Shopping Canal St-Martin

"Off the beaten track" aptly describes this up-and-coming neighborhood, dotted with galleries, vintage shops, and iconoclastic boutiques.

Although you're not likely to forget you're in Paris, the pace here is noticeably slower. The canal's cobblestones, plane trees, and arched bridges provide the atmosphere, and its stone embankments make an excellent spot to take in the scene. Or, as Parisians do on temperate evenings, share a bite and a bottle of wine with friends. And the shopping: low-key cool reigns here, none of the high-wattage, high-profile designers that vie for the big bucks in Paris's tony neighborhoods. The area's hipster equivalent of mom-and-pop shops ensure a few choice finds that will be seen on you and only you. Walk along Avenue Beaurepaire, the area's shopping epicenter, toward the canal. From here, you'll want to check out some of the smaller streets, especially Rue de Marseille and Rue de Lancry, and meander along the canal—a great way to discover a quartier that's still one of Paris's best-kept secrets.

Best Time To Go

If you want to experience the neighborhood at its most tranquil, go on a weekday. If it's the scene you're after, plan on a Saturday afternoon visit.

Best Find for a Picky Hipster

Cool, colorful bracelets and intricate Gothic-inspired chokers are all in rubber at Idé Co. Or, for the best-cut velour jeans this side of the Atlantic, go to Boutique Renhsen.

Rouge Kaki. Design-savvy accessories at Rouge Kaki, on Rue de Lancry are so appealing you'll want one of everything.

Refueling

To really immerse yourself in the scene, join the young designers and artists at Chez Prune. On warm days, its canal-side spot makes it the place to be. Or drop in to Le Verre Volé for biodynamic wine, authentic charcuterie, and excellent company. For atmosphere and a little history to boot, lunch at the Hotel du Nord (movie buffs will know it from the eponymous 1938 Marcel Carné film).

What You'll Want

Underground Chic

Antoine & Lili. An exuberant universe, with women's, kids', and housewares on the same block. Everything bursts with color, imagination, and charm.

Boutique Renhsen. Fashionistas swear by the jeans, comfy sportswear, and accessories.

Des Petits Hauts. Stylish, ultrafeminine separates make this line a smashing success, along with a small but chic selection of bags, shoes, and jewelry.

Dupleks. "Ethical designers" but no lack of design daring. Sexy micro-blazers and form-flattering tunics.

Liza Korn. Charmingly eccentric and original clothing, shoes, jewelry, and stylish kids' clothes.

Must-Haves

Bazar Éthic. This department store for equitable commerce champions sleek-and-chic designs in everything from tableware to clever clothes, accessories, and jewelry, too.

Idé Co. Witty items for the home and updates on all the French staples.

Brilliant Bijoux

Médecine Douce. Whimsical, wearable baubles perfectly in tune with an avant-garde canal-side crowd.