3 Best Shopping in Montparnasse, Paris

Open since 1977, this family-owned boutique specializes in high-end traditional board games such as chess and backgammon, but also many you’ve never heard of like Nain Jaune ("Yellow Dwarf," a very old French game) and other ancient card games. With over 2,000 items in stock, many made by French artisans, the game-passionate staff has an endless number of suggestions and advice to help you find the perfect original gift that no one else will have back home.

This small flea market is a hit with the fashion and design set. It specializes in easily portable items (like textiles or clothing) and collectible objects that include books, posters, postcards, and glassware. With tables sprawling along both sides of the sidewalk, there's an extravagant selection—just be sure to bargain with vendors. It's open only on weekends from 8 am to 2 pm, but come early for the real deals as good stuff goes fast.

The charming street of Rue Vavin, which runs between Boulevard de Montparnasse and the Luxembourg Gardens, is lined with several children's boutiques. Stop in Jacadi and Petit Bateau (No. 26) for timeless cotton classics or Catimini (No. 10) for more modern togs. Along the way, you'll pass Oxybul (No. 19), an educational toy store for babies and children, and Le Petit Souk (No. 17), which has a creative collection of games, toys, baby clothes, and decorative and practical items. For exceptional handmade smock dresses, l'Ile aux Fées at 66 rue Notre-Dames-des-Champs is worth the very short detour. When you're tired from all the shopping, grab some gelato at Amorino (No. 4) and head to the Luxembourg Gardens, which is literally steps away.