Whether you’re socially conscious or looking for something unique (or both!) vintage stores are some of the best places to go shopping to spruce up your closet. Paris, the fashion capital of the world, is sure to have wonderful secondhand items that will bring you firsthand joy.
Le Marais is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Paris being both the historic Jewish quarter and gay district. In addition to finding the best falafel and queer bars in the city, you’ll see an abundance of vintage stores here. Some are more budget-friendly than you may expect!
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VINTAGE SHOPPING IN PARIS:
Hippy Market
41 Rue du Temple, 75004 Paris
Hippy Market is the quirky cousin in the family. One of four Hippy Markets in Paris, the clothing in this store is well-curated and organized by articles. You can find some unique pieces here and given how much you have to choose from; it’s not hard to walk away with something you’ll love. Make sure to check out the lower level as well for men’s fashion. The walls downstairs are lined with Americana vintage denim, biker jackets, and grunge outfits.
Likes:
Students get a 10% discount with ID
Large selection of clothing from all decades
Not So Much:
Items range on the pricier side.
Some accessories like hats are ordered in bulk and are not truly vintage.
The King of Frip
33 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris
The King of Frip is a thrift store not to be missed for tried-and-true thrifters. It has the energy of a packed bar during happy hour. You can find one-of-a-kind items here. This store has it all from t-shirts, blazers, military jackets, jeans, skirts, dresses, and scarves. There are many smaller items on the less expensive side (under 10€), and you can also find reasonably-priced vintage designer coats. I’ve found multiple Burberry jackets here and some other designer brands are located near the checkout counter.
It’s a tight space in the store, especially on weekends when teens and other thrifters are out in the wild. Be patient and you’re sure to find a new special item here. Pro tip: If there’s minor damage on an article that you can fix or plan to upcycle, talk with the owner. She’s very understanding about providing discounts on pre-loved merchandise.
Likes:
Readily find unique and distinct pieces for a great price
A mix of both designer brands and brands no longer in circulation
Not So Much:
The crowds and groups of people on the weekend can be somewhat overwhelming
Sometimes necessary to dig through eclectic piles for something in your style
Kilo Shop Kawaii
65 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
You’re in for an experience at Kilo Shop. Its Marais location is within walking distance of the other vintage stores mentioned on this list. If you’ve ever shopped for clothing by the pound, this is the same concept, but articles are measured by the kilo. Different colored tags have been assigned to each item marking the price per kilo (the lowest price tier begins at 20€/kg and maxes out at 60€/kg.) There are scales throughout the store for you to weigh your items.
In this large store, you can find a range of womenswear and menswear on the ground floor and basement, respectively. The sections are organized by different articles of clothing and corners dedicated to various decades Kilo Shop is one of the most diverse vintage stores in Paris where you can find just about anything you’re looking for.
Likes:
Wide selection of clothing — from jackets to sweater vests to dresses and beyond
Fun shopping experience with friends or alone
Not So Much:
The store is fairly narrow and can get crowded on the weekends with young thrifters
Because of the kilo system, it can be hard to estimate how much you’ll spend before weighing
Tilt Vintage 4th
8 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
Located conveniently across from the Metro Saint Paul station (Line 1), Tilt Vintage is limited in space but shouldn’t be dismissed. Their leather and denim jacket collection in particular is well-stocked. In addition to vintage clothing, they also have an assortment of new tote bags, hats, and sunglasses. The prices here are more in line with boutiques shops than a traditional thrift store, but the quality of items is good and the service is very friendly.
Likes:
The space is organized well and has a good curation.
Not So Much:
It may be hard to find a statement piece that isn’t on a mannequin and/or without a large price tag on it.
Bottega Concept Store
This is one of the first vintage stores that I visited when I arrived in Paris, and this store is full of heart. In a small two-story retail office, I had a full conversation in English with the owner. She shared with me that the clothes are brought in and curated from vintage clothing distribution centers in Europe. Prices are based on category unless marked otherwise!
The style on the first floor is Northern European and menswear-inspired. The 5€ bin is also available if you have some spare time to invest in searching for that unusual treasure. On the second floor, you’ll find dresses from various decades and for assorted occasions. Bottega Vintage also carries a wide array of bags and Converse sneakers. Since my visit, they have also been featured by @crushon_shop which connects fashion trendsetters with activists and now B.V.C. items are being sold at Galeries Lafayette.
Likes:
Large selection of thick vintage denim and Levi’s
Excellent and helpful staff
Not So Much:
Most eye-catching items have a set price other than the category price
Limited styles and retail space
Kiliwatch
64 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris
Kiliwatch takes up a unique space in the realm of Paris vintage stores. The concept store founded in 1996 offers hand-selected items from well-known and emerging designers around the world. It is truly a chic shopping experience. On the website, you can even find their seasonal lookbooks which are a collaboration between stylists and photographers that Kiliwatch admires.
Likes:
Claims to have inspired the works of Isabel Marant, Jean-Paul Gaulthier, and Christian Lacroix
Emblematic of the Parisian fashion scene
Not So Much:
Mainly sells couture clothing and accessories
Polished-atmosphere feels more like a boutique than a thrift shop
Bonus!
Gudule
This unassuming jewelry shop is right around the corner from one of the only covered passageways on the Left Bank. From the windows, you’ll see shelves of silver rings and necklaces inlaid with gemstones. The store itself is compact but is lined from floor to ceiling with both modern and antique rings, earrings, brooches, and bracelets. Most items are sold by weight, but there are pieces available at set prices as well.
Address: 72 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris
Website: https://www.gudule.com/
Kilo Shop
The same concept as the Kilo Shop in Le Marais, the Saint-Germain location offers clothes by kilogram. Its fun and colorful interior juxtaposed with the warehouse-like design showcases clothing in a more accessible way than its sister store.
Address: 125 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Website: https://www.kilo-shop.com/
As an experienced thrifter, here are my tips before you start hunting for chic styles in Paris:
Bring a large tote bag or backpack to carry your haul. You can save change by not having to purchase flimsy paper bags and also save the environment. And it makes the walk back to your hotel or apartment easier.
Set aside time in the day before you go thrifting. One of the most rewarding experiences is finding a treasured piece, but it can often take some digging. To ease up on tension, make sure you’re not in a rush.
Take a look at the store’s website! Some of them have an online shop as well but don’t rely on this too much because the in-store experience is more rewarding.
Paris thrift shops also have a strong affinity for decorative scarves, leather satchels, and funky button-up tops, so keep an eye out for them!
Happy vintage shopping and bonne chance!
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