Paris Shopping Finds
By Rebecca Magniant
Owner of Chic Shopping Paris shopping tours and consulting services
Shopping is a passion for me, and always has been. When I moved to Paris, I made it my mission to share Paris’ treasure with visitors to Paris, and I’ve done just that. My goal is that each of my clients goes home with a bit of Paris in their bag.
Clients almost always ask me two questions. What is my favorite restaurant (currently, L’Ebauchoir, a bistro in my neighborhood at 43 Rue des Citeaux, 12th) and what is my favorite shop? Although I shop for a living, the second question is much harder. I really prefer to shop like a Parisienne—that is, going to specialty shops for each little item, rather than a big mall or department store.
That said, read on for some of my favorites shops around the city—some are old-school favorites that have been around for years; others are up-and-coming shops in some of the cities hippest neighborhoods.
Come back to the this page often because I will be updating it with new finds on a regular basis.
A Word about French Customer Service. Overall, French customer service is, politely said, different than Anglo customer service. You may have to wait while a "vendeuse" finishes her phone conversation before she’ll help you or you may get a lovely salesperson eager to help you. That said, if you are patient, you’ll often find a willing partner in crime—a good vendeuse might be brutally honest with you, but she’ll usually also offer suggestions about what looks great on you. Bottom line: don’t act like you are in a hurry (even if you are)—and be patient.
A few things about the shops listed below. Although most guide books offer sections about shopping in Paris, I’ve tried to focus on the shops that aren’t in every big Paris guide book, shops that might be on a street you wouldn’t normally go down or slightly off the beaten path. If you don’t have time to visit all these stores on your own, or just have a few hours to dedicate to shopping, you might consider signing up for one of my Paris shopping tours. Just click the banner below to find out more about my tours.
The List
Ordered by arrondissement
E. DEHILLERIN: kitchen wares extraordinaire
Since 1820, novice and professional chefs alike have been coming to Dehillerin to stock their kitchens with professional cooking and baking equipment such as copper pots, mandolins, casseroles, knives, and more. While the vast assortment of wares and the hustle and bustle of the store might seem a bit overwhelming at first, the knowledgeable staff will help make your selections. One of my favorites are the Madeleine molds for making the yummy pastries chez vous. And if cooking is your thing, walk around the streets nearby, radiating from the church of St. Eustache—you’ll find several more kitchen shops worth perusing.
•18 Rue Coquilliere, 1st
SOPHIE KATTS: lacy and racy corsets
Oh-so-French, the corsets by Sophie Katt are a modern day take on a classic lingerie item. In materials such as denim and lace to classic silk and satin, Katt’s corsets are made to be more comfortable than vintage models, to be worn either under or over clothing. Considered to be a wardrobe “basic” by their creator (alongside the little black dress), her sensual creations come in all sorts of colors and shapes. A sur mesure service is also available, for specific creations for weddings or just for fun.
•6 Rue Mandar, 2nd
STOHRERS: where the Queen Mum buys her pastries
This gilded, delectable patisserie dating back to 1730 is credited with creating the rum-soaked Baba au Rhum pastry, served all over France. Situated in the middle a quaint pedestrian-only market street, Stohrer offers up a fine selection of both savory and sweet specialties, available to us commoners nowadays, once serving Paris’ royalty in this same location. Be sure to pick up one of the kitch postcards featuring England’s Queen Mum getting some tasty treats to go.
•Stohrer: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 2nd
CALLIGRAINE: posh paper products
One of the beautiful "papeteries" on this short street, Calligraine has several shops in a row, all stocked with a variety of lovely paper products and other accessories. Stop in for exotic papers from India or Italy and très chic office supplies to give your office back home a French touch, or simply to admire the goods and dream about the lost art of letter writing. Better yet, pick up a lovely journal to document your Parisian adventure, or send a real letter in lieu of a postcard.
•4/6 Rue Pont Louis Philippe, 4th
IZRAEL: spices and exotic food products
If spices and exotic flavors are your thing, stop into Izrael for a treat. This treasure trove of culinary flavors is impressively chock-a-block full of interesting ingredients. Huge sacks line the floor, full of dried fruits, and spices, and floor to ceiling shelves stock all sorts of goodies. The shop stocks exotic liquors, cooking ingredients from around the world (from pancake mix to Chinese spices), and some serving pieces, making it a worthwhile stop for any gourmande.
•Izrael: 30 Rue Francois Miron, 4th
ASSOULINE: high-fashion books
The Assouline boutique combines literature and fashion in a way only the French can do, taking a stuffy subject like books and turning it uber-chic. The French publisher, well-known for design, art, and fashion livres, sells gorgeous glossy books alongside gorgeous limited-edition gift sets. For big spenders, check out the stenciled wooden crate filled with volumes on fashion’s biggest names ($395) and a gorgeous Coach leather case filled with 40 of Assouline’s slim editions on fashion and art ($1,995), or one of the other interesting collections. For those of us on a librarians salary, check out a book-scented candle or an individual volume of one of the books that grace the shelves. A stop by this book lined boutique will definitely inspire you to curl up with a good read with a café in hand.
