Flavors of Paris clients often ask where they can do some nearby shopping if they have some free time to walk off some of those calories from all the rich wine, cheeses, breads, pastries, chocolates and other goodies they have consumed during their food tour with us in Saint Germain.
I love to window shop, or faire lécher les vitrines, as they say in French, literally meaning, to lick the shop windows.
Saint Germain is such a posh and vibrant neighbourhood that there are a plethora of trendy shop and gallery windows to lick. It’s filled with fabulous, high-end interior design shops, luxury fashion boutiques such as Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton, but for this particular blog post I have decided to focus on 5 of the more quirky, but no-less worth visiting, finds. Here are some recommendations for the best shopping in Saint Germain des Pres.
Charlotte Bialas
A short stroll from the Luxembourg Garden, you can find yourself at Charlotte Bialas. A concept store that has fallen in love with travel, just like you have. All of its products are sustainably-sourced and made through repurposing high-quality vintage fabrics. Its styles are contemporary and you’re sure to stand out in bold, yet wearable prints that have travelled around the world. For the best fit, a tailoring service is available to create an even more unique article.
Drop by Charlotte Bialas’ website for a nostalgic affair and travel back in time through its fabric archives.
Website: www.charlottebialas.com
Address: 67 rue Madame, 75006
Citypharma
There is always a mix of tourists and locals alike in this place. If you want to get your hands on some nice French cosmetics and skin care products at a discount price, then this is the place for you. There is a wide mix of brands to choose from. It’s also a good spot for picking up grooming essentials like toothbrushes and deodorants as well as over the counter medications like aspirin or antihistamines if you are in need.
I have never seen Citypharma not busy. There is lots of staff on hand but they are helping a large volume of customers so sometimes you may have to wait just a few minutes if you have a question.
Address: 26 rue du Four, 75006
Hippy Market
Hippy Market is a paradise for those who love vintage and have a unique fashion sense.
It looks pretty insignificant from the street but once your inside it opens up to a sea of great vintage clothing and accessories. There is a huge selection. The merchandise is creatively displayed and in excellent condition.
There are 2 additional locations in Paris, aside from the one in Saint Germain.
Website: www.hippy-market.fr
Address: 46 rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006
Address: 71 rue Rambuteau, 75004
Address: 41 rue du Temple, 75004
Aroma Zone
For a customised experience, why not visit a cosmetic workshop at Aroma Zone? At either of its Odéon or Paris Haussmann boutiques, you can make your own cosmetics to remember Paris by. If you fancy something a little more conventional, they also have a wide selection of essential oils. Every product is made from natural ingredients of the finest quality.
Website: www.aroma-zone.com
Address: 25 rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006
Address: 73 boulevard Haussmann, 75008
Librairie Elbé
Selling original vintage posters and silk prints from America and Europe, this gallery is a great place to get lost in bygone eras. It has resided on Boulevard Saint Germain since 1976. Their stock comprised mostly of travel, cinematic and advertising genres. They are of excellent quality and the shop also does restoration work to the posters so they look as they did when they were new.
Website: www.elbe.paris
Address: 213 bis, boulevard Saint Germain
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