Hi. Does anyone know if there are thrift stores (secondhand clothes) in or near Paris? I know about the flea markets. I love thrift store shopping, and would love to check out the stores in France if there are any...

Thanks!

The Armée du Salut (Salvation Army) has a great thrift shop in a building designed by Le Corbusier. I love that place, 12 rue Cantagrel in the 13th. Otherwise if you google Paris Fripieries you can find some used clothing shops. There are some super expensive ones, I particularly recall going into one at the Place des Vosges, that sell Chanel suits for nearly the original price! Out of my price range.

You'll find them all over Paris, especially in the "upscale" 16th. Best bet is to visit your local bookstore and peruse the shopping in Paris guides, such as Suzy Gershman's.

There are tons of web sites for the flea markets, and the discount shops in Montparnasse.

Emmaus, the charity started by Abbé Pierre, also runs thrift stores, but clothes shopping might be better in the many Depots-Ventes. They run the gamut from fairly ordinary to chic. "Paris Pas Chere," the bargain shopping guide for natives, lists 24 that specialize in women's clothing.

Cherche-Minippes, several locations on rue du Cherche-Midi for women, men, kids, home. Their windows change regularly, and I've seen some great deals. Most of what they have is fairly current. I believe that, in addition to secondhand, sometimes they carry overstock.

If you really want to hunt through truly outrageous used clothes, you should visit a Guerrisol shop -- there are several near Barbès-Rochechouart. Items start at 1 euro.