City Shopping Guides: Paris

From department stores housed within Haussmannian architecture to off-the-beaten-track vintage boutiques, it’s hard to beat the French capital for shopping.

Parisian designer Leslie Halfon of Arizona Love shares her insider’s guide to the best shopping in Paris, whether you’re looking for a patisserie, cool concept stores or vintage hot spots.

Best area or street for shopping?

My favourite area for shopping in Paris is Marais, where you can find multi-brand stores with a great and unique selection. Tom Greyhound is one of my favourites along with Archive 18-20. At Merci, you can also have breakfast before diving into shopping, and the LECLAIREUR shop is worth seeing.

Where can we find the best vintage shops?

In Marais again: you’ll find good deals such as vintage Dolce & Gabbana corsets at NUOVO or Jean Paul Gautier, Dior and Fendi vintage pieces at PALACE CALLAS. The 10th arrondissement is a fantastic area to lose yourself in vintage shops, too. In the 9th arrondissement, I love to go to Irregular, where you can find pieces by Margiela and Ann Demulasteer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @nuovoparis

One place only locals know about?

My secret place in Paris is Caché, which actually means hidden in French. It’s a great seafood restaurant far from the centre (in the 20th arrondissement). I also love Bar des Prés in Saint Germain des Prés, it’s a very trendy sushi place away from the tourist scene. Finally, Le Petit Lutetia is a great brasserie where you can eat delicious sole meunière like a real Parisian.

Your favourite local brands or boutiques?

I would recommend Tom Greyhound, The Frankie Shop, Courreges, Modes and Kith. I also like to wander at Le Bon Marche. Yes, it’s a department store, but it is chic, the selections are great and it is so Parisian.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TOM GREYHOUND PARIS (@tomgreyhoundparis)

Souvenir to take home?

My office is near the Rue de Rivoli where there are lots of souvenir shops. I love walking past and looking at the windows; there are a lot of funny and cheesy souvenirs. For me, there is nothing better than a souvenir to remember a place. With a little Eiffel Tower keyring attached to your keys you’ll keep Paris with you always.

Best store design?

I like the new concept stores from Courreges and Jacquemus, they have just opened their first retail shop in Avenue Montaigne. For design pieces, I recommend going to Marché aux Puces at the weekend. It’s a flea market in the north of Paris.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by courrèges (@courreges)

The best place to treat yourself is?

No hesitation, Biologique Recherche. Your skin will thank you. They create an analysis of your skin so you can buy the perfect products, it’s a beauty-lovers paradise.

Best overall shopping experience?

I really like classic department stores. Samaritaine and Le Bon Marché are great because you can find everything in the same place; fashion, beauty, accessories and homeware.

Best pit stop for lunch or coffee?

Babka Zana is my first choice. It’s a fantastic Levantine bakery and the chocolate babka roll is a knockout. In the 1st arrondissement, you’ll find Ferdi which serves an incredible burger and mac ‘n’ cheese, and in the same neighbourhood, visit Cafe Marco Polo for super easy, good and fast food. It’s not far from Place Vendôme. And for a typical Parisian Bistro: Cafe Charlot in Marais.