found myself doing so here! It was insane in there!! Literally insane! We walked in and couldn’t even move! It was a mosh pit of people just grabbing at things and looking at things. You definitely have to squeeze through to get past people! I’d never come back here! It was just too much! The line did move fast to check out though and of course, it was a frenzy shopping experience because everyone was grabbing at stuff so I ended up buying things I didn’t even need. It was almost impossible to talk to anyone to get help. Also, what’s strange is the VAT here is only 3% but I bought a few things at another pharmacie and it was at 14%! So I paid 333euros but only got 18euros back but at another pharmacy, I paid 133E and got 18euros back as well. So confusing how that works bc they’re both phamarcies. Advice: go in knowing exactly what you want. Check prices ahead of time. Don’t be timid, just say excuse me and push through. Don’t go on a Saturday haha🤪 maybe go right when they open or right before they close? I have no idea. Maybe it’s always crazy in there. Or shop at another smaller pharmacy if you’re not buying a lot. I didn’t even check my receipt, maybe you should before leaving. It was just so chaotic and rhey wanted you out immediately after checking out that you wouldn’t even have time to look! I If you’re into leisure shopping, I def don’t recommend going here. It’s not enough for me to save a few dollars but I was definitely an experience.

Believe the hype - good and bad. The first time we went mid-day Saturday it was mayhem, which I kind of expected, but if you found someone to ask questions of they were very helpful. The prices and inventory are great - for brands like Caudalie it was on average 30-40% less than in the states. Their check-out was well-organized but intense - no time to think, these people were focused on moving through customers - which is the right approach with these kinds of crowds. We returned 10 minutes before closing another night and they basically were trying kick us out, but if you know what you want, go at that time - 85% less crowds. Glad I shopped here and would do it again - just brace yourself, this isn’t a leisurely shopping trip

Best prices in Paris with a huge variety of products. Staff is somewhat helpful. Crowded on weekends and holidays.

Personally, not worth the hype. It was so busy that I couldn't stand in the same place for a second without being bumped into. It's maybe "cheaper" than other places but for 2-3€ more I'd rather be somewhere calm whilst doing my skincare shopping. The staff was efficient and friendly, but slightly overwhelmed. The place in itself is a normal good equipped pharmacy, so I'm only evaluating my person experience there.

Worth it for skincare products. Everyone was helpful and a lady even saw me looking around and asked if I needed helpful. Good recommendations if you need guidance. It is a bit like a maze spread across a few floors and gets busy. Take your time or come early.

Super chaotic as there are like a zillion people in the store. First floor is all your beauty products, so you should have the "lay of the land" before attacking it. LOL. Top floor is dental everything you could think of. I bought a bunch of beauty product, and have to say they are definitely cheaper than other pharmacies or department stores so it is worth all that chaos. One of the best purchases are these EUR 1.50 nail filers in super cute designs. The French really do not seem to have good logistical systems for payments. The entire building only has five check out lines. ??? The line snakes around the store. I have experienced the same thing in other stores. Would I go again, absolutely! All I can say is embrace the chaos, their logistics when it comes to paying, you can chalk it up to the French charm.

I went at 8pm before it closed at 9pm and many of the more popular items were sold out. The store was still very crowded and the employees would actively walk away from customers that were looking for help (except one or two that looked exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful). I ended up going to a small local pharmacy that had all of the main items and much better service. It was a better experience overall. Would not recommend wasting your time here.

Great prices and selection, but it's crazy busy. The sales staff is helpful, and there is plenty of help.

Have every cosmetic under the sun in France, however staff hit or miss, draws a tremendous amount of crowd, so it's almost impossible to shop because there's so many people you can't get to everything and it's chaotic. I'd rather match up at a smaller place was an accident. See the products you want even though they don't have a variety. Good only if you know exactly what you're looking for

Thank you Tik Tok! I studied tik tok and all the blogs before hitting up City Pharma for all my French skin care goals. We arrived near opening time and there was already a line of people waiting outside. Why? To get hugely discounted skin care products, in comparison to what's available in the US. Come with a list. You won't be the only one. So many people are there on a mission! I purchased a bunch of products, specifically focused on Caudalie, at a fraction of what they'd cost in the states. Ask for VAT tax refund paperwork and bring your passport for it. You'll also need to be mindful of how much you purchase if you're planning to only fly with a carry on since they are very strict about liquids in Europe.

