What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Paris to Score A Birkin or Kelly?

Question:

If I were to travel to Paris with the hopes of scoring a Birkin or Kelly, which months of the year are least crowded with tourists, not having fashion week crowds, but still have inventory. Also do you happen to know when in the month they restock bags?

Paris is one of the most popular and magical places to travel practically anytime of the year. The summer months tend to get many tourists particularly from the US. The holidays in December are also a popular time of year to visit Paris because it is even more beautiful with all the holiday lights and festivities. Mid-July to August is when the French take their holiday as well as many of the Hermès artisans and Sales Associates. 

Fashion week normally occurs in Paris three times a year. The next one is Spring-Summer 2023 from September 26, 2022 through October 4, 2022. 

However, in 2023 it was announced that there will be 6 weeks of fashion week with a total of 38 days. Those dates are as follows:

January 17 – 22, 2023 – Men’s Ready to Wear

January 23 – 26, 2023 – Haute Couture

February 27 – March 7, 2023 – Women’s Ready to Wear

June 20 – 25, 2023 – Men’s Ready to Wear

July 3 – 6, 2023 – Haute Couture

September 25 – October 3, 2023 – Women’s Ready to Wear

Hermès inventory is stocked as it becomes available. We have no information when inventory is more plentiful than other times of the month or year. Since the Pandemic and the multiple shutdowns, inventory has been impacted. Hermès stock is notoriously less than the demand. Shipment allocations and restock dates are a mystery as well. Even the Sales Associates are not often aware when the next shipment will arrive.

Our best advice is to plan a trip to Paris when it suits your schedule. Apply online for a leather appointment or try to obtain one in the store. Shop, see all of Paris, enjoy the food, the ambiance, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, the parks, the Seine, the Louvre Museum, and all the amazing things Paris is famous for. Definitely try to get a leather appointment to request a Birkin or Kelly. But most importantly, enjoy Paris! 

Good luck and happy shopping!

Read:

A Sobering View of Paris Shopping for Hermès, Chanel and More

My Hermès FSH Reveal and Paris Appointment Experiences