I have been spoiled by Paris, spoiled by the city's charming cobbled lanes, designer patisserie windows, fashionable pedestrians and spoiled from ever traveling to another city. I simply cannot get enough of this city, and I apologize to its neighbor, London, but she just doesn't offer the same grandeur, cafe charm or shopping indulgence. I swoon over Paris's design sensibility and the art-directed window displays of the couture houses as well as the humble yet chic offerings of the many Parisian artisans.
From couture houses, to artisans and gourmands, to brocante markets, Paris offers goods for every wallet size and aesthetic. Exploring Paris boutiques and brocantes is a trip unto itself, and here are my shopping essential tips for Paris.
Shopping route on Rue Saint Honoré
Brocante shopping
Paris's shopping bounty is endless, so organize your shopping day by arrondissement. Rue Saint Honoré is a shopping route for those dressed by couturiers, while the Marais offers many vintage and small artisan labels, and the Madeleine is a food lovers delight. Below are my must hit shopping destinations when in Paris.
- Elegant lingerie and the finest of stockings:
Chantal Thomass: 211 Rue Saint Honoré
- Delicious white ceramics:
Astier de Villatte: 173 Rue Saint Honoré
- Stylish flats for meandering the cobblestones:
Repetto: 51, Rue des Francs Bourgeois
- Vintage couture:
Didier Ludot: Jardin du Palais Royal, 24 Galerie de Montpensier
- Chic and classic totes:
Maison Goyard: 233 Rue Saint Honoré
- Absinthe selection:
Vert d'Absinthe: 11 Rue d'Ormesson
- Truffles of every sort (and the best truffle-brie sandwich for on the go shoppers):
Maison de la Truffe: 19 Place de la Madeleine
- Mustard on tap and served in a souvenir ceramic pot:
Boutique Maille: 6 Place de la Madeleine
- I am not a fan of one-stop shopping in Paris, but the Belle-Epoque beauty of this famed department store is worth the trip:
Printemps: 64, Boulevard Haussmann
- Brocante:
Point de Vanvre (every Sat and Sun morning)
Village St. Paul (Marais)
Maison Goyard
Belle-Epoque grandeur of the famed department store, Printemps
Images by Brooklyn Boheme.