Helpful staff. I didn't have any issues with the language. And even though the place is massive and can get overwhelming, I felt I could get the help and advice needed any time. If you're doing the VAT, bring your passport and go there first thing in the morning if possible.

A must for any skincare fanatics. My daughter couldn't wait to check out Sephora in Paris, which we did, but I also was told city-pharma is the French skincare mecca. We did a little research on tik tok beforehand on what to buy and lined with both locals and tourists before they opened. It's definitely best to come when they open because everything flies off the shelves. We stocked up on an insane amount of products including nuxe oil (my daughter loved the glitter version), bioderma, caudalie, a313 and more. The staff here didn't speak much English, but I showed them pics and they helped us find everything and made some suggestions. We had to wait in line to check out and get our vax paperwork for the airport, but left with several bags of fun products. I was worried we were going to have to buy another suitcase to get it all home, but crammed it all in. It was an expensive, but fun morning of shopping and we have been using all the products since getting home. Not sure when we will be lucky enough to make it back to Paris, but would definitely come back to stock up.

They do have most everything, and they have plenty of people standing around to help you find things. It's on three floors so if it's available in Paris, it will probably be here!

Parisian Pharmacy Paradise: Citypharma on Saint Germain! Calling all beauty lovers visiting Paris! Just like you've seen on TikTok and Instagram, Citypharma on Saint Germain is a must-stop. This pharmacy is the holy grail for discounted luxury beauty products. I wasn't disappointed! I snagged a whole bunch of Caudalie goodies, Nuxe lip balm (perfect for those Parisian walks!), some La Roche-Posay baume, and even grabbed some Biafine to bring back home to the states . All at amazing prices! Seriously, my wallet thanked me. Who needs Sephora when you have French pharmacies! Whether you're a skincare aficionado or just looking for some French beauty staples, Citypharma should be on your Parisian shopping list

I loved my visit to City-Pharma. The store had everything I was looking for, and little hand creams and lip balms to take home as gifts. I stocked up on my favorite products for a good price, and it was fun to browse all the beautiful beauty products. Will definitely go back. The shop staff was helpful too, explaining products and what they could be used for.

A must do if you love skincare and it's a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends & family. Citypharma is located in the 6th arrondissement and walking distance to Le Bon Marché, so great place to add to your shopping day. However, keep in mind the crowds! We were not prepared for how hectic it was - the store was PACKED to the point where it was difficult to move around. I heard a sales associate telling a customer that it was like that every single day but have read online that coming right when they open helps a bit. I didn't make it up to any of the other levels but the ground floor had most of the products I was looking for. One thing to note is that almost all pharmacies in France (distinguished by the green cross) carry French skincare, including the TikTok products most people are looking for. Citypharma is just known for its prices and very large selection, but if you are unable to make it to Citypharma and would still like to pick up French skincare, just go to any French pharmacy and you'll be able to get what you're looking for. That being said, if you do stop by Citypharma, definitely take advantage - their pricing is unbeatable! After visiting numerous pharmacies across France, I didn't see a single pharmacy with better pricing than Citypharma, so stock up if you're there. Notable brands include Caudalie, Nuxe, La Roche Posay, Avene. I also recommend picking up some of those little sets with the lip balm + lotion which are perfect as souvenir gifts. They were rare to come by in other pharmacies and if I did, they were at least 2-3€ more. Despite how packed it was, the line moved quickly. I didn't know at the time I visited but they offer VAT refund of 12% on purchases over 175€. Unrelated to Citypharma - keep in mind the size of products you are buying! Skincare is heavy! Full size body washes, toners, and lotions can easily be a few pounds each and since they exceed the carry on liquid size, you'll have to check everything in.

There are three floors to explore. Cosmetics and beauty products on ground floor. Supplements on first floor and pharmacy on second floor. Its a considered a para-pharmacy. Excessively large selection of everything on first two floors. Many employees on sales floor offering to help. Staff speaks English. Extremely crowded the day I took my wife. We had a great time shopping here. Come check them out.

Full full of people but great products and prices! Go in the middle of the afternoon or when open.

