Paris is known for its charming and unique shops that offer unique experiences. Here are our picks. Enjoy your shopping in the City of Light!
Shakespeare and Company
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris.
Shakespeare and Company, nestled in the heart of Paris’ Latin Quarter, is a literary haven that has enchanted writers and book enthusiasts for decades. This iconic English-language bookstore is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a sanctuary for creativity and intellectual exchange. Established in 1951 by George Whitman, it’s often associated with the Beat Generation and has hosted legendary writers like Allen Ginsberg and James Baldwin. Visitors can immerse themselves in a cozy, historic ambiance filled with antique typewriters and labyrinthine bookshelves. Many aspiring authors find inspiration within its walls, and the store even offers a “Tumbleweed” program that provides a bed in exchange for a few hours of work.
La Maison du Chocolat
Address: Multiple locations, but go to 8 Boulevard de la Madeleine, 75009 Paris
For chocolate aficionados, La Maison du Chocolat is a pilgrimage destination in Paris. Established by Robert Linxe in 1977, this exquisite chocolatier has earned a reputation for crafting some of the finest chocolates and truffles in the world. Each chocolate is a work of art, meticulously created with the finest ingredients. From the velvety ganaches to the delicate pralines, every bite is a symphony of flavors. The shop’s elegant boutiques are an invitation to indulge in the sensory pleasures of chocolate. Whether you savor a classic dark chocolate truffle or an exotic fruit-infused ganache, La Maison du Chocolat offers an unforgettable chocolate experience in the heart of Paris.
Deyrolle
Address: 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
Deyrolle is not your ordinary store; it’s a unique and captivating world of taxidermy and natural history. Founded in 1831, this Parisian institution has a rich history and an extraordinary collection of preserved animals and insects. The meticulously prepared specimens range from majestic mammals to delicate butterflies, offering a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Deyrolle combines the allure of a museum with the charm of a shop, making it a compelling destination for curious minds. As you explore its rooms, you’ll encounter everything from towering giraffes to intricately displayed beetles. Deyrolle’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to spark wonder and curiosity, making it a must-visit for those seeking a truly unique Parisian experience.
Papier Tigre
Address: 5 Rue des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris.
Papier Tigre is a delightful stationery shop that caters to creative souls and lovers of unique paper products. Located in the vibrant Marais district, this charming boutique is a treasure trove of stylish notebooks, office supplies, and paper goods. What sets Papier Tigre apart is its commitment to sustainability, with many products being made from eco-friendly materials. The shop’s designs are a fusion of contemporary aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship, resulting in stationery that is as functional as it is visually appealing. Whether you’re in search of a chic notebook for journaling, eye-catching office supplies, or a thoughtful gift for a stationery enthusiast, Papier Tigre offers an enchanting selection that invites you to embrace the art of writing and organization in the heart of Paris
Le Labo
Address: 6 Rue de Bourbon le Château, 75006 Paris.
Le Labo is a fragrant oasis in the heart of Paris, offering a unique and personalized olfactory experience. This boutique perfumery, founded by Edouard Roschi and Fabrice Penot in 2006, stands out in a city known for its fragrant history. Le Labo is not just about selling perfumes; it’s about crafting bespoke scents that resonate with individuality and emotion. Visitors to Le Labo have the opportunity to create custom fragrances, and each bottle is meticulously blended on-site, bearing a personalized label. The shop’s minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on natural, high-quality ingredients set it apart from traditional perfume houses. Le Labo’s scents, with evocative names like “Santal 33” and “Rose 31,” are an olfactory journey that encapsulates the essence of Parisian artistry and sophistication. For those seeking a fragrance that is uniquely theirs, Le Labo offers an unforgettable and personalized scent-sational experience.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Address: 140 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen (just outside Paris)
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, often referred to as Les Puces, is not just a flea market; it’s a sprawling treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, and unique discoveries. Located just outside of Paris in the Saint-Ouen suburb, this massive flea market is a mecca for collectors, interior designers, and anyone with an eye for the extraordinary. With over 2,500 stalls spread across numerous markets, Les Puces offers a diverse array of items, from vintage furniture and jewelry to retro fashion and curiosities from around the world.
