I am spending ten days in Paris at the end of May (first time in Europe, first time traveling solo -- am I excited!!) As I'm also an avid knitter, I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good yarn shops in Paris.
Thanks!

I always make a point of going to La Droguerie (7-9 rue du Jour) in the 1st (http://www.ladroguerie.com/). The selection isn't particularly big, but they carry a range of fibres (wool, alpaca, cotton, bamboo, linen, cashmere) in different weights, and the colours are great. The yarn hangs in skeins on hooks along one wall and is labelled with the price per 100 grams (10 g for cashmere) and the number of metres in 100 grams (I think--if it's per kilogram, just divide the number by 10). You wait patiently until someone is free and tell them how much you want (in grams). They will pass a message into the depths of the store, and a few minutes later your yarn will appear.

There are samples of knitted garments hanging from the walls (some of which are available in kits) and books of their own patterns. The designs are simple--and my daughter pointed out that some are quite dated--but what makes them interesting are the trims and buttons, which is the other thing La Droguerie sells--amazing ribbon, trim, buttons, beads, artificial flowers ... The books on their website give you some idea of what's on offer.

On past visits I've bought linen the colour of raspberry sherbet (hell to knit, but so pretty), fingering weight alpaca (a dusty grape), and just a few weeks ago two scarf kits--one in wool and bamboo, which will be trimmed with knitted leaves, and the other in alpaca, which will be trimmed with mother of pearl discs.

If you decide to go, I'd suggest you first look out a few patterns that you're interested in knitting and make a note of the length of yarn you'll need, just in case none of the designs in the store strikes your fancy. Though if you have a baby or young child to knit for you may have a terrible time making up your mind.

There are other places in Paris to get yarn, but an avid knitter should definitely head for La Droguerie.

Any hints on yarn stores in Budapest, Novi Sad (Serbia) or London? I too am an avid knitter and don't want to carry enough for 3 weeks of projects with me--would rather buy something along the way.

I vote for La Drogueie as well. It was amazing. I'm a stitcher so I went for the ribbons, trims and appliques, etc.

Margriet, could you give any tips about the queueing up process. It was a little intimidating and confusing. I ended up waiting in the line at the big counter in the bag. While it takes some time to get your turn, once you get a sales assistant they are yours for as long as it takes. Also, any hints about best time of day?

Hope that you enjoy your solo travel experience as I am a frequent solo traveler who loves it. This trip (Paris April - Amsterdam) I am traveling with my boyfriend and joining some family. Both have their advantages.

Tamara

Phildar (www.phildar.fr) is the main chain store with yarn and knitting supplies.

Otherwise, check out the yellow pages (www.pagesjaunes.fr) and ask for "laine à tricoter" to find all of the other places.

Thanks for the post! I am also going to Paris at the end of May, and I'd like to visit some yarn shops. One is mentioned by Rick Steves (dare I mention his name to Fodorites?!) in his guidebook to Paris.

This is what he writes: "Between place des Vosges and the Carnavalet Museum, rue des Frances Bourgeois is the epicenter of Marais chic, with hypertrendy boutiques. At #40, find the beautiful yarn and patterns of Pelote at Laines, Anny Blatt, where owner Christine is likely to be knitting behind the counter when not helping clients."

Another thank you! We are headed to Paris in June and I was hoping to find some great yarn there. I should be set now

My wife, Sandra, tells me that there is a pinguoin wool shop on Monge across from La Residence Monge (55 rue Monge) in the 5th. She recalls it not being as large as we are used to in North America.

Pingouin used to have as many shops as Phildar, but it appears that their products are now available in other shops or over the net.

Was delighted to find postings for yarn shops in Paris. Last time I was there visiting my boyfriend (who lives there), I stopped by La Droguerie but it was closed. Am going to try it again the second week in October when I return to France for another visit with Eddy. We're headed to Tours and Orleans for a week. Can anyone suggest yarns shops in either of those two cities worth visiting? Thanks!