Prepare yourself - it's a bit insane but totally worth it. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Merci beacoup!

Stopped by late afternoon but it was too busy inside to look around. We came back another day closer to opening time, less crowded. We grabbed a basket and looked around. To pay you have go to the upper level, I think it was the 3rd floor. The store has so many products and friendly staff was there to help if we needed to look for an item.

City-Pharma has a large selection of French products with significant cost savings. (Nuxe, Avene, Caudalie, Biafine, Orlane, etc.) Additionally, I received a VAT refund on the purchase. Already planning my next trip to Paris & City-Pharma is definitely on my list!

Simply The best, great products at super prices. The saleswomen were exceptional. Need to try it and will definitely return

Cannot beat the prices here on french branded skincare items. The earlier in the day you go, the better, as the shop gets busier throughout the day. It is a bit of a madhouse in terms of products, people, and everything. Find pharmacists and people dressed in a white lab coat for the best and most efficient help. The employees stocking the shelves are not helpful nor friendly. There are several floors of products including an actual pharmacy, first aid, and baby items. Check out is also on the top floor. Tourists and locals alike come here. Definitely visit!

French brands at a portion if the U.S. price. This will be a repeat visit for my future París trips Caudalie, La Roche Possey, Loccitane etc...

If you love French beauty products, this is the place. Service is super friendly, you don't need to speak French, they all speak English. You can try most of the stuff before you buy. Prices Are very reasonable. Better grab a shopping basket bc you'll love everything. Everything for hair, face and body. There's even a pharmacist upstairs.

Great selection and prices! Be prepared with your wish list and bring your patience. If you're unsure of what you want, the amazing staff are always available to help. Enjoy!

I never knew shopping at a pharmacy could be this much fun! So much to shop for including famous skincare products along with some essentials that you won't find cheaper. We got there towards the evening and it was sure busy but we managed to find Caudalie items for a price that sure isn't beat either in the US or anywhere in the world for that matter. That alone is worth a stop. Trust, your face is worth it. They carry everything you might need for hair, makeup, skin care and even whitening toothpaste. Absolutely loved my first experience, am already planning future stops. Next time I hope it won't be as busy so I can manage some decent pictures.

Way too crowded! There are pharmacies everywhere around the city that sell the same products and aren't crowded at all. I literally walked out because you couldn't even walk around or look at anything.

Everything positive you see on social media about this famed and very large pharmacie is true -- it has a massive selection, the prices are quite low, and the pharmacists are kind (if you can find one who's available). And everything negative you see about this pharmacie is also true -- you're packed in like sardines in literally every single aisle and it leaves little room (literally and psychically) to contemplate your purchases. If you know what you want, it's a great place to grab items on your list and go on your merry way. If you need time to look and consider, I would suggest a different pharmacie (and there are a million in Paris).

The absolute best pharmacy in Paris. Not only do they stock all the major French brands, but the prices are very affordable. I've noticed that a lot of the staff are bilingual, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Since this place is so popular, I feel it would be best to go very, very early unless you want to fight with the crowds of tourists. If you want extra discounts, try to spend over 175 Euros for a tax refund.

I love City Pharma. And, perhaps like all great loves, I didn't appreciate how much I loved City Pharma until after we parted ways. I had heard all the rave reviews from you, dear Yelpers, of the amazing deals to be had on Caudalie, La Roche Posay, Avene, Bioderma, Weleda, and of course on the cult French girl must-haves, A313 and Biafine. But I really didn't appreciate the steep discounts on all of these items, especially A313, until I went to buy more at another popular pharmacy chain in Paris. It was very crowded during the daytime when I went on a weekday, and the lines were long. Make sure you get in the correct line (there's medical prescription lines and regular OTC lines). And don't forget to bring your passport if you want to get the tax refund on purchases over 175 Euros.

