Paris shopping
 

Fodorite specialists I need help. I will be in Paris one day. The Eiffel Tower is where
I will visit. I would like to buy "pietra
dura". I need advice where I can purchase or if I can even purchase this in Paris? All
answers are appreciated.

I believe that pietra dura is a specialty of Italy, not France--others here will know for sure.

Well, that is a decorative inlay technique, isn't it. I have seen some French antique items with that, but in museums. It would apply to a vast variety of items, also, wouldn't it? I don't know what kind of item you want or why Paris, but I'd suggest a museum shop.

Underhill and Christina thanks for your
help. I know this is an Italian technique. I want to buy a small picture with inlay and was hoping that it would be available in Paris. Italy is
not on the list this time. Thanks for your responses.

Actually, I think there is a store on the Blvd. Saint Germain that sells it, but only in large and expensive pieces (i.e. tables). I do remember a sign in their window saying they would ship anywhere. If you're walking down the Blvd. from Blvd. St. Michel towards the 7th, it's on the left hand side about two thirds of the way down.
I am a fan of pietra dura myself--the Courtauld in London has an excellent collection.

What I was going to add but posted to quickly is that although they may not sell any small pieces themselves, they probably know who does.

I can't be specific, but there are some expensive gift shops that might have it, on the Right Bank (probably left, also). I have bought some handpainted porcelain dish that was from Germany in a gift shop on rue de Rivoli and I'm thinking they could have something like that. It was around Marechal, which is a store specializing in Limoges porcelain miniature boxes (don't know if they would have something like that, but you could ask). Here is Marechal's website for location,
http://www.marechal-paris.com/

The store I"m thinking of was within a block or so of it--although it is mostly souvenirs around there.

You have a limited time, there are lots of stores that might have it but I don't know specifics. I'd probably go to the Louvre des Antiquaires set of antique shops on the Right Bank near the Palais Royale. They have antique stores, as well as those with objets d'art. Here is the website for that place:
http://www.louvre-antiquaires.com/pa...il/default.asp

THANKS
To all who to took out time to post.
I have taken notes of all above.

You are all great.

If you are going to Paris for only one day and the Tower is your main attraction (and I assume going up the tower is part of it) I hope you are aware that this will probably use up a good portion of time of your only day.The waiting lines are very very long.

Bigal,

I will be in Paris only one day. I am not sure wether or not I will be going up the tower. I do not want to spend hours in line . There are a few
other small things on my agenda. I really appreciate the info about the lines. This will help me make a more informed decision. Standing in lines is one thing I detest! Thanks again.

For one day, go to the large department stores near the Opéra Garnier, like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Several buildings of seven floors each, enough shoping for many hours. It's the most economical choice if you are pressed for time.