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Nothing, but nothing, can push you into the current of Parisian life faster than a few hours of shopping. Follow the lead of locals, who slow to a crawl as their eyes lock on a tempting display. Window-shopping is one of this city's greatest spectator sports; the French call it lèche-vitrine—literally, "licking the windows"—whic
Nothing, but nothing, can push you into the current of Parisian life faster than a few hours of shopping. Follow the lead of locals, who slow to a crawl as their eyes lock on a tempting display. Window-shopping is one of this city's greatest spectator sports; the French
Nothing, but nothing, can push you into the current of Parisian life faster than a few hours of shopping. Follow the lea
Nothing, but nothing, can push you into the current of Parisian life faster than a few hours of shopping. Follow the lead of locals, who slow to a crawl as their eyes lock on a tempting display. Window-shopping is one of this city's greatest spectator sports; the French call it lèche-vitrine—literally, "licking the windows"—which is fitting because many of the displays look good enough to eat.
Store owners here play to sophisticated audiences with voracious appetites for everything from spangly flagship stores to minimalist boutiques to under-the-radar spots in 19th-century glass-roofed passages. Parisians know that shopping isn't about the kill, it's about the chase: walking down cobblestone streets looking for items they didn't know they wanted, they're casual yet quick to pounce. They like being seduced by a clever display and relish the performance elements of browsing. Watching them shop can be almost as much fun as shopping yourself.
And nowhere is the infamous Parisian "attitude" more palpable than in the realm of fine shopping—the more haute the more hauteur.
Parisians are a proud bunch, and they value decorum. So dress to impress—and remember your manners. You must say bonjour upon entering a shop and merci, au revoir when leaving, even if it's to no one in particular. Think of it more as announcing your coming and going. Beyond this, protocol becomes less prescribed and more a matter of good judgment. If a salesperson is hovering, there's a reason; let him or her help you. To avoid icy stares, confidence and politeness go a long way.
As for what to buy, the sky's the limit in terms of choices. If your funds aren't limitless, however, take comfort in knowing that treasures can be found on a budget. And if you do decide to indulge, what better place to make that once-in-a-blue-moon splurge? When you get home and friends ask where you got those to-die-for shoes, with a shrug you'll casually say, "These? Oh . . . I bought them in Paris."
This picturesque market on the city's northern boundary still lures crowds on Friday from 8 am to 12 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Monday from 11 am to 5 pm, but its once-unbeatable prices are now a relic. Packed with antiques booths and brocante stalls, the century-old, miles-long labyrinth has been undergoing a mild renaissance lately: its 15 covered "marchés" now house all manner of artisans and creators as well as buzzworthy shops and galleries (some of which keep weekend-only hours). Destination cafés and eateries—including the popular La Chopes des Puces, where Django Reinhardt used to jam, and the chic MOB Hotel—also attract a hip Paris contingent. Arrive early to pick up the best loot, then linger over a meal or apéro. Be warned, though: if there's one place in Paris where you need to know how to bargain, this is it. If you're arriving by métro, walk under the overpass and take the first left at the Rue de Rosiers to reach the center of the market. Note that stands selling dodgy odds and ends (think designer knockoffs and questionable gadgets) set up around the overpass. These blocks are crowded and gritty; be careful with your valuables here and throughout the marché.
One of Paris's oldest and most colorful market streets, with its roots in the 12th century, still harbors addresses that hark back to the 18th century. To get the full effect, start at Rue Réaumur, and walk this cobbled pedestrian street all the way to the Forum des Halles, past shops displaying every French delicacy, from cheese and chocolate to oysters and pastry, interspersed with bustling cafés. Stop in at Société des Huîtres d'Étretat (1777), at Nos. 61–63, purveyors of oysters to Marie-Antoinette, or grab a divine pastry at Stohrer (1730) at No. 51.
Rue Montorgeuil, Paris, Île-de-France, 75002, France
Just steps from the popular market street Rue Montorgueil, this diminutive passage has become a foodie mecca ever since Frenchie chef Grégory Marchand set up shop here in 2009. Not only is the street home to Marchand's Michelin-starred restaurant (No. 5), wine bar (No. 6), to-go shop (No. 9), and wine cellar (No. 9), but it also features five shops from locavore trendsetters Terroirs d'Avenir peddling everything from cheese (No. 8) to produce (No. 7) to baked goods (No. 3). Chocoholics won't want to miss Plaq at No. 4 selling exquisite single-origin chocolates, cakes, and hot cocoa.
The city's major marché biologique, or organic market, is on Boulevard Raspail between Rue du Cherche-Midi and Rue de Rennes. Bursting with fresh produce, baked items, and eco-friendly products, it's open every Sunday from 9 to 3. A very delicious nonorganic market operates at this location on Tuesday and Friday, from 8 am to 2 pm.
Allée Sonia Rykiel, Paris, Île-de-France, 75006, France
With a history that dates back to the 16th century, the Marché Saint-Germain has undergone many transformations in its lifetime. The current structure of stone arcades, which wrap around an entire city block, was built in 1817. The ground floor of this elegant complex is now home to an Apple store, a Uniqlo, and an appetizing grocery store that connects to a gourmet food court called the marché couvert Saint-Germain, an indoor space for epicureans. This indoor market is home to greengrocers, a fishmonger, a cheesemonger, a butcher, a florist, and a number of international food stalls; it's open every day except Monday.
4–6 rue Lobineau, Paris, Île-de-France, 75006, France
This small flea market is a hit with the fashion and design set. It specializes in easily portable items (like textiles or clothing) and collectible objects that include books, posters, postcards, and glassware. With tables sprawling along both sides of the sidewalk, there's an extravagant selection—just be sure to bargain with vendors. It's open only on weekends from 8 am to 2 pm, but come early for the real deals as good stuff goes fast.
Av. de le Porte de Vanves at Av. Marc Sangnier, Paris, Île-de-France, 75014, France
Built in 1799, the city's oldest extant arcade has become a foodie paradise, with no fewer than a dozen gourmet destinations, including Racines, Alstair, Caffé Sterne, and Coinstot Vino wine bar.
11 bd. Montmartre, Paris, Île-de-France, 75002, France
This passage is full of eclectic shops selling toys, Asian furnishings, cinema posters, and more. Pain d'Épices, at No. 29, specializes in dollhouse decor.
10–12 bd. Montmartre, Paris, Île-de-France, 75009, France
Across from Passage Jouffroy, Passage Verdeau has shops carrying antique cameras, comic books, and engravings. Au Bonheur des Dames, at No. 8, has all things embroidery.
4–6 rue de la Grange Batelière, Paris, Île-de-France, 75009, France
Vendors at this market, which is really on the Rue de Seine, just at the corner of Rue de Buci, often tempt you with tastes of their wares, from slices of sausage and cheese to slivers of peaches and mandarins. Paul Bakery on the corner is a great place to grab a snack.
Rue de Seine at Rue de Buci, Paris, Île-de-France, 75006, France
Near Parc Monceau, this is one of Paris's more vibrant and oldest market streets, dating back to the 1600s. Though some cut-rate boutiques lately encroached, you'll find plenty of the authentic good stuff, from cured Iberian ham to every French specialty under the sun.
This colorful market street near the Jardin des Plantes reflects its multicultural neighborhood: vibrant, with a laid-back feel that still smacks of old Paris. It's best on weekends (although it closes Sunday afternoon and Monday as well).
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