Sweet baby Jesus in a manger, this store is heaven on earth. If you like French Pharmacy products, that is. If you don't - get with the PROGRAM. Don't have me break this thing down for nothing - I AM your neighbor, y'all - TRUST. You will come here. It will be crowded and sweaty and stressful. You will buy things at a deep, deep discount and be the envy of friends and neighbors alike. Here are the facts: *Go on a weekday, early. The earlier the better in fact, because people in the know (like you) know that this place is legit and they will trample a soul for some Kloraine dry shampoo. You don't need that. *Why? Because the aisles here are like 18" wide and one fat American or two French ladies will stall the works. It gets CROWDED. And SWEATY. *The staff is great, even if you are a tourist. I had help within 4 steps at all times, ready with brutally honest advice (as in, my current eye cream was not adequate) *Most items will be 30-60% less than US prices and at least $1-3 euro less than local places. Nuxe oil was $28-ish at the pharmacie one block away and $22 at CP. *Stock up! Purchases over €175 get a tax refund, saving you an additional 12%. Remember your passport or SUFFER. So what did I buy? Well, about 15 lip balms, a bunch of LaRoche sunscreens, Caudalie hand creams ($15 at Galleries Lafayette but 2/€10 here!!), Bioderma (2/€16 vs $20+ at home) and more I saved more than I spent, not including my impending VAT refund. I love you, City Pharma.

I enjoyed my 90 min in here shopping for pharmacy brands more than the 60 min I spent at Rolex boutique for a new rose gold watch.

I am obsessed with buying skincare products and cosmetics, because who isn't, am I right?! Went to Paris a few weeks ago and did my research beforehand (read that City Pharma is the best place to buy skincare items in Paris and got my list of items ready to go, thanks to Yelpers and bloggers!) Like the other reviews state, aisles are narrow! I got there on a Monday morning around 9:45am and found that the store wasn't crowded; however by 10:15, the aisles were filled up with people and it was difficult to move around freely. Get here as early as possible for the easiest shopping experience! They have 10 check-out registers downstairs, but only 5 were open when I was there. The line moved quickly and was only a few people deep at 10:30am. The store was fully stocked with popular products (shelves full of Bioderma cleansers and Nuxe dry oil), so they are on top of inventory! One side of an aisle is dedicated to Caudalie products as soon as you walk in through the main entrance -- basically HALF of what you would pay in the US at Sephora!! La Roche Posay, Bioderma, Nuxe, basically all the French brands, are almost 50% off US prices. I wanted to buy everything in sight, had to restrain myself! For example, the Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask usually retails for $39 without sales tax in the US, which I bought for 18.30 Euros (around $22)! AND if you spend $175 or more you can get an additional 12% tax refund! What a steal! Would be interesting to gather price comparisons to other French parapharmacies (I saw the Caudalie mask for €18.90 at a random pharmacy in Nice, which makes City Pharma cheaper, but is it significantly cheaper to make a special trip here if your hotel is far away?) For now, I highly recommended going! Happy shopping :)

I loved it! So many products so do your research before you go. Prices are lower then any place I've found. The staff in the white coats are helpful. Just watch out for the up-sell.

Okay. Let's think of a theoretical situation where you and your lady visits Paris. Let's just say that the French...oh...might know a thing or two about fashion and beauty. Now suppose that the French also makes beauty products (cleansers and creams) that would make Estee Lauder look like amateurs, but for the most part, it's a bit of an expensive hustle. Now suppose if some pharmacy in a rather expensive neighborhood was able to pull in high sales volume, and were therefore be able to push the prices down to the point where they can offer you a 30% discount over other pharmacies. These are items that would cost at least 10x stateside. Well, that's when your lady picks up a micro-stroke, goes crazy with the selection, buy so much that it qualifies for a tax rebate...and challenge the checked luggage weight limits for Air France. For me, the theoretical became real (minus the micro-stroke...I think) Okay, first things first - the place isn't very big, and the second floor is practically useless unless you are hitting the caisses to pay up, or you feel like overpaying for homeopathic stuff and vitamins. Focus your attention on the first floor. Second, this place gets obscenely crowded and things sell out fast - be quick, be agile. Third - they think they can speak English, but they can't. Whatever comes out of their baguette-hole sounds almost, but not quite like English. If you plan to come here, bring a list. With photos. And size measurements, and maybe prices listed in Euros. Point and ask, and expect pointing to general areas on shelves in return. They are not rude if you aren't impatient. Also, remember where things are - they are not too good with labeling or signage. Fourth - yes, the prices are excellent here - we are talking 30 to 40% cheaper than the usual pharmacies. Don't believe me? Shop around - there are CityPharmas all over the city, but only this one has decent prices (well, minus this pharmacy near BHV Marais, but that's just giving too much away) In conclusion - remember that Air France charges 89 Euros for an extra piece of baggage. Sometimes stuffing it full of products with another bag and paying that fee would be just fine - some of the stuff they carry are either obscenely expensive on Amazon, or not available at all.