•Assouline: 35 Rue Bonaparte, 6th
BONPOINT: charming children's clothing
Super-chic kid’s boutique Bonpoint has opened up its headquarters in a beautiful hotel particulier (mansion) in St. Germain. Over 1000 square meters chocked full of simple, oh-so-French children’s clothing and shoes, along with a garden and in-house restaurant. Each room is exquisitely decorated, from the fantasy-flower ceiling in one room to the playful log cabin inside another. Our faves to shop for? The beautiful shiny gold ballerina slippers for litte girls and the days-of-the-week onesies for baby gifts, en francais, bien sur!
•Bonpoint: 6 Rue de Tournon, 6th
JLR: beautiful custom shirts for men
This could quite possibly be the perfect gift for the Monsieur who has everything—a custom made shirt. Wander into one of the JLR boutiques around Paris, pick out the fabric, buttons, collar, and other details for your new chemise, get fitted by the professionals in the shop, and voila!—in about 2 weeks, your very own custom made and custom designed shirt will be yours. And with prices starting at 91 euros, your man can look like a million euros for only around a hundred. And for the discerning Madame, look out for the new women’s line, coming soon. Note that shipping a shirt back to the US costs almost more than the shirt itself, so leave yourself enough time to pick it up before you go back home. (Other locations: 50 Blvd Malherbes, 8th and 45 Ave Paul Doumer, 16th).
•28 Rue St. Sulplice, 6th
KARINE DUPONT: high-fashion handbags
Parisian designer Dupont creates the colorful, practical handbags at this St. Germain boutique. Her original "K3 " purse has three pockets in different sizes and colors that can be added and removed to make a variety of different looks; other styles include leather hobos and funky weekend bags. New collections are presented at least twice a year, and the friendly saleswoman will be happy to show you all the various ways to wear a KD bag. The best part? Although rather well known, these are bags that you won’t find on every other jeune fille walking the streets of Paris, which makes them all the more unique.
•16 Rue du Cherche Midi, 6th
PETITE MENDIGOTE: pretty-in-pink accessories
This girly pink boutique stocks the store’s own brand of whimsical and unique accessories. Little makeup cases embroidered with “Je suis belle,” funky belts and oversized satchels are on offer, all at reasonable (reasonable for Paris, anyway) prices. The line’s creator strives for a mix of girly and elegant, citing Marilyn Monroe and Hello Kitty as references, and it shows. A happy and fun stop for a trendy purchase for you or a funky friend.
•Petite Mendigote: 23 Rue Dragon, 6th
LA GRANDE EPICERIE: trendy gourmet products
Live out your gourmet fantasy in the cavernous grocery store (the Grande Epicerie), adjacent to the main store Bon Marche department store. Stocked with fresh baked bread, a jewel-box like pastry counter, produce, wine, dry goods, and a fabulous French “deli” selection, this upscale grocer has everything you need for a Seine-side picnic or a romantic gourmet tete-a-tete. The chic-ness of the department store does run over into the prices here, but it is worth it for a splurge on some of the delicacies available. We stock up on things like Mariage Freres tea, gourmet chocolates, and flavorful syrups for drink-making to take back as gifts.
•38 Rue de Sevres, 7th
AU NAIN BLEU: unique toys and dolls
If you are in need of the perfect cadeau for the little person on your list, stop into the Nain Bleu toy store. Opened in 1836, the Nain Bleu (“blue dwarf”) toy store has recently moved to a new shop, just near the Madeleine. Paris’ answer to FAO Schwartz has been in the same family for 5 generations, and it even changes its window displays weekly. The Nain Bleu was originally famous for it’s exquisite dolls and couture doll clothing; nowadays, its three stories of toys offers a wide range of dolls, stuffed animals, wooden sailboats (like the ones used in the Tuilleries fountains), marionettes, and more. Chic Shopping Paris finds it to be a refreshing stop amongst all of the other “grown-up” shopping on St. Honore.
•5 Blvd Malesherbes, 8th
DES PETITS HAUTS: women's high-fashion t-shirts
A new crop of "petits hauts" ("little tops”) is always sprouting up at Des Petits Hauts. This charmant women's boutique specializes in the art of the t-shirt. Each season brings new colors and designs, embellished with buttons, lace, stitching, funky drawings, and all sorts of other things that you've probably never thought of. (Don't miss the cute little star charm that dangles from each shirt, the shop's "logo.") Other items for sale include a small collection of funky and bright scarves, bags, shoes and pins. The spacious rue Keller boutique also sometimes has rotating art expositions in the back. A great way to add a level sophistication to your pile of basic tees.
•5 Rue Keller, 11th
FRENCH TOUCHE: all sorts of "touching" stuff
In 2002, friends Valerie and Emilie opened up this charming shop in the far reaches of the 17th. Their aim is to present a gallery of “touching” objects—all objects are sensual and/or touching—by their materials (wood, glass, metal, etc) or by their story (personal story of creator or fabrication). Each object then has a personality and becomes a link between humans. The mix is modern handmade products along with a few vintage ones, in all sorts of categories: jewelry, bags, lamps, toys, cards, books, etc. Over 200 artists are represented, some that are on display continuously, others only in passing.
•1 Rue Jacquemont, 17th