Julien Aurouze and Co.
Address: 8 Rue des Halles, 75001 Paris
Julien Aurouze and Co is a historic and unique shop in Paris that specializes in pest control products and services. Established in 1872, it has a long and storied history of providing solutions for dealing with pests such as rats, mice, insects, and other unwanted critters in the city. What makes Julien Aurouze and Co particularly distinctive is its vintage storefront and signage, which has remained largely unchanged for decades. The shop’s facade features numerous taxidermied animals, including large, stuffed rats, which have become an iconic symbol of the store. Inside, visitors will find a wide range of pest control products, from traps and poisons to more humane solutions for dealing with unwanted pests.
Mariage Frères
Address: 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg, 75004 Paris
Mariage Frères is a prestigious and historic tea emporium located in Paris, renowned for its exceptional selection of teas and beautiful tea accessories. Founded in 1854 by brothers Henri and Edouard Mariage, this tea house has a rich and storied history that spans over a century and a half. The establishment’s collection includes an extensive range of black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas, each carefully curated and blended to perfection. Some of their most famous blends include Marco Polo and Wedding Imperial.
Librairie Galignani
Address: 224 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
Established in 1801, it is often regarded as one of the oldest English-language bookshops on the European continent. The store has a rich history and has been a literary haven for both locals and expatriates in Paris for over two centuries. Over the years, the bookstore has been frequented by notable literary figures, including Ernest Hemingway and Marcel Proust, who valued its collection of English books in a city that predominantly spoke French.
La Galcante
Address: 52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris
La Galcante is a unique and captivating store located in Paris that specializes in vintage collectibles, including old magazines, posters, and rare prints. It is a treasure trove for collectors, history buffs, and vintage enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past through its extensive and eclectic collection of printed materials. The store’s name, “Galcante,” is a play on words, derived from “galerie” (gallery) and “cancan” (gossip). This clever moniker reflects the shop’s eclectic range of vintage publications, which includes newspapers, magazines, advertisements, postcards, and more. Some items date back to the 19th century, offering a rich tapestry of historical and cultural artifacts.
E. Dehillerin
Address: 18-20 Rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris
E. Dehillerin is a famous kitchenware store located in the heart of Paris, renowned for its extensive selection of high-quality kitchen tools, cookware, and culinary equipment. Established in 1820 by Auguste Dehillerin, this historic store has been serving both professional chefs and home cooks for over two centuries. The store’s vast inventory includes everything from copper cookware, knives, and pastry tools to pots, pans, and utensils. Chefs from around the world, including renowned French culinary legends, have frequented E. Dehillerin to procure their essential kitchen gear.
Les Deux Magots
Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
It is one of the most iconic and historic cafes in Paris, located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood on the Left Bank of the city. Established in 1885, this café has played a central role in the city’s literary and intellectual life for well over a century. Figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso were known to frequent the café. These luminaries engaged in spirited discussions, debated ideas, and found inspiration in the café’s artistic ambiance. The café’s interior features an elegant, Belle Époque decor, with mirrored walls and a sense of timeless sophistication.
Cafe de Flore
Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Café de Flore is another iconic and historic café located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood of Paris, situated at 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris. Founded in the 1880s, Café de Flore is known for its literary heritage and was a favored haunt of many prominent writers and philosophers. Notable figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and Boris Vian were regular patrons. The café’s name, “Café de Flore,” is derived from a sculpture of the goddess Flora that stands at the nearby intersection. It offers a quintessential Parisian café experience, where patrons can enjoy coffee, a glass of wine, or a delicious meal while immersing themselves in the cultural heritage of this legendary establishment.