This is a French skincare mecca. I have been here 3 times so far in the past 2 trips and I documented the US prices, Monoprix prices and compared that to City Pharma. City always proved to be the least expensive one by quite a lot. The trick is to get there when they open the door at 8:30AM in the morning. Have a shopping list with you so you can quickly find them without getting too overwhelmed with selections here. The top scoring skin brands are Aveneu, Laroche, Darphin and Caudalie as well as Klorane for hair. I have decided that everytime I come to Paris, I am stopping by City Pharma to stock up on my skin needs!

What can I say that other patrons to CityPharma haven't said? Yes, it's got the best prices and it's insanely crowded. So all I have is some advice if you're brave or crazy enough to make the trip! 1) The place is super popular so prepare yourself mentally and physically. Don't go when you're hangry. Just. Don't. Do. It. It gets crowded and hot in there so try to keep the bulky coats and bags to a minimum so you have the ease to squeeze in the aisles. 2) The aisles are TINY and narrow so know that you'll get bumped into and don't be afraid to push through--but BE POLITE!!! 3) If you know ahead of time what you want, either write it down or screen shot it on your phone so you can quickly identify it and show it to the ladies that are there to help you locate the items. I am in and out in 30 as long as I can reach what I need and throw it in my basket. This is not the kind of place you dilly dally in. 4) The "drugs" and true pharmacy items are upstairs or behind the counter at checkout. If you need more traditional items there, then go to those areas. Or honestly go to a true Pharmacie, and not a Parapharmacie like CityPharma. The hair, facial and skin products are downstairs closer to the main entry. 5) Some of the items are repeatedly placed around. If you see inventory is low on something, look around and close by as it may be on a back shelf near the aisle you're in. 6) If you're a non-EU visitor, make sure you show them your passport and ask them to prepare for the VAT right when you get up to the counter. Ask first when you go up, as on my recent trip I got some attitude from the cashier when I asked as she was beginning to ring my items up. Know that you must spend at least 175 Euros to be eligible. 7) If you can, go early before the mid morning and early afternoon crowds show up. I found right when they open to about 11, or later in the afternoon are best. I've had mostly good experiences here. The shopkeepers are nice, especially if you are prepared and try to speak a little French to them. I know they must deal with a lot of hectic crowds and pushy customers so I try to give them slack (although when they are rude it can be irritating). I think the woman who checked me out this recent trip made a judgement on me because I'm Asian and we have an unfortunate reputation for being obnoxious and buying out tons of the products on the shelves. I got the hairy eyeball and some trash talking--she didn't realize I understood her but just smiled and was polite I think she suspected I knew what she had been saying. You're not there to make friends so don't take it personally and just take deep breaths!

OMG! This place has the BEST deals in Paris for French skincare and drugstore products. We compared prices against regular pharmacies, Marionnaud (cosmetics chain) and Monoprix, and City Pharma beat the others every single time! We couldn't believe the deals to be had. And apparently, the City Pharma secret is out because upon each visit (three times total over 6 days), the store was completely packed, to the point of a near mob scene. The aisles are narrow to begin with so it gets a bit claustrophobic, but all the bargains we scored totally made it worth dealing with the madding crowds. Seriously, prices on brands like La Roche Posay, Bioderma, Nuxe, Caudalie, Embryolisse, RoC, Phyto and more are almost (sometimes more than) half off US prices! We also stocked up on lip balms and various France-only ointments and creams such as Homeoplasmine, Biafine, and Avibon. So wish we had a City Pharma stateside! Note: They are very strict about closing time and will tell you multiple times to get to the cash register BEFORE closing time or they won't ring up your sale! Not sure if that's true but we didn't want to chance it.

