Music aficionados find no shortage of shopping options in Paris, where both mainstream lovers and vinyl collectors can find their own piece of instrumental heaven. For conventionalists, international chain Virgin Megastore lives up to its moniker with a multi-storey complex on the Champs-Élysées selling the entire range of musical categories alongside listening stations, a bustling cafe, an enormous DVD selection and continual price reductions on older titles in their music and film sections. The store will also occasionally host signings and appearances for well-known names in international music and film. The specialist French electronics and music store, FNAC, has multiple outlets however the Champs-Élysées location (a block up from Virgin) is the best bet for music and DVDs. Like Virgin, the selection is vast, with interactive stations and a small cafe. In both cases you’ll find knowledgeable staff, however it’s worth noting that titles of English-release movies often differ in France. Those searching for something specific should know both before asking so double check online.

The independent music store scene is thriving: 12 Inch Record Shop on rue de Turbigo specialises in vinyl and collectors editions, Toolbox in the Oberkampf district stocks tribe, hardtek, ragga jungle and more, while Black Label is a magnet for drum and beat enthusiasts. Though there is no single area where music stores congregate, both the 11th and the 13th arrondissements are home to many courtesy of the quarters’ student-heavy demographics. For a full and extensive listing of shops, look to www.vinylunity.com, where stores are listed alphabetically by city. Online, Jamendo (www.jamendo.com/fr) offers free and unlimited downloads.