Where in Paris to Find Decorative Ceramic House Numbers?
 

I know there's a place near/in the Marais where you can buy utilitarian-type numbers, etc., but where would we find some decorative ones? I looked on La Tuile a Loup website but did not see faience numbers among the poterie but perhaps they carry them; it would be the type of place that would have them.

Merci!

Hi Grandmere, What about that treasure-trove of all things 'domicile' called BHV - Le Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville, for all things DIY. 52-64 Rue de Rivoli if I remember correctly.
Tel: 01 42 74 90 00.

Yes, I tend to forget about these big places and must remember that everything in Paris does not have to be bought in a tiny store!

BHV would be my first thought, too!! I plan to spend some time there this trip. It can be a fun place to go....

Joan

<b>Leroy Merlin</b> at Beaubourg or <b>Castorama</b> at Place de Clichy or Nation. Those are the two "Home Depot/Lowe's" chains of France. Definitely cheaper than the BHV, which is the store for bobos.

My friends bought them just this past week while we were in Paris at the BHV

We bought them in the basement of BHV. They are in the corner near the signs that say things like Chat Lunatique etc.

Chat Lunatique = crazy cat? I MUST get one of those!! :)

Sue,

Looks like you will be going to BHV!

I go there on most every trip..a fun place!

Joan

Uh - on the gates in front of houses - bring a crowbar and look for your number.

BHV it is, assuming I leave my crowbar at home.

I was going to mention BHV until Kerouac said it was a store of bobos. Well, I've been called worse, so will add my recommendation for BHV although we like Leroy Merlin as well.

Here's another recommendation for the basement of BHV. Excellent selection. Leroy Merlin is a good resource, too. I don't care if something costs a little more if it's what I want.

I was just admiring the gorgeous drawer pulls we got at BHV (on one of the upper floors) for our new kitchen island as I was preparing dinner. We went to half a dozen or more stores (including Leroy Merlin and Castorama) before finding exactly what we wanted (which we didn't know until we saw them). They are so perfect!

djkbooks,

That was a reason for me to go to BHV..drawer pulls. The Paris Perfect apartments, where I stay, have so many pretty, decorative pulls.I also want to look for tassels. Chances are, I will find a lot of other things, too!!

Joan

Joan: Also found at BHV, those beautiful brass window/door accessories, such as an adjustable hook that holds the door to our deck open just a few inches (more convenient and works better than a door stop).

During our first stay with ParisPerfect, I had to have some of those round cork hot pads, and looked all over Paris for more than a week, but never found any. We looked everywhere! (Should have just called Madelyn...) Never found them in Paris, but my husband found a package ($1 each) at our local grocery store a few months after we returned.

Best is that all those small things around our home remind us of Paris.

djkbooks,

That's funny about the cork hot pads!

You probably remember the tssels that Madelyn has hanging here and there..not something that one would think of doing..or, at least not me! I went to a local yard goods etc. shop here in Asheville and found some in variosu sizes, shapes and colors. I now have them hanging here and there..and yes, these things do remind you of Paris!

I know many who have BHV on their list for every trip to Paris..even when there for only a few days!

We are liable to have large crowds when we go.
Sue (grandmere) and I will be in Paris at the same time..we may plan a trip to BHV together!

Joan

Kerouac, sorry to sound like a complete ignoramous, but I am not clear on the term 'bobo' - does it mean one is too posh or affluent or does it mean just the opposite? In no way am I affended as I have never set foot across the threshold of BHV, BUT have seen a post from the past recommending it's basement cafe` having especially good value?! Thought we may give it a try.

tod,

Here is a bit about eating at BHV and other dept. stores:

http://www.discoverfrance.net/France...od_Views.shtml

Joan

I never miss a trip to BHV when I'm in Paris. I guess I'm a certified bobo. You can also find ceramic door numbers and other such trinkets at the various La Vaisseleries.

My BFF who hates shopping has promised me she would go into BHV with me when we visit Paris this fall.

DH and BFF-DH are game too.

We are all BHV virgins :)

La Vaissellerie is another of my favorite places to find special items. Last trip, I hauled stacking ceramic jars (onions, shallots, garlic) home, which now sit on my kitchen island - awesome!

It's a shame that Samaritaine closed, because there were always great debates (at least among Parisians) about whether the hardware basement of BHV was better or if maybe it was the Samar instead. Nobody ever agreed.

kerouac,

How true, how true..Samaritaine is missed!

Joan

Thanks so much Joan! I too am very disappointed to hear Samaritaine is still closed but did hear that it was a longterm (about 5year) renovation.
I took my mum there for lunch on the top floor restaurant, Le Toupary - then the following year went again with my DH.
The funny thing is my EyeWitness Guide 2009 still thinks it's open!

My daughter found some house numerals at BHV, and we enjoyed our trip to the store. One could spend a long time in that place!

We went to La Tuile a Loup, but I'll save that info for a thread of its own.

Hi Sue I hope you're having a great time in Paris, it was good to see you again!

Taking notes here- What other "can't miss" stores or boutiques do you all recommend or should I start another thread. I will definitely go to BHV (never been) and did not know Samaritaine was closed for renov. Also, does the Primtemps still have Cafe Flo (the restaurant with the beautiful dome) or has it changed to another name. I googled it and couldn't find it.

I went back to BHV the morning after Sue was there when I had more time to look. I did finally select my drawer knobs. I bough all cermic handpainted ones.

You could spend a day in that store.

Next week I will be going to La Tuile a Loup.

Joan

Another BHV fan saying hello to Sue.