Paris may be considered the city of love but, romance aside, it can be paradise for shoppers too. I was lucky enough to live and work in the city. When friends flew over to visit, they inevitably wanted to gather up some Parisian chic and bring it back to show off at home. I developed a little treasure-trail of fashion fancies and cute bijoux boutiques which never failed to please. Here’s my tried-and-tested guide to shopping (to keep Irish visitors happy!) in Paris.
If you’ve any suggestions for shopping, food or whatever please let us know and we’ll add it.
The Marais
The vibrantly-gay Marais area of Paris naturally features numerous upscale boutiques but avoid the neon stores and go for old-world charm instead and you’re in for a treat. Maverick retailers stock quality vintage-wear and bespoke jewellery galore. Get lost and find a bargain! Scoff some falafel if you get peckish – it’s also the Jewish quarter.
DOM Christian Koban (21 Rue Sainte Croix la Bretonnerie)
What is probably best described as a more edgy Urban Outfitters, DOM sell everything from rubber raincoats to uber-funky furniture. They stock a range of clothes and jewellery and tend to have a small but adorable selection of both men’s and women’s-wear with really great price tags. Last time I was there, I left with 2 pairs of jeans, a scarf and a jumper with change from €100.
Vintage Desire (32 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris)
If it’s vintage you’re after you won’t be left wanting in Paris for Friperie or 2nd hand clothes shops. Vintage Desire is a very popular shop stuffed to the brim with good-quality, reasonably-priced vintage clothing including a surprisingly good selection of bags and shoes. You may have to squeeze your way through this pocket-sized shop but it’s worth it. I picked up the most amazing box leather jacket for half-nothing in this place a few years back and never miss the chance to pop my head in. It’s open seven days until 9pm so the best time to visit is during the week or in the evening.
BHV (52 -54, Rue de Rivoli opposite Hôtel de Ville)
Le Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville or BHV as it is abbreviated to is an innovative, all-encompassing and completely unpretentious department store, by far my favourite in Paris. If you’re a dog lover, make sure to check out ‘La Niche’ at BHV (42 rue de la Verrerie). This pet boutique recently opened to cater for our furry friends and includes designer clothes and accessories plus a dog spa and even a psychologist (for your dog!). The café on the 6th floor with access to the roof has an incredible Parisian vista.
Boyz Bazaar (5 Rue Sainte Croix la Bretonnerie)
Just down the street from DOM lies Boyz Bazaar which, as the name suggests, offers a large selection of all that’s on trend in casual menswear. Everything from Diesel to D&G and Energie, at quite reasonable prices, with very friendly shop staff.
French Trotters (30 Rue de Charonne, near Bastille)
French Trotters is one of the Bastille’s most charming shops and a beautiful one to visit. It’s a concept store with an interesting mix of art and fashion (reflecting the two passions of the couple that own it). The bottom half is devoted to all things fashion with stylish clothes from young and hip designers including Acne, Anna Sui and Comme des Garçons, while the upper-half hosts exhibitions of art work.
Les Archives de la Presse (51 Rue des Archives)
Situated close to the National Archives and the Picasso Museum is this gem of a bookstore. A wonder to behold it has a massive back catalogue of fashion magazines from the early 1900’s to present day including collector editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. If fashion’s not your bag, don’t worry all topics are catered for including from sport, food and science.
Châtelet Les Halles
The Forum des Halles is underground shopping at its best, quite literally. Les Halles is a massive subterranean shopping centre boasting over 200 shops including everything from Habitat, music shop FNAC to a four-floor H&M. If shopping centres aren’t for you, at street level is the Châtelet area brimming over with shops selling everything from vintage to bric-à-brac. Make sure to check out rue Etienne-Marcel for Diesel, Kabuki and Barbara Bui. The best thing about shopping in this neighborhood is that many shops are open on Sundays, uncommon in Paris.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Left Bank 6th Arrondissement)
If it’s designer luxury you’re after then head to Saint-Germain-des Pres and the area around Rue St-Sulpice. Shoe lovers should make their way to Free Lance (30 Rue Four) to fall in love with some of the most exquisite shoes you’re likely to lay eyes on. Even if you can’t afford them, it’s definitely worth having a look and a feel.
Puces de St-Ouen (18th, Metro Porte de Clignoncourt)
The Flea market at St-Ouen is the Daddy of all flea-markets. It originally started in the Middle Ages and you’d swear it hasn’t stopped expanding since, it’s that vast. An incredible number of stalls selling a smorgasbord of stuff, it can be quite overwhelming at first. While a lot of the merchandise is cheap and flimsy, there are good deals to be found in the mix for anyone with the patience. If anything, it’s worth checking out for its sheer scale.
