Shopping in the Greater Region

Luxembourg is located just a stone’s throw from the Belgian, German, and French borders. It’s an ideal place to live if you want to take advantage of the shopping opportunities in neighboring countries without having to travel far.

Just Arrived shares its top shopping spots in the Greater Region, near Luxembourg.

Where to shop in the Greater Region?

Commissioned by the Luxembourg government, the Nielsen Institute compared the prices of 110,000 everyday consumer products sold in 22 stores across the Greater Region in 2020.

Price Index Comparison in Luxembourg, Germany, France, and Belgium

According to this study, consumer product prices are lowest in Germany. Showing a slight decline compared to the previous study, the price index there stands at 93.2 out of an average of 100 for all four countries.

France ranks second with an index of 94.1, down from 94.7 in 2017.

Luxembourg ranks third with an index of 99.9.

Belgium comes in last with an index of 104.6 (+0.3 compared to 2017).

Which products should you buy in which country of the Greater Region?

When living in Luxembourg, where can you shop in the Greater Region, depending on the products you want to buy?

First of all, shoppers will have a wider selection of products in France. In fact, France offers four times as many products as its neighbors Belgium and Luxembourg. Furthermore, fresh produce, food, and groceries are cheaper in France (9 . 8% cheaper). France is also the best place to buy organic products. In this area, Luxembourg ranks at the bottom of the list.

Luxembourg is the best place to buy tobacco, cigarettes, and beverages. The VAT rate is lower in Luxembourg compared to its neighboring countries. For a long time, fuel was also much cheaper in Luxembourg. This is no longer entirely true today due to the war in Ukraine and the subsidies implemented by neighboring governments.

You’ll need to go to Germany to buy household and cleaning supplies, perfumes, non-food items, and hygiene products, especially baby products.

With the exception of tobacco, prices in Belgium appear higher across the entire basket of goods analyzed.

Find the dates for the winter sales in the Greater Region here, as well as the dates for the summer sales in Belgium and France.

Shopping areas in the Greater Region

In Belgium, 3 major shopping areas

If you’d like to go shopping in Belgium, we recommend the shopping areas just a stone’s throw from the Luxembourg border.

Designer Outlet Luxembourg in Messancy

Outlet village with free parking, numerous shops, and services (restaurants, tax-free shopping).

The Designer Outlet Luxembourg shopping center is a popular mini-village known for great deals on major international brands (often 30% to 70% off year-round). Over 60 stores sell brand-name items at factory prices. Treat yourself to some bargain shopping in an open, beautifully designed space.

You’ll find a wide variety of new and discounted items. It’s a great spot if you love a good deal.

Plus, this outlet is attractive and pleasant to visit. It’s located right across from the Cora shopping mall. There you’ll also find several fashion, home decor, and electronics stores, as well as a supermarket. A restaurant and a snack bar are located inside the center, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

Espace Shopping Hydrion in Arlon

Just a stone’s throw from Belgium’s A6 highway, the Hydrion Shopping Center is a large open-air shopping area. It brings together more than 40 major retailers.

You’ll also find a few stores that Luxembourg doesn’t have—or no longer has—such as Leen Bakker, In Vogue, and Brantano, which specializes in shoes from various brands. Perfect for finding shoes for the whole family!

Sterpenich Shopping Area in Messancy

This large shopping area is located just across the Belgian-Luxembourg border on the highway. Known for its flagship store, Ikea, the area now features sports stores for your athletic needs, as well as retailers specializing in furniture, lighting, bedding, and home decor. It’s the perfect placeto furnish and equip your new home.

Want to visit Belgium? Here are our favorite spots near Luxembourg

Shopping Cities in Germany: Trier and Saarbrücken

In Germany, we recommend two shopping destinations relatively close to Luxembourg: Trier and Saarbrücken.

It’s worth noting that prices in Germany are often lower than in Luxembourg. This is particularly true for household products, such as laundry detergent, and beauty products.

