Parisian Shopping Gems
In this article, you'll find the latest authentic off-the-beaten-track
Parisian shopping gems I encountered whilst scouting the streets of
Paris, including Parisian haute couture you can actually afford, a
gorgeous boutique of handmade crafts and knick-knacks, and candy heaven
in the kind of Chocolaterie that inspired the film Chocolat!
Affordable haute couture fashion in Paris
Keeping
my eyes peeled for new and interesting Parisian things for the readers
of Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com, I happily stumbled upon a new one whilst
strolling along the Rue de Paradis (10th district). My attention was
grabbed by light and music emanating from the entrance of number 14. I
thought it must be a party, but further nosing around paid off well, for
I had discovered a new shopping gem from high-fashion Vente Presse
(super sales reserved to the media people), which basically means
somewhere you can get your hands on haute couture at a massive discount -
usually by invitation, and only if you know the right people-
-and
four young men did: Levon, Arthur, Micha and Paul started using their
Vente Presse access to get hold of high-fashion goods you've probably
never dreamed of being able to afford and are now making them available
to you! The outlet is called Les Copains D'abord ('Friends First'),
after the title of a song by famous French singer and composer Georges
Brassens.
Les Copains D'abord offers catwalk fashion at 60-80%
discount, spanning the whole clothing and accessory range. Number 14
Rue de Paradis are their start-up premises, and as such are bare and
basic in contrast to the exquisite fashion goodies displayed within -
but décor is the last thing on your mind when riffling through the
stunning range of haute couture!
Some of the labels I saw
included: Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen (England), Atsuro
Tayama (Japan), D&G, Armani and Versace (Italy), and the list goes
on and on-
Les Copains intends to get new premises, so do contact
them before dropping by to make sure they're still there (or to find
out where they've moved to) at 06 63 08 70 50. Their current address is
14, Rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris
La Boutique Misia
Misia's
charming boutique offers another of those genuinely Parisian shopping
experience. Operated by the owner - the eponymous artist and craftswoman
Misia - and located Rue du Bac in the 7th district, the shop offers
various original and personalized fashion goods and knick-knacks, from
leather wallets and travel sacks to clothes, hats, scarves, jewelry and
containers. Misia herself is at your service, adorning items with
names, designs or slogans in beautiful inks and paints. I saw pretty
golden boxes reading 'Je vaux de l'or' (I'm worth gold), and 'Je ne suis
pas difficile, je me contente du meilleur' (I'm not difficult, I'm
quite satisfied with the best).
A lovely and friendly atmosphere
pervades Misia's shop as she bustles around touching up her creations
for the boutique's large clientele, occasionally stopping to offer candy
to visiting children.
Misia does her utmost to have
personalized orders ready within two days, and speaks good English.
Prices are quite reasonable for these unique creations: passport holders
or other pouches range from 10 to 20 euros, travel bags from 50 to 80
euros, and personalized T-shirts for around 50 euros.
The address is 87, Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris. The phone number is 01 42 84 20 52.
'Chocolat' - the genuine article
Attention
all chocolate and candy lovers! You're in for a treat when you walk
along the Boulevard St. Germain. At number 108, near the crossroads of
the busy Boulevard St. Michel, stand the mesmerizing shop-front windows
of Patrick Roger - Chocolatier.
If you've ever read Joanne
Harris's Chocolat or seen the film with Juliette Binoche and Johnny
Depp, you'll appreciate seeing the real McCoy. Roger's finely-crafted,
innovative and prize-winning chocolate statues are worth the trip alone,
but no matter what your chocolate and candy preferences are, you're
sure to find something to satisfy your palate amongst the wide range of
hand-made sweet creations - from marzipan animals to nougats, jams,
fruit jellies and caramels, all home made by Roger and his family - the
quinces are even picked from his own garden!
But even for those
who don't have a sweet tooth, you'll still appreciate the artistry of
Roger's chocolate sculptures, which earned him the coveted award of
'Meilleur ouvrier de France' (France's Best Craftsman) three years ago.
An idea of products and prices:
Nougat: 6.50 euros/100gs
Truffles: 8 euros/100gs
60 cm of various chocolate pieces in a green rectangular box: 120 euros
1 meter of chocolate in a box: 180 euros
Roger
Patrick has two other shops, one on the upscale Avenue Victor Hugo
(16th district) and another in Sceaux (a town situated on the outskirts
of Paris) from which he hails and where his production premises are
based.
Once again, the address is 108 Boulevard Saint-Germain,
75006 Paris. The phone number is 01 43 29 38 42, and the nearest metro
station is 'Odeon'.
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About the Author
About the Author:
With 30 years of on-the-ground Parisian experience Phil Chavanne gained a
deep knowledge of the city of Paris, France. He answers questions and
shares scores of tips and advices on Paris hotels, restaurants,
sightseeings and opportunities on his free blog about Paris.