This is the pharmacy to end all pharmacy's! Be warned that this will be an overwhelming experience for your senses. The product selection is incredible as you have every French brand and more in this one stop shop. I would suggest to have a list of products you plan on buying before coming as you will forget everything you intended to buy upon the sight of the products in stock. The prices are competitive and seem to be more reasonable than other pharmacy's. HOWEVER, the biggest downside is the crowd of people. I have not yet discovered a way to avoid it but be prepared to feel uncomfortable because this place will make you feel like a sardine. Expect to wait in the check out line as well. This is a shopping landmark in my mind whenever I think of Paris and I despite the crowds, I still recommend coming because it is quite the experience and you will get the best products at the best price. They even have store clerks to help you with any questions so you don't feel so helpless. Just ask!

11/25/2019 Woo wee this was a rodeo shopping spree high! I loved it so so much. Everything you want/ need is right here for skin care. Amazing prices and i did price comparisons in different hoods. This location has the best prices and promos. I got there 830 and there was a small crowd waiting. I am someone that did not bring the list and ended up circling the floor a few times hunting for that yellow promo placard. Some stuff has gwp samples attached too. That's just icing on top! :) Lisa Aldridge was spot on, this place is not to be missed.

This place is a madhouse. Best to go early in the morning and get your shopping over and done with. It is filled to the brim with tourist shoppers, hardly any French women come here because they can go to "les vrais pharmacies" like Maison Buly and the prices here are just slightly lower than at other pharmacies for the same products . Do your research beforehand on the products you really need. Read the reviews over at makeupalley.com. All the big brands like Avene, Nuxe, Biotherm and Caudale are all here. It's true the prices here are far cheaper than what you'll find in North America and bring your passport in case you spend more than 175 Euros so you can get your VAT tax refund. Also make sure you pack your haul in your checked in luggage, the airports won't allow you to bring in on your carry-on.

Look for Tony, the most helpful adviror you can find! Very knowledgeable and when he doesn't know, he just manages to get expert views in a record time...

I have such a love/hate relationship with this place. I love it because it has everything you could possibly need for good skin care. Not just moisturizers and cleaners. They also have body lotions and fragrances by your favorite French lines. Upstars is the pharmacy where you can get additional products as well as natural medical products (for cleanses, etc). Or talk to the pharmacist and receive (certain) medicine without a prescription. What's there to hate? The hundreds of thousands of other people jammed in here who think they are the only ones shopping here. Once I caught a woman trying to steal from me, so be aware of that. I've been coming here for years and notice that the help you receive is on the decline. I speak no French and that's never been a problem. What I mean is that when I asked a specific question, they might take me to another location, look for something they had it mind and explain what it is and how to use it. Now, I feel that they grab the closest thing, throw it in your bag- that's it. No explanation nothing. I think it's up to you to do the research about what you need. It's easy to find the French brands online, do some research, even get an idea of the price. When you go in you will see others with lists or they have pictures on their phones. MY TIP: Before you go to France (anywhere really, not just Paris) Google French Pharmacy products. It's a good start. You need something in mind before going here or you will be completely overwhelmed. When you find something interesting, take a screenshot and make an album in your gallery. Then go into anywhere with the green plus (indicating a pharmacy) and look for a worker with amazing skin. Ask her what she uses. They love the compliment and with readily give advice (even with a language barrier). Then look at the prices. Sometimes I find something on my list for less than City Pharma. If you are in Paris for several days, scout City Parma 1st. Take pictures of what you want so you know the prices. Then when you are out and about in the city, stop in other places to compare. Whatever I haven't purchased get purchased at City Pharma before leaving Paris. Hope this helps!

Not sure if my first review will go away. After three consecutive visits (three different trips all together, I never got samples again but my go to items are Biafine. Cheap moisturizer Biafine ACT. Have yet to try but supposedly amazing as well Embryolisse. I stocked up on this. Got me 3!! Caudalie face spray is great for the summer but I don't use it that much to justify it. I love me cheap French creams more lol. I passed on the bioderma micelles water this time. Love it but I got a special offer with embryolisse that comes with one plus I have a few other ones back at home and can't justify the weight. Also, prices are good but also average compared to other pharmacies. Works out well if you are planning to spend a lot. Otherwise you have lots of other pharmacy options if you aren't close to this one

Is it pleasant? Absolutely not. Is it worth it? Absolutely. CityPharma is your one stop shop for all of the best skincare the country of France has to offer. It's basically like Sephora for skincare, only totally lacking in ambiance and packed with people. You can definitely get products from brands like Nuxe, La Roche Posay, Avene, and Bioderma for much cheaper than you can on Amazon, and there's a certain thrill to the mad dash. It's been said before: go early or on a weekday, bring a list, and clear out some room in your suitcase. You can save even more by stocking up -- spend 175 euro and you can get your VAT refund at the airport.

