Going to Paris! Where should I shop?

[Robwynge]

Hello all,

I am currently planning a trip to Paris. My wife and I expect to do some hardcore shopping. For you world travelers out there, what stores should I visit?

Thanks for your help!

-Rob

 

[whnay.]

search here and AAAC.

 

[itsstillmatt]

For Hardcore shopping you might do well on the streets leading up to Place de la Madelaine and around the old Les Halles

.

 

[Maharlika]

I go to Paris twice a year to shop and it depends what you're looking for. Perfume, Antiques, Shoes +Clothing, etc.? A book called 'Paris: Where to Wear"? will tell you all the stores in Paris. Price range, area, etc. I found it very helpful.

 

[Recoil]

Charvet. Others need not apply.

 

[TheFoo]

Cadolle for the missus

.

 

[Holdfast]

Originally Posted by iammatt

For Hardcore shopping you might do well on the streets leading up to Place de la Madelaine.

Fauchon alone will ensure many subsequent trips to the tailor.

(damn, now I want to go back to Paris soon...)

 

[andyw]

If your missus likes couture and you don't like to spend couture bucks.........check out La Marelle in Galerie Vivienne near Place des Victoires 01 42 60 08 19. This is a must stop for my wife where bargains abound. While in Galerie Vivienne check out Lucian Legrand for wine. Kenzo is nearby.

What kind of garments or things are you looking for? The dollar is not strong so you're not going to find bargains.

 

[Robwynge]

Thanks to all for the recommendations thus far. The ideas for my wife are also appreciated. As for what I need, frankly, thanks to this past year's SF and AAAC inspired spending spree, I don't really "need" anything anymore. I think it's more about finding a few gems here and there. I would be open to anything that caught my eye - shoes, trousers, sport coats, shirts, accessories.

Yes, I am well aware the Euro-to-dollar means I'll not be finding much in the way of bargans.

 

[johnapril]

If you need shirts and have any trouble with fit, you might go to Charvet and see whether demi-mesure could fit the bill. Have them make you a shirt in a simple fabric. Take several swatches of fabrics you might want in the future. Once you have a shirt that works out, you can do most of your transactions using e-mail.

There are some wonderful shoemakers in Paris; RJMan over there can probably shuttle you through the options, depending on your taste.

Have a wonderful time. I wouldn't spend a lot of time in stores, however. You'll miss a lot of Paris that way.

 

[DandySF]

Arny's should be near the top of your list.

 

[RJman]

Originally Posted by DandySF

Arny's should be near the top of your list.
Do a search on "Freedom Report" on Ask Andy for some previous retail reports.

EDIT: Also try out the French Alan Flusser, Marc Guyot.

 

[andyw]

Mulling over your opportunity, it occurs to me that I always regret failing to pick up footwear in Paris that are hard or impossible to find in NYC. Paraboot, Carmina and Heschung top the list. Happy hunting!

 

[andyw]

If you like thrifting, check out the flea markets in and around Ste-Ouen,,,,this link is helpful:

http://www.parisperfect.com/paris-fl...a-markets.html

Get there early!

Some other links that you might find helpful to get into the Paris state of mind are:

Paris Kiosque - a English on line newsletter
http://www.paris.org/Ric/

Paris Insider Guides
http://www.parisinsiderguides.com/

Finally, if you use a PDA or smartphone, get the Choiceway Paris Guide..........it is excellant and interactive. If you plan to use the Metro, get Tube paris as well.

Enjoy, wish I were going.