Unique Parisian Boutiques

Mon 23 Sep 2013

Spending all your money at Dior or YSL in Paris just doesn’t make sense when you can find those fashion designers anywhere in the world. Rather, it’s the small unique Parisian boutiques for fashion, objects and ephemera that are worth seeking out. To guide you, we’ve put together a collection of our favorite boutiques from three of our favorite bloggers. Happy hunting!
By Jenna-Marie Warnecke
Gilda
51, rue du Temple, in the 4th Arrondissement.
Metro: Rambuteau
Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Gilda is the rare Paris boutique that sells quality vintage at reasonable prices. Customers can peruse terrifically gorgeous dresses arranged by color, from the 1920s to ’60s, ranging in price from 95 to 130 euros, as well as handmade reproductions of vintage designs in all sizes for around 50 euros. Beware of the downstairs area, full of wedding and evening dresses on sale—you’re likely to emerge happy, broke and vintage-drunk.
Les Chics de Claire
2, Place de Thorigny, in the 3rd Arrondissement.
Metro: Chemin Vert
Open daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Huddled into a quiet nook down the street from the Picasso Museum, Les Chics de Claire is a treasure trove of handmade feminine objects. The boutique offers pillowcases, purse pockets, journals and photo albums swathed in unique and lovely fabrics. Claire Orengo, who opens her boutique with warmth to each customer, can always be found designing or cutting cloth in the back of the shop.
Côté Temple Côté Cirque
7, rue des Filles du Calvaire, in the 3rd Arrondissement.
Metro: Filles du Calvaire
Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Walking into Côté Temple Côté Cirque is like entering the study of your fascinating, mysterious grandpa. Filled with compasses, globes, antique maps and sumptuous leather travel bags, and with model airplanes and hot-air balloons hanging from the ceiling, this boutique is sure to stir the wanderlust in each of us.
By Pikke Allen
Atelier Galerie Brocante
104, quai de Jemmapes (à côté de l’Hôtel du Nord), in the 10th Arrondissement.
Metro: République
Open Wednesday–Saturday, 2 p.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.

Photo via passageparisien.com.

Loulou, owner of this great vintage store, is the real thing. She’s a curator, raconteur, character and style setter. The shop is filled with the items both the French and the expats can’t do without! From cowboy boots to Picasso “striped” T-shirts, she has it all. Objects, fashion and unique memories fill this space, designed for an hour-long visit, where you can discover something truly wonderful for your home or closet.
Hervé Chatelain
140, rue Montmartre, in the 2nd Arrondissement.
Metro: Sentier

Photo via herve-chatelain.jp/images/.

I know a great florist when I see one, and Herve himself will greet you in the shop if he is here. Poetry with flowers is the only way to describe his work. His flowers have been seen in the world’s best fashion houses and hotels. Modest to a fault, he simply and effortlessly will solve all your floral issues. His kind staff will help you with that little dinner party at home with some ready-made arrangements if you need them. Parfait!
Benoit Chocolats
75, rue Saint-Antoine, in the 4th Arrondissement.
Metro: Saint-Paul
Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Photo via sucreriesbelges.com/benoit-nihant/.

When you stop into this chocolate shop, you’ll meet the sister of the chocolatier herself, who runs this heavenly spot. The chef may not always be at home, but if she is, she can arrange some unique experiences for the chocolate lover. French chocolate is special in its creamy consistency and variety of interpretations, as it’s not regulated like Champagne. Benoit would be in the top artisan category if it were.
Privé
7, rue de Birague, in the 4th Arrondissement.
Metro: Saint-Paul

Photo by Melanie P. via yelp.com.

The creative team behind this shop, located just steps from the entrance to the Place des Vosges, has been featured in numerous magazines, including Elle Decoration France, for its eclectic take on design. Chic little objects for your coffee table can be purchased here, as well as furnishings or antiques from the French catalog. That little modern country house you just purchased or that flat in central London will benefit from the style of the objects assembled here.
By Angelica Buerkin-Salgado
En Selle Marcel
40, rue Tiquetonne, in the 2nd Arrondissement.
Metro: Etienne Marcel
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

The cycling concept store En Selle Marcel certainly distinguishes itself from the scattering of similar shops in the city. This little boutique located in the Montorgeuil area is entirely devoted to the two-wheeler—it’s a true heaven for urban cyclists! The remarkable collection of vintage-style cycles conforms to the highest of standards, and the passionate staff takes a personal interest in fulfilling each customer’s biking needs. Those with special needs can construct their own custom cycles with the help of the knowledgeable team. Even the products go beyond the bike itself: designer helmets and saddles as well as numerous accessories, including route books, Japanese bells and trendy T-shirts, spiff up the selection. Whether you’re shopping for a new bike or just browsing through the Saint-Marcel area, stop by to se what’s in store at En Selle Marcel.
E. Dehillerin
18, rue Coquillière, in the 1st Arrondissement.
Metro: Les Halles
Open Monday, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.–6 p.m.; Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

This culinary paradise, established in 1820 and located in “the belly of Paris,” has dazzled the likes of Julia Child and Alain Ducasse. With its unassuming location and outlet vibe, it’s easy to overlook but outshines the other shops of its kind in Paris. Perhaps its history provides the appeal—after all, E. Dehillerin has been supplying top restaurants and ardent gourmands for almost 200 years. The boutique truly feels like the inside of a treasure chest: copper pans, cake molds and utensils glitter on the walls as patrons shuffle through the labyrinthine aisles. The occasional passoire niçoise or other long-lost vestige makes for vivid insight into the culinary past of Paris.
Pop Market
50, rue Bichat, in the 10th Arrondissement.
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent
Open Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4 p.m.–7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.–7 p.m.

Located beside the canal Saint-Martin, one of the trendiest neighborhoods of late, this trinket treasure trove is a whimsical ode to the child within. With items ranging from salami notepads to mustache bag tags, any given visit spent giggling at the merchandise passes in a blink. Stop by just for grins or purchase the perfect gifts for your prankster friends. Solar-powered queen, anyone? Sometimes a playful personality cultivates a practical side. How about a silly cable winder to tidy up the wire jungle under your desk? Pop Market is certainly worth popping into on any occasion—just remember to bring your sense of humor for the funniest shopping in Paris.

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