Bringing French luxury home: a guide to purchasing high-end French brands with tax savings

France is the cradle of luxury. From the ateliers of Paris to the historic maisons of Lyon and Grasse, it is home to brands that define elegance: Hermès scarves, Cartier watches, Chanel fragrances, Goyard trunks. For many travellers, shopping in France is not just retail: it is pilgrimage. And with the right steps, these purchases can be brought home tax-free, thanks to Zapptax.

What to buy: French luxury categories worth exporting

Leather goods & accessories:

• Le Tanneur and Lancel embody traditional French leatherwork with timeless designs built to last.
• Jérôme Dreyfuss brings a more relaxed, bohemian touch with his soft, supple leathers.

Fine jewellery & timepieces:

• Dinh Van and Pascale Monvoisin offer refined, modern pieces, delicate gold, subtle diamonds, and designs that blend simplicity with personality. 
• For something brighter and more playful, Gas Bijoux, founded in Marseille, creates handmade jewellery inspired by the Mediterranean sun.
• Les Néréides is known for its whimsical, hand-painted designs.

Fragrance & Beauty:

• Niche perfumeries like Frédéric Malle, Serge Lutens, Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

Maximising VAT refunds with Zapptax

Luxury purchases come with high VAT: which means high refunds when claimed correctly.

How to shop tax-free with Zapptax:

1. Request an invoice in-store, addressed to Zapptax and upload it to the Zapptax app.
2. Validate your form digitally at customs before leaving the EU.
3. Receive your refund, via bank transfer or PayPal.
   

The price advantage of buying in France

Many high-end products are less expensive in France before tax, and even more attractive once VAT is reclaimed. For example, a luxury handbag or watch can save travellers hundreds of euros through tax refund alone.

With the help of Zapptax, you can bring them home with significant savings, turning a dream purchase into a smarter investment.