First visit to Paris
 

Several of us will be going to Paris in Feb for about 10 days. It is our first time to Paris. We are looking for French cotton fabrics and sewing implements. Where should we look- shops or flea markets? And which ones? What is the weather like? I know it's cold, but is it rainy? Are there any good needlework shops we shouldn't miss? Thanks for your input.

Check out Chic Shopping Paris at http://www.chicshoppingparis.com/. They do shopping tours (among other things), and I bet they'll be able to help!

I spent a winter intersession in Paris during my college years (we're talking the 1970's), and I survived. Bring a warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf ... and yourself. Hope you enjoy my favorite city.

Aren't there a lot of fabric shops on rue de Steinkerque, the uphill street you walk from Metro:Anvers toward Sacre Coeur?
Otherwise, isn't there a textile area (Sentier?) around Bastille/Republique?

Kitchenware and fabrics are my favorite things to shop for in Paris!

For fabrics, there are specialty shops all over Paris, but your best bet for selection and more favorable prices is probably the Marche Saint Pierre. This is a multi-storied building chock full of fabrics, notions, implements. Recommend starting at the top and working your way down. HINT: Bring your own tape measure and familiarize yourself with metric/yards conversions (a calculator is handy for converting and figuring out total price). Also, bring paper and pen to write down where you saw something you might want to return for - you'll never remember where you saw it! The streets to the west are also chock full of similar, smaller, shops. Fabric heaven! In my observation, the prices are very competitive, so if you see something you adore, don't bother looking for the identical item elsewhere and shopping prices. The selection here is overwhelming. One of my favorite "finds" is gorgeous lace in various lengths that can be just cut to width, with beautiful loops for slipping over a rod - no sewing!

This area is just south of the steps of Sacre Coeur.

As for the weather, expect rain, at least occasionally. It doesn't usually rain all day or very hard, but a raincoat with a hood, or umbrella are essential. An auto open/auto close with storm layer is a lot better than a tiny "travel" umbrella.

Check the ten day forecast on the web just before leaving to finalize your packing. The ubiquitous "layers" are always best. Always plan for a little warmer or cooler and a bit of rain. It's best to pack so as to be comfortable while out and about.

Hi

You can check out the weather stats on http://www.weatherbase.com :-) I went to Paris in April last year. You can check out my trip report with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm . Maybe you can find some useful information there :-)

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Hi Louge1953,

(Excellent year by the way) Here is one needlework shop http://www.bucherie.com/contact.asp

I am racking my brain for another near the Palais Royal, perhaps someone else will remember it.

Scootoir

Tons of fabric shops in the streets below Sacre Couer. My mom and I had a fine time.