Make your list before you go and be ready for the crowd. Take a picture of your passport for the VAT tax (leave your passport in your room safe) and have plenty of extra space in your luggage. There is no quantity of $ limit to what you can bring home to the US, and the luxury brands that we pay so much for here are nothing there. After you find your favorite (and some new) products, Make sure to get some Biafine Cream. This stuff is amazing! A staple in every French household, it $45- $75 in the US. https://www.biafinecream.com/Buy-Biafine-Direct-186g-w-Free-Shipping-and-Tracking-3400932857012.htm It is is only about 3.99 Euros, $4.62 US. https://www.pharmashopi.com/biafine-emulsion-pour-application-cutanee-tube-de-93g-xml-704_724_746-3471.html

Skin care shopping in Paris? Citypharma is your place! I went there twice while solo traveling in Paris for 4 days. I think I spent more times here than anywhere else :p Luckily it's conveniently located only 7 mins walking from my airbnb. Do some research before you go there, write down the items that you want, save the picture is recommended. I bought so many things, spent almost $500 in the two visits. Items that you cannot go without buying them: 1. Bioderma micellaire 2. Nuxe dry oil 3. Homeoplasmin (it's in the counter on the 2nd floor) 4. Nuxe lip balm (the one in a small pot) 5. Hand and nail cream (I bought Nuxe) 6. La roche posay effaclar, if you have combination-oily or prone skin 7. Sensiblan toothpaste (I actually wanted to buy Elmex, but the sales girl recommend me this brand "it's very popular in French!" so she said. And guess what, it's soooo goood! I bought more in the 2nd day. Bye bye c*lgate! 8. Caudalie beauty elixir (inspired by Hungarian queen!) 9. Embryolisse lait creme concentrate (Gwyneth Paltrow swear on this moisturizer!) 10. Phyto 7 hair cream If you shop for more than €175, you can get a tax refund form. Don't forget to bring your passport! Do it in one receipt, they refused to add another items that I paid just 5 mins after the first transaction! The service in this store is not the best. It's like a market, very small alley and crowded!! Really crowded. Be ready to give your best shopping fighting skill *kidding*

I had one regret about coming here-- I didn't spend more than 175 euro to get the VAT refund! I will not repeat that mistake the next time I come to Paris, and you can be sure my next Paris vacation will include a stop at City-Pharma. I came with a short list and stocked up on multiple Nuxe and Klorane products among other things. I'm in love with the Klorane dry shampoo, and it was less than half what it costs at Sephora. My husband works in retail, and he pointed out a couple items like a foot file that were also half of what they cost in the US. If you're into beauty products at all, City-Pharma is a must-do.

Wow, lots of research took me to this place, I did not know though that this place was going to be like shopping a black Friday sale in the States. Right from the moment I walked in I realized that my shopping list which I had prepared on my phone was no competition to the crazy shoppers from all over the world that go on a shop madness maybe to resale the products. Just know that the variety of items and the price discount is pretty insane. I went in trying to get like 8 items and walked out with 3 bags of goodies on the first day and had to return for 2 more bags right before I left France. The place is packed but also lots of store salespeople that are ready to help you out in finding your item. Some speak a little bit of english but not all of them, also do not expect for them to go shopping with them, just have a photo ready of the item you want and show it to them, that's the easiest way to shop in here. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Can't stress it enough. Know what you want and try to find the two for one deals on some awesome creams. Four stars just because is crazy to shop in here but I will go back every single time I travel to France.

Love this store and I actually plan my visits to Paris around visits here. They have the most incredible selection of French beauty products that cost a fortune back home in the US. Not only are the prices cheaper than the US, but it also seems to be cheaper than most pharmacies in Paris. I always end up buying tons of stuff and then worry about how the heck it will all fit in my luggage. But hey, I saved a fortune!

