Where to (window) shop in Paris? - YouLookFab Forum

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Where to (window) shop in Paris?

Kim

Veteran

I leave for Europe in 3.5 weeks and with my oldest dd. I can hardly wait! One week in Paris and one week in London, and then home again to my regular ol life...

I was wondering if any Fabbers had great places to shop (or window shop as my budget is limited, and I'm travelling carry-on only) in Paris? (I've been to London before so have a good idea what I want to do there.)

I'm staying in the 1st arrondissement, just 2 minutes from le Louvre. I've seen that there's a Forever 21 on our way from our flat to the Louvre so I'm thinking my dd will want to stop there, as she loves that place, has a more limited budget than me but can still say "Oh, this old thing? I bought it in Paris."...LOL

I'm up for high low and will be using public transit. I'm also going to les Puces (the flea markets) on Saturday, cause I love that kind of vibe too!

So ladies, what do you have for me to see?

Shopping

16 replies

Latest reply was from UmmLila (Lisa)

abc

Veteran

Well the biggest most commercialized area is Champs Elysse (sp) but I also know there is a famous department store (I'm sure someone will chime in here with the name) that has wonderful displays, and a bonus - a rooftop deck with sweeping views of Paris - for free!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Le Marais is top of the list. Ill de Cite is divine. My favourite parts of Paris.

Head out to Opera and Montparnasse too. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are there.

St. Germain is commercial, but lovely all the same.

Grey Rainbow

Agree with Angie. Wonderful boutiques throughout Le Marais. Also around St. Germaine. Try Dilwali for scarves and Metal Pointus for jewelry (google for addresses). I always stop at the grand magasins. Bon Marche (loveliest experience, including the food court, and near delightful cafés and boutiques). Galleries Lafayette (the toy floor is so much fun, great range of accessories). Le Printemps (widest range from high to low). You could map these out on google maps to chart a course that includes iconic shops like Anne Fontaine, Hermes, Eric Bompard, St. James, cafés, boulangeries... And discover your own favorites along the way.

Oh, and although I am not their demographic, I've enjoyed looking in Gap and Zara in Paris (many locations). I'm convinced the Paris stock is of better fabric and construction than anything sold in the US.

ETA Forgot to mention! Worth it to stop at a Monoprix, especially if shopping on a F21 budget. I like the one on Champs élysées and the one in St. Germaine best. Like shopping at Walmart or Target but with Parisian style.

Kim

Veteran

Funny, my language partner from Paris said if she were to show someone "authentic" Paris, she would show them St. Germain. I planned on seeing that with her, we are going to meet while I am there. As for the rest, I see a LOT of walking in my future (shoes are already broken in and ready to go) and a lot of macaroons...LOL I almost booked a flat in Le Marais area. Perhaps next time.

Any more suggestions?

Beth

Veteran

No other options, but I'll enthusiastically endorse the Marais and a spin through Galeries Lafayette.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I'd have to make a pilgrimmage to Caravane. I so so want a Caravane divan.

carter

Veteran

When you're visiting St Germaine, be sure to wander off the main drag. There are oodles of wonderful little boutiques all through the 6th Arr.

Pat_P

During our recent vacation in Paris, my 14 year old dd and I went shopping on the Rue de Rennes and had a great time. Things were affordable, especially thanks to the sales, so we were both able to bring home a couple of things after visiting many of the small shops. It was one of her favorite days of the trip!

Pat_P

During our recent vacation in Paris, my 14 year old dd and I went shopping on the Rue de Rennes and had a great time. Things were affordable, especially thanks to the sales, so we were both able to bring home a couple of things after visiting many of the small shops. It was one of her favorite days of the trip!

Gigi

Veteran

Kim, I just checked a book out of the library called Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Inès de la Fressange. I thought the book would just be about style, but she has many pages devoted to places to shop, museums to see, and places to eat (all in Paris). I think she lists lots of price points. Maybe it would give you some ideas?

neatnic

Colette on Saint-Honore is fun for fashionistas / people who like design / young people, even if you don't purchase anything! It's a large, highly curated boutique of women's fashion (designer/expensive, but a feast for the eyes and great fun to browse), books, music, street style, candles, etc.

http://en.colette.fr/about
http://www.yelp.com/biz/colette-paris

For items for the home, I like the BHV (Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville) in the Marais -- it's like a giant French Target.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/bhv-marais-paris

Have a great trip!

Cerinda

Veteran

Visit the costume collection in the Louvre.

neatnic

Oh, and Colette is just a few minutes from the Louvre too -- close to the Tuileries metro station.

Eliza

Veteran

Second the Marais for lots of boutiques, local silver jewelry at reasonable price points and places where "real" people shop. Added bonus- many shops are open on Sundays when other shops are closed.

Just South of St Germain is an area full of fun boutiques, around rue Cherche Midi for several blocks. Really fun shopping at a variety of price points.

Have a blast !

Kim

Veteran

I am NOT going to be able to do it all, but I'm certainly going to TRY! LOL When I travel I go with the firm belief that sleeping is for the airplane when I go home, so I'll get in as much as I can, along with the tours, the museums, the chocolate hunt, and the pastry contest that I'm judging (I made that up to be able to eat unlimited pastires, guilt free! LOL) and just taking in the sights and sounds of Europe and practicing mon francais!

It's also a great trip to spend some time with my oldest dd, and we may never get this chance again, so I suppose I'll have to do a few things that she'd like too...LOL

Thank you all for your suggestions, I'm printing this out and taking it with me, so I don't miss anything when I'm close to it!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

http://www.businessoffashion.c.....joste.html

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