I just found out I need reading glasses (occupational hazzard) and I am heading to Paris in two weeks.
I thought that besides designers such as Chanel, which may have styles for sale in Paris that they do not in the U.S., there may be a store (like "Blink" in DC if you know it) or section in a department store that has a good selection of frames.
If anyone has run across such a place, I would love to hear about it.
I mean, if I have to wear glasses, they should at least be stylish and Parisian...

We have purchased frames at two places; one is on rue Castiglione, just off rue de Rivoli, and the other is on La Motte Picquet , just down from the Ecole Militaire metro stop. Sorry I can't be more specific. Both were highly stylish shops and quite expensive.

As long as you have your prescription with you (you have had your eye exam already, right?) it's no big deal. I don't know Paris myself, but have a friend who always buys his glasses when he travels. All around the world.

Last spring, my friend purchased two pair of frames at LaFont on rue Vignon near Madeleine. Here is their website
www.lafont.fr. She was very pleased and it was a really neat shop to visit. (BTW, she just brought the frames home to NYC and had the lenses made there).
Peg

Grand Optical on the Champs Elysee and also in the Forum Le Halles has one hour service, much like Lens Crafters in the USA. I bought 2 pairs of prescription sunglasses in March...not cheap but very nice. I always travel with my prescription, just in case. There are also optical shops all over Paris with fashionable and tres chic frames.

They are very expensive in France, and I've never noticed anything much sexier or stylish than what you can find here at home for much less money. That said, I had to buy a pair once after I stupidly stepped on my own, and found a pair at a stop right on the Opéra. But you'll see them all over.

May I suggest Grand Optical on the Champs-Elysées.

I believe it's the biggest optician in France. It's very sleek, stylish and swish - much like some of the clientele (I've seen Daniel Auteil, Jane Birkin and Vanessa Paradis in there on various occasions when I've had reason to call in.
Furthermore they offer a one hour service - even on AR coated lenses (which is just about a miracle - the machinery necessary to do this cost close on a half million euros)
You'll find all the designer names you can think of (Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Prada etc) plus the eyewear specialist stuff too (think Alain Mikli, EyeDC, Freudenhaus, IC! Berlin, Zart etc.)

www.grandoptical.com

Just a note - optical stores in France are precluded by law from having an optician/ophthamologist in situ. They are dispensing houses only. They'll gladly point you in the direction of an eye-test practitioner but it'll likely be a couple blocks away and you'll require an appointment.

Probably better to bring a copy of your prescription with you - and remember it'll need to be current (i.e less than 24 months and preferably less than 12 months old).

Hope this helps - if you're wondering why I know all this arcane stuff it's because I'm in the optical industry myself.

Dr D.

The real trick would be if they could do Varilux / no line bifocals in an hour. Can they?

I should be reluctant to confess an addiction to a wide and unknown forum, however, when it comes to frames, my reveal that I am an EXPERT. I am visually impaired, have wore glasses perhaps since birth, anyway, Paris.....I don't know how to begin. Other than to say, do some SERIOUS shopping-price comparison prior to arrival. Then, set yourself free. Just do it. My suggestion is to buy frames that you love,that are unavailable in the states, that are YOU. I may well be the Imelda of frames. I have frames for a variety of situations and light conditions. But that's me. Back to you: Paris is the best for possibly any shopping venture,but eye glass frames may well be at the top. Followed by any/all accessory, clothing item, home decor item, kitchen item, fabric, antique, book, etc.

Take your prescription with you and you should be able to get lenses fitted into eyeglass frames easily. Or you could buy your designer frames and get the lenses fitted back home.

AJPeabody, I doubt they could do varifocals/progressives in an hour. I work in the optical industry and it usually takes between a day to a week, depending on the prescription and the type of lens. Usually, only single vision lenses can be done in a hour.

There are optical boutiques all over.

Though, the Chanel frames at Lenscrafters (identical) are priced much lower here at home.

Many places stateside charge a huge premium to make lenses for frames not purchased there.

Nowadays, "invisible" flexible titanium frames, especially "rimless", are hugely popular because they so lightweight, and don't bend out of shape (should you fall asleep reading).

AJ Peabody - yes!
djkbooks - eyewear fashion in Europe is reckoned to be about 3 years ahead of US trends.
Whilst rimless/titanium/"invisible" frames are still popular and hence widely available, the really interesting and infra-dig styles are in acetates. Featuring bold lines and colours (either individual or in multiple layers) and frequently with striking pattern, they really are quite gorgeous and certainly make a statement about the wearer!

I had given some thought to getting glasses in Paris but the prices were very high. For reading glasses it would be a big whoa for me. BUT really really great looking frames, no doubt.

Wow, thank you all so much for your replies and great suggestions. I love accessories and will definently be taking a look at some of the stores mentioned. I love the idea of having a pair of glasses that differ from most of those around me and remind me of Paris whenever I wear them. Thanks again for all the help.

Selima Optique in the Marais on rue Vieille du Temple between rue des Rosiers and rue des Francs Bourgeois has their own line of very stylish up-to-date frames. I bought a pair a couple of years ago and not a week passes that someone doesn't compliment me on them. Very good quality and pleasant service.

By the way, I bought the frames and had my local optician fill the prescription since I didn't have mine with me.