Shopping in Paris
 

Any suggestions, recommendations re: finds? treasures? deals? steals? I'm going to be in Paris for several weeks in November & December, am very familiar with the city. Would love to hear from your recent visits where to locate: ethnic jewelry (North African,Middle Eastern,Asian, etc), sterling or silver plate serving pieces/napkin rings, mid century modern art & table top items. mid 20th century costume jewelry. Regional and/or vintage linens. Also, would appreciate any food, resturant, gallery, and museum tips & suggestions (what's open, what's not). Thanks so very much.
Bethany
OH! Almost forgot: any hot tips on hotels/bars/clubs with live music? Particularly sans cover charge. Like a 4 piece combo in a hotel bar? Live music anywhere? Any type of music from jazz to street musicians to classical. Thanks AGAIN!!!

Most museums and galleries should have their hours posted on their web sites. I'm leaving for Paris next Thursday and am planning on some serious retail theropy. Don't know if I'll be back in time to help you. It's a long story, but I'm getting shopping tips and tours from a lady who lives in Paris and does tours there. She's an American ex-pat, so I'm hoping for something marvelous. I'm planning also on hitting the BHV for house stuff,and Bouchera..I got a couple of really great table clothes there last trip. It's been four years and they are still going strong. Other than that, I'm pretty much of a novice, but looking forward to changing that.

For much of what you're looking for, I would suggest the Paris flea markets, which are really antiques markets. Are you familiar with them? The big one is near the Clignancourt metro stop--a virtual city of antiques. Make sure that you go past the shlock to find the good stuff. Port de Vanves market is smaller but also good. Do a search on these. There was a recent thread comparing the two. I'll try to top it for you...

As far as museums are concerned, check out the Musee Jacquemart Andre and the Musee Nissim Camondo. Both were the actual homes of wealthy Parisian families. The Jacquemart Andre has a lovely tearoom/cafe.

I just topped two threads for you. One on the "Clignancourt" market and one on "Five things not to miss in Paris." I hope they'll help.

crefloors,
I think Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine featured several interior decor stores in Paris. If I find the issue I'll post again.

You can find a lot of what you are looking for, particularly silver and jewelry , at Louvre des Antiquaires, on Pl di Palais-Royal, across from the side of the Louvre. Be prepared to pay though!

There are quite a few shops on Rue Rennequin (off Wagram) in the 17th, There were quite a few Ethnic art/ jeweler designer things, as well as an African restaurant called "Gazelle" which had an interesting menu. Asian and Middle Eastern as well.

Thanks so much!
Re: flea markets--have you been to the Clignacourt market lately? I've gone a number of times in the past, have found treasures, however typically have found it to be a chore, bordering on an ordeal at times which begins when I get off the Metro. Just getting past the ocean of jeans, sunglasses, and junk wears me out.
Next question: do you go to Vanves on Saturday or Sunday/ Is there much of a difference? I've only gone on Saturday morning, probably later than recommended, but loved it. I think that the early bird does get the worm, but the late bird gets the deal. If the vendor isn't coming back the next day, etc. Sometimes being lazy works well.
OH! forgot my other 'addiction' which is frames. Eyeglass frames. does anybody know of a discount or wholesale frame shop?
Thanks in advance.
Bethany

I was probably at Clignancourt two years ago or so. I never minded wading through the junk. It's the requisite purgatory before the paradise.

I think I usually go to the Port de Vanves early on Sunday. Your theory might be correct, but I'm an early riser and don't want to waste a precious minute while I'm in Paris.

My passion is paintings, and I've gotten a some bargains at both markets.

My husband and I just returned last week. Spent 4 days in Paris. Usually we shop and buy the whole time we are there. It was tuff slogging this time, even with the October sales at the department stores. We did buy 4 pieces of sterling Christofle flatware. We chose a pattern several years and trips ago and add to the set every time we go. Between the VAT reduction, and the 10% discount at Printemps its still not a bad deal but when we first started buying it, it seemed like/was a huge bargin.