At first glance, Shakespeare and Company is nothing more than another English bookstore. But just a few steps inside the door, you start to see why the storefront is just as much a museum as it is a legendary bookshop. Between the books stacked to the ceiling, there are notes, announcements and fliers left from visitors all over the world. Since 1919, the name Shakespeare and Company has been a refuge to writers. The original bookstore was the stomping grounds of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Joyce and others. Today, writers from all over the world come to share their work. Unknown writers have a place here, too; Shakespeare and Company lends sleeping space in exchange for a couple of hours of work in the store.
Bastille boasts one of the largest markets in the city. It takes skill to weave through its stalls. Thanks to the Parisians, who take their time picking out the best possible product, and the tourists, who take their time inhaling the market's sites and sounds, it's not easy to get from one side to the other. Aside from all the expected fares such as vegetables, fruits, cheese, and both raw and cooked meat and fish, the Bastille market also sells plenty of unexpected items: sewing machines, beeswax figurines, mousetraps, to name a few. The best time to get a deal is just as the market is closing. Vendors will sell plastic bags burgeoning with fruits and veggies at a very cheap price.
Passage Jouffroy is your one stop shop. Though this stop is just a passage, it is a mini shopping paradise offering everything from the most elite jewelry to the simplest of clothes. A multitude of brand names have their products on offer here. A number of quaint shops offering interesting and ethnic wares promise to attract the keen eye. Cozy cafes and bookshops are where you can pick up a steaming hot cup of coffee and a good book to make your day. A very famous haunt at Jouffroy is the Estaminet Lyrique. Even if you are not planning on buying something, a walk around this passage is highly rejuvenating and refreshing.
The Place d'Aligre is the spot for several of Paris' more famous markets, including the Marché d'Aligre and Marché Beauvau. Fruits and vegetables can be bought at the Marché d'Aligre at attractive rates. One can find the daily customers haggling with the stall-vendors over prices. Visit the area for your daily dose of vegetables or just some plain and simple people-watching.
Feeling inspired to recreate a perfect meal at your favorite Parisian restaurant? The Richard Lenoire market, held every Thursday and Sunday at the Bastille, has just what you need. Boasting over 150 vendors, this lively market has an incredible selection of produce, meats, cheeses and fresh ingredients for all your culinary and gustatory endeavors. If you are more inclined to simply sample while you take in the hustle and bustle of this marché, ready-made food is also available; be sure to check out the to-go Boeuf Bourgignon (beef stew). Gifts, housewares, cooking tools and about anything else you might need are also available for great bargains. And if you'd like to top off your true Parisian market experience, don't forget to haggle!
If you like Asian cuisine, you'll love this vast emporium situated in the heart of Chinatown. Stocked with all kinds of Asian products and exotic fruits and vegetables unknown to most westerners, many of the products are labeled only in Chinese. Fans of kitsch will love the colorful packaging and canned goods. Very friendly staff. Call ahead for more details.
Located in the district of Notre-Dame de Lorette, the shop, Le Sourire Multicolore, is specialized in fair trade: you will find ethical clothing and fair-trade objects. All T-shirts and lingerie are made from organic cotton; sweaters are made of cashmere or wool; Bolivian gloves, hats