Trier and its many shops

In Trier (Trêves in French), you can enjoy a bustling downtown shopping district. The pedestrian streets are lined with numerous shops. There are also large shopping malls.

You’ll find plenty of discount home decor stores, as well as many shoe stores.

Trier offers a delightful shopping experience in a historic architectural setting, near the Porta Nigra.

Trier is also a lovely destination to enjoy the Advent markets during the holiday season.

Saarbrücken, a must-visit shopping destination

Just like Trier, the city of Saarbrücken offers many shops. The lively downtown area is perfect for window shopping while enjoying the atmosphere and beauty of the surroundings. Many monuments are worth a look!

For fans of “British” fashion and great deals, the famous Primark store is located there. Foodies will also be delighted to find a large Starbucks where they can relax after a day of shopping.

Thanks to their high volume of tourists, these two cities have the advantage of being clean, well-developed (with numerous bars, terraces, and restaurants), and equipped with large parking lots.

Want to go sightseeing in Germany? Check out our tips here.

In France: Metz, a shopping destination; Marques Avenue; and Longwy

Bordering Luxembourg, France also offers interesting shopping destinations. To get there, take the highway toward France and follow the highway

The Linkling areas in Terville (Thionville)

On the outskirts of Luxembourg, the Linkling areas consist mainly of three shopping districts.

There are many shops there, as well as major home improvement retailers: kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

You can also shop at Supergreen, the Geric shopping center (Carrefour), or the Leclerc shopping center. These shopping areas all have free parking.

Marques Avenue Outlet in Talange

On the highway toward Metz, halfway from Luxembourg, you’ll find several outlet stores, including Outlet Marques Avenue in Talange.

This large shopping area is a great place to shop for brand-name items at bargain prices. Discounts ranging from 30% to 70% are available.

Metz, a shopping destination

Metz is located 50 kilometers from Luxembourg via the highway. The city of Metz features numerous pedestrian and shopping streets.

The city offers a clever mix of fashion, gourmet food, artisanal goods, and home decor stores. Among the busiest streets, Rue Serpenoise and Rue des Clercs are packed with major retailers. The more off-the-beaten-path Rue Taison and Rue des Jardins feature boutiques with more chic and unique items.

Metz is a beautiful city that’s definitely worth a visit. Don’t miss the cathedral, Metz Train Station, the Centre Pompidou…

The Muse Shopping Center in Metz

Located near the Centre Pompidou in Metz, the Muse shopping center opened its doors in November 2017. You’ll find numerous stores offering fashion, beauty, home decor, home goods, leisure, and culture… The center is home to many shops.

Numerous dining options also allow you to take a tasty break.

Note: While the mall has parking spaces, they are paid and not always available!

The Waves Shopping Center in Moulins-lès-Metz

Located near the Augny commercial zone, the Waves shopping center is home to about sixty well-known stores.

With its contemporary architecture, Waves offers more than just a shopping area. It features relaxation and dining spaces. The center also has play areas. Visitors can regularly enjoy water fountain shows.

To get there, you can take the shuttle bus (84a) from Metz or drive from the A31 highway toward Nancy. The shopping center has free parking.

Auchan Shopping Center near Longwy

Finally, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Duchy and Belgium, you’ll find the shopping arcades of the Auchan Hypermarket in Mont-Saint-Martin, near Longwy.

The surrounding shopping area is also worth a look. There, you’ll find major retail chains.

However, the space is smaller and less well-organized than our previous recommendations. You can still find great deals there.

Discounts are frequently offered there before the sales or during the mid-season. It’s a great place to visit for great deals, but also to avoid the crowds of the busier big cities.

If you don’t have a car for getting around the Greater Region, don’t hesitate to explore affordable options for an economical taxi service in Luxembourg, combining comfort and convenience.

Want to visit Lorraine? Check out our travel ideas in France, near Luxembourg, here.