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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"—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."
Bonton takes the prize for most-coveted duds among those who like to think of children as fashion accessories. (Moms may find some useful wardrobe pointers, too.) Sassy separates in saturated colors layer beautifully, look amazing, and manage to be perfectly kid-friendly. Bonton sells toys and furniture, too.
If this tiny 1950s and 1960s-inspired concept store has survived for four decades, it's not an accident. The owner carefully chooses fun, funky clothing, housewares, jewelry, decorative items, and anything else that inspires her to sell in her boutique. Don't miss the back room with retro posters, lamps, furniture, and kitschy wall hangings.
Like the ready-made Duchamp "artwork" for which it is named, the Broken Arm projects a minimalist cool that puts the concept back in concept store. A hypercurated selection of A-list brands for men and women includes vivid separates from the likes of Martin Margiela, Prada, and the sublime Lemaire. A choice selection of objects and accessories (books, shoes, jewelry, and leather goods) elevates the everyday to art.
This small, refined store is the brainchild of Terry de Gunzburg, Yves Saint Laurent's former director of makeup, whose brand of ready-to-wear cosmetics is a favorite among French actresses and socialites. Upstairs, specialists create what de Gunzburg calls haute couleur, exclusive makeup tailored to each client (it's very expensive, and takes three weeks to create).
This sleek boutique near the Pont Marie carries a selection of 200 handmade papers from around the world, unique stationery, cards, and writing instruments as well as artwork made on and with, yep, paper. It's an oh-so-Parisian source for personalized calling cards and stationery.
This company made a name for itself in the 1950s with its youthful designs that were made to match with the modern fashions of iconic designer Christian Dior. The playful, low-heeled, and comfortable shoes and boots have remained popular thanks to their playful spins on classic designs. There is also an outlet store at 6 rue du Cherche-Midi.
This historic jeweler welcomes devotees past the 19th-century, gold-flecked black marble facade into a massive six-story boutique. Boasting truly contemporary flair, albeit with nods to the brand's storied past, this Cartier is airy and bright, capped by a glass ceiling that takes inspiration from the city's beloved secret courtyards. Longtime favorites like Trinity rings and Tank watches compete for attention with the newer Panthère, Love, and Caresse d'Orchidées collections.
This historic vinothèque (wine store), set in the beautiful Galerie Vivienne, is as picturesque a spot as you’ll ever find in Paris for buying and tasting wine. With a comptoir (tasting counter), seating in the lovely courtyard, and a restaurant, you can discover the finest French wines accompanied by gourmet dishes. Themed tastings and dinners are a great way to mingle with the experts (just be sure to reserve in advance online).
Poetically binding thousands of strips of washi (Japanese paper) into handcrafted, one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures has made Céline Wright a familiar name in Paris's art and design community. Her famous "cocoon" lamps reflect artisanal, eco-friendly traditions while evincing a thoroughly modern sensibility.
The iconic design elements of the pearl-draped designer are in evidence in Chanel Jewelry, where you'll witness the quilting (reimagined for gold rings), camellias (now brooches), and shooting stars (used for Chanel's first jewelry collection in 1932, now appearing as diamond rings).
The Parisian equivalent of a Savile Row tailor, Charvet is a conservative, aristocratic institution dating to 1838. It's famed for made-to-measure shirts, exquisite ties, and accessories; for garbing John F. Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, and the duke of Windsor; and for its regal address. Although the exquisite silk ties in hundreds of colors and patterns and custom-made shirts for men are the biggest draws, refined pieces for women and girls, as well as adorable miniatures for boys, round out the collection.
Founded in 1830, Christofle has fulfilled all kinds of silver wishes, from a silver service for the Orient Express to a gigantic silver bed. Come for timeless table settings, vases, jewelry boxes, and more.
One of a slew of cannily resurrected ancient brands, Cire Trudon traces its origins to a Paris candle works founded in 1643, later dubbed the royal candle supplier in 1811. Now this bijoux of a boutique carries elegant tapers and sublimely scented candles in a range of sophisticated fragrances dreamed up by Parisian perfumers and poured into elegant Italian glasses. Cheeky wax busts of French personages—made in partnership with the Réunion des Musées Nationaux, makers of the official replicas from French museums—are de rigueur for chic Parisian apartments. You’ll also find a line of perfumes for you and your home.
Customers swoon over the 50-some wildly delicious jam flavors at this artisan shop specializing in homemade confitures (jams) that change with the seasons: black currant–jasmine or apricot-lavender in summer; in winter, chestnut-pear-tonka bean or carrot–passion fruit; and spring strawberry–cherry blossom or raspberry-violet. You’ll also find jellies to accompany cheeses (champagne-rosé; port wine), and sublime caramel, nut, and chocolate spreads. Design-your-own gift boxes are the perfect way to bestow these beautifully packaged gourmet, oh-so-Parisian flavors. All products are made on the premises in the Viaduc des Arts, and you can watch the chefs in action in the glassed-in kitchens.
