You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy French beauty products, once you learn where to shop and the names of the brands that Frenchwomen use. Pharmacies, parapharmacies, and even Monoprix offer a range of beauty products that make wonderful gifts and pick-me-ups.

Like magic, time well spent at a Paris spa can turn you from weary passenger into an active traveler who makes the most of your dream trip to Paris. Paige Donner reviews the rejuvenating solo or couples' treatments and expert pampering available at the refined Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, the definition of French luxury.

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It's not too soon to plan your attack for the next major retail sales season that starts on January 11. From basics like remembering to file for your détaxe refund to finding coupons that offer another 10% savings on already-reduced sale merchandise, Karen Fawcett has tips for getting the most bang for your euro during les soldes in Paris.

The Marché aux Puces de Paris/St-Ouen is one of the world's largest flea markets, with 3,000 shops and stalls offering fine antiques, collectibles and bric-a-brac. Shopping its 14 markets spread over 15 acres requires fortitude and patience. BonjourParis editor Janet deAcevedo Macdonald guides you to the heart of the market where the real deals are made.

Last Wednesday Chanel fashion director Karl Lagerfeld and Vanessa Paradis, the face of "Coco" Chanel, thrilled assembled Parisians at the inauguration of Noël Rêves d’Évasion, Printemps' 2011 holiday promotion. Photographer Carina Okula captures the wondrous window displays you can see with a visit to Printemps through December 31st.

In the early 19th century Paris contained nearly 150 covered passages filled with shops and studios that helped establish Paris as a shopping capital of the world. But after the large department stores came into being, that number dwindled to a precious few. Janet deAcevedo Macdonald here lists passages couverts de Paris worth a visit.

This week we challenged Karen Fawcett to find the latest gourmet gifts for travelers seeking a small souvenir or gift to bring home. And we told her the budget was no more than 35 euros per gift. She surprised us with sturgeon caviar for 10 euros and more delectable items under 20 euros from the dazzling La Grande Épicerie de Paris at Le Bon Marché.

Overseas travel is stressful, but no place beats Paris for salon services that range from practical to pampering. Lexy Delorme has a survival guide for stressed-out travelers seeking an emergency polish touch-up, affordable manicure or pedicure, or choices from a full array of indulgent salon treatments at the luxurious Four Seasons George V Spa.