A total madhouse. I guess it is a bit cheaper than most other pharmacies in Paris. They do have a bigger selection. Many staff members on hand to help people like myself find the coveted products that they have read about in US magazines. Some stuff like Homeoplasmine and Biafine must be purchased upstairs from behind the counter. Go early on a Monday for the smallest crowds.

Holy crap. This is the ultimate haven for the skincare geeks out there. You can easily read about City-Pharma and its charm on online articles and magazines. I'm not kidding - this really lives up to its hype. I went inside and was automatically elbowed by a bunch of ladies trying to get their goodies and putting products inside their plastic baskets. I don't think this happened with bad intentions. I mean, who doesn't jump for joy for French cosmetic brands? Note that this shop has limited walking space, considering the sheer amount of people inside. So be prepared to see bodies bumping bodies! I squeed at the sight of major French brands on the shelves. This includes La Roche Posay, Klorane, Vichy, Nuxe, Biotherm, Caudalie, Avene, etc. I was particularly looking for the A313 Pomade that doesn't exist in the states. Unfortunately, City-Pharma doesn't carry the product anymore. I had to go into other random French pharmacies and individually ask if they have the A313 pomade. No biggie! My suggestion is to do your research before you go and really narrow down the products that you'd like to purchase. This will save you time.

Best pharmacy in the world! If you like skincare brands like avene, la roche possay. This is for you. Some people stick to makeup bloggers list. The best is to explore and ask. If there are products you already know and use then stock up. They also have many travel kits and travel size products you can buy to try. Many products have descriptions in English. Read labels to avoid buying stuff not suited for your skin type. I have combination. to oily sensitive skin. These are my recomendatons after trying a lot of stuff. Bioderma Crealine micellar water.--- Amazing makeup remover, gentle fragrance free. Also for removing mascara. Klorane oat milk shampoo--- Everyone gets the dry shampoo version. But this shampoo is amazing. Its gentle and one wash is enough. My oily scalp stays clean all day. And also gives volume to fine hair. Effaclar foaming gel cleanser---- Amazing cleanser. Cleans thoroughly without over drying your skin. And also leaves no residues. Effaclar Mat moisturizer---leaves your skin hydrated and mat. Good makup base. Vichy Dermablend makeup----best full coverage makeup in the market. Forget Mac lancome or chanel. Avene hydriance bonne mine----This tinted moisturizer is the best. I have the light version for combo skin. It had spf 30 and goes on mat. It adapts to your skin tone and is a good alternative for summer or makeup free days. Also good as a bb cream. Respectissme mascara la Roche possay---- Excellent mascara for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Anthelios LRP blur spf 50 sunscreen----Sunscreen for face with a mousse texture. Mat finish no stinging eyes or sweat. Aderma Exomega cream---- this is an amazing cream for irritated dry skin. It calms my dermatitis and when I have mosquito bites it helps me stop scratching. The rest of the line is also excellent for sensitive skin. The soap bar is escentual in my bathroom and while traveling. Rene Furter multipurpose oil---Everyone raves about nuxe body oil. For me its to heavy and if you are allergic to nuts like me you will scratch like crazy. The furterer has a nice smell. Its also for hair and I use it to style and condition my hair. Rene Furter has also excellent hair products and wonderful shampoos. Serozinc LRP thermal spray---- This is awesome its good from healing a zit to healing foot fungus. Razor burns. Minor wounds. Stock up only available in Europe. Avene couverance concealer---Best concealer doesnt irritate eyes. Blends well beter than touch eclat ysl. I can go on. But these are a no miss list. These are stuff I have been using for the past 3 years or more. I have looked for cheaper or equivalent alternatives without sucess. The prices here are the best in Paris. Comparing the supermarket skincare in Paris you are better off buying here. I t believe its wiser to spend your money here than sephora or department stores. Many brands are dermatologists recommended. Do your research. Also follow your instinct read labels.

Who can buy an OTC, Cliptolgel, and send it to me in NYC? It's available in pharmacies in Paris. I used it last summer when I was in Paris, it's amazing.

Good place to get all your discounted French cosmetics and skincare essentials. Super selection lots of people lots of staff. Easy to find.