If new Parisian designer duds are a bit out of your price range, you might consider this classy depot-vente (consignment shop), where chic neighborhood ladies and men deposit last year's barely worn loot. Its clean, artfully displayed stash of A-list designer clothing, accessories, jewelry, scarves, watches, and shoes can be had for half or less than retail, plus some stellar vintage wear is also for sale. Standouts have included a crocodile Hermès Birkin bag, Cartier watches, and a Chanel leather coat.
COS—which stands for Collection of Style—is the H&M group's answer to fashion sophisticates, who flock here in droves for high-concept, minimalist designs with serious attention to quality tailoring and fabrics at a reasonable price. Classic accessories and shoes look more expensive than they are.
This family-run cavern teeming with artists, actors, models, and jewelry lovers offers an Ali Baba–ish shopping experience. You'll need to take your time, as the walls are filled with row upon row of antique jewels from every era, as well as more modern secondhand jewelry and vintage one-of-a-kinds.
Although de Gournay has been decorating homes with hand-painted wallpaper for a mere 30 years (compare that to Zuber's 200 years), the results are timeless and enviable. If you've always dreamed of transforming your living room into a colorful jungle, your sunroom into a lemon orchard, or your bathroom into a gold-leaf boudoir, de Gournay will help you create your desired universe.
Founded in 1800, this Parisian chocolatier rose to fame for providing “health chocolates” to Marie-Antoinette (now sold as Pistoles de Marie-Antoinette) and was soon the sole supplier of sweets to the French kings and aristocracy. The Rue des Saints-Père flagship—designed by the architects to Napoléon—may be a classified historic monument but it’s brushed off its fussy image, unveiling a chic range of chocolates to accompany cocktails. Delightful illustrated cards are found inside every chocolate box featuring famous clients, from Marcel Proust to Sonia Rykiel. And you’ll still find their signature Croquamandes (chocolate-covered almonds), truffles, candied chestnuts, and sublime fruit jellies.
This popular chain for women champions casual French fashions with a romantic feminine touch, from angora sweaters in sorbet colors to lightweight linen T-shirts. Everything from snazzy sneakers to scarves, bags, and belts is chic and top-quality. The boutique's soft, comfy jeans are especially sought after.
This poetic brand charmed its way into the local fashion idiom with chic yet beguilingly feminine styles. Fabrics are soft, and styles are casual with a tiny golden star sewn into each garment for good luck.
Just around the corner from Place Vendôme's titan jewelers, Dinh Van thumbs its nose at in-your-face opulence. The look here is refreshingly spare. Bestsellers include a hammered-gold-orb necklace and leather-cord bracelets joined with geometric shapes in white or yellow gold, some with pavé diamonds.
Dolce & Gabbana offers a sexy, young-Italian-widow vibe with a side of moody boyfriend. Svelte silk dresses, sharply tailored suits, and plunging necklines are made for drama. Women's clothes are at the Avenue Montaigne location; men's are at 3 rue Faubourg St-Honoré.
This is Paris’s one-stop-shop for all things Italian—cheeses, charcuterie, fresh and dried pasta, olive oil, sauces, pastries, wines—you name it, it’s here. There’s also a restaurant, café, and two wine bars on the premises. On weekends it’s teeming with neighborhood foodies, so best to go in the morning or linger at apéro hour over specialty olives and a glass of wine.
This cashmere shop provides stylish Parisians with luxury cashmere in every color, style, and weight; yarns range from light as a feather to a hefty 50-ply for the jaunty caps. The store caters to men and women (there are some kids' models, too). Styles are updated seasonally yet tend toward the classic.
Here you'll find flattering, of-the-moment styles from Greek designer Erotokritos Antoniadis, who expresses a unique Parisian chicness through comely silhouettes with expertly tailored separates in beautiful seasonal colors. The collections include women’s and men's ready-to-wear items and accessories.
If you love fine earthenware and place settings, you may have already heard about this company, which has been around for over 200 years. The factory is a few hours from Paris, but this welcoming boutique has a beautiful selection of their latest patterns, including a few items illustrated by designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. If you're looking for something easy to pack in your luggage, check out the espresso cups or tiny collectible plates with motifs which will remind you of France.
Don't let the chaos at Free 'P' Star discourage you—there's gold in them there bins. Determined seekers on a budget can reap heady rewards, at least according to the young hipsters who flock here for anything from a floor-sweeping peasant skirt to a cropped chinchilla cape. A second Marais branch at 61 rue de la Verrerie is equally stuffed to the gills.
The flagship store features an understated collection of contemporary French-made clothes and accessories for men and women that emphasize quality fabrics, classic style, and cut over trendiness. You'll also find a handpicked collection of exclusive collaborations with cutting-edge French brands (like sleek leather-and-suede booties by Avril Gau for FrenchTrotters), as well as FrenchTrotters' namesake label and a limited selection of housewares for chic Parisian apartments.
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