Winter sales 2026: when do they start in France and what are the rules

The winter sales (soldes d’hiver) period of discount prices is strictly regulated in France, with fixed dates, limits on stock and clear rules concerning refunds.

In most of mainland France and Corsica, the winter sales begin on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 08:00. They last four weeks and end on Tuesday, February 3.

The same dates apply to online sales, regardless of where the retailer is based.

Departments with earlier start dates

Four border departments start the sales one week earlier, to allow them to compete with neighbouring countries:

• Moselle

• Meurthe-et-Moselle

• Meuse

• Vosges

In these departments, the winter sales run from Friday, January 2, to Thursday, January 29.

Some overseas departments and territories follow their own calendars, which you can find here.

Participation in the sales is not compulsory. Retailers that participate may sell items at a loss but must also comply with several legal obligations: 

• Only items already in stock before the sales period may be discounted

• Products must be clearly marked as reduced

• The discount must be calculated against a reference price, defined as the lowest price charged in the previous 30 days

• Outside the fixed dates (including the summer sales), the term soldes cannot be used

This reference price is the lowest price charged in the 30 days preceding the reduction. 

Refunds of items bought during sales

Refund and exchange rules depend on how the purchase was made. 

In physical shops, retailers are only legally required to offer a refund or exchange if the item is faulty, non-compliant or has a hidden defect, although many stores offer more generous policies as a commercial gesture.

For online purchases, consumers retain the standard 14-day cooling-off period, starting the day after delivery, with some exceptions such as personalised goods, unsealed hygiene products and perishable items.