vanne

We'll be spending some time on Rue du Cherche-Midi and I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any shops they particularly like on the street or in the neighborhood (chick stuff such as purses, jewelry, etc), home décor, chocolate, etc.

MaineGG

Not sure if this is the kind of shop you're looking for, but the original Poilâne bakery is at 8 Rue du Cherche Midi. We asked and were allowed to go down into the cellar to see the wood-fired ovens. They did request no photos be taken. I really like their bread and also their small butter cookies called "punitions."

http://www.poilane.com/index.php?

TPAYT

I may be wrong, but having stayed in the area, I think I remember SHOES! Lots & lots of expensive shoe shops.

Christina

That's kind of a funny request as that entire street has tons of shops, and the surrounding area is full of high-end stores. So I wouldn't worry about recommendations, just walk up and down it.

The first part of the street has some trendy brands (you can get in zillinos of cities) like Camper, Swatch, etc. But some individual designer boutiques. And there are a lot of shoe and handbag stores. These are NOT cheap. Poilane is in the middle of a lot of individual artisan shops.

At the corner of rue du Cherche Midi and bd Raspail is a home design/interior decoration store (Mis en Demeure). Again, for big $$$ and big houses.

Towards the end of the street are several "depot-ventes" stores which are discounted/seconds/last year's goods. Chercheminippes is a big one. here it is http://www.chercheminippes.com/boutiques.aspx

Ackislander

You are minutes from Bon Marche, Sevres-Babylone, rue des Sants Peres, etc, etc, in addition to Cherche Midi itself.

You want it, it's there, provided you can pay for it.

Nikki

I have bought several pieces of jewelry from Metal Pointus, which has several locations in Paris. One is at 13 rue du Cherche Midi.

billandcindy

Also, nearby is Rue du Bac, a favorite street of ours with lots of shops, which runs from the Bon Marché north to Blvd Saint Germain.

Ackislander

Oh, yes, rue du Bac. Walk from one end to the other on one side of the street and walk back to the beginning on the other. Wonderful shops!

I detest shopping in malls, but this is Different.

vanne

Hadn't been on rue du Cherche-Midi before -- only knew of Polaine. We were planning to have lunch at Chez Dumonet so thought I would get some info on shops. In the end, we had our evening meal there instead, so didn't do any shopping.

Our dinner at Chez Dumonet was wonderful. We started with the terrine and then Duck Confit -- both were delicious. Portions were fairly large, so we were too full for dessert. We usually only order a glass of wine, or a pichet, rather than a bottle. We were given a complimentary glass of wine so that, and some water, worked out great for us. There was also an amuse bouche of pumpkin soup that was delicious -- will have to look for recipes.

Linda431

Vanne, you missed out on the beef bourguignon you could ever hope to taste. I dream about it.

vanne

Linda431 - I was debating the beef or the duck as they're both highly recommended in reviews I read. Chose the duck confit and loved. Will have to try the beef next time -- I know we'll go again.