French Winter Sales 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Scoring Deals (Jan 7 – Feb 3)

If you love a bargain, mark your calendars. The French Winter Sales (Les Soldes d'Hiver) are officially set to begin on Wednesday, January 7th, 2025, and will run through Monday, February 3rd, 2025.

While "sales" happen all over the world, France does it differently. Les Soldes are the only two periods of the year (Winter and Summer) where French retailers are legally permitted to sell products below cost to liquidate their stock. This makes it the absolute best time to buy high-quality fashion, electronics, and home goods at a fraction of the price.

Here is your complete strategy guide to navigating the 2025 Winter Sales, including how to stack discounts with cashback apps for maximum savings.

Why the French Winter Sales Are Different

Unlike the promotional sales you see year-round, or the rising trend of "American-style" Black Friday in November, the state-regulated Winter Sales are specifically designed for inventory clearance.

Because shops can sell at a loss to clear space for new collections, you will often find discounts starting at 30-50% off and climbing as high as 70-80% off by the end of the month.

What am I planning to buy:

Personally, I use this time to invest in high-quality staples that rarely go on sale. This year, I have my eye on a new hoodie from Armor Lux, the iconic brand known for its Breton stripes and maritime heritage.

How to Stack Savings: The Cashback Hack

While the sticker prices during the sales are great, you can lower the cost even further by using cashback websites. These platforms refund a percentage of your purchase back to you in cash.

If you are shopping online this January, do not checkout without activating these bonuses. Here are my favorite platforms that are currently offering sign-up bonuses:

• iGraal: One of the most popular cashback sites in France. They work with thousands of merchants.

  • Get a 5€ Sign-up Bonus with my iGraal link here

• Poulpeo: Great for finding additional coupon codes that stack with cashback.

  • Get a 5€ Sign-up Bonus with my Poulpeo link here

• TopCashback: Known for often having higher percentage rates than competitors.

  • Get between 15-25€ Sign-up Bonus with my TopCashback link here

Timing Your Purchase: The 3 "Démarques"

The sales period is a marathon, not a sprint. If you are looking for specific items (like my Armor Lux hoodie), buy early. However, if you are flexible, waiting can pay off.

1. First Markdown (1st week): The widest selection of sizes and styles. Discounts are usually 20-40%.

2. 2ème Démarque (1-2 weeks in): Retailers slash prices further. This usually happens about 10 days after the start. Expect 50% off, but sizes become spotty.

3. 3ème Démarque (2-3 weeks in): The final liquidation push. This is where you find items at 70% off or more, but it requires hunting through leftovers.

Summary: Winter Sales vs. Black Friday

While France has adopted Black Friday in November as a major commercial event, the January sales remain unique because of the "below cost" legislation. If you missed out on deals in November, January 7th is your second chance to grab premium items at rock-bottom prices.

Anything specific you are looking for in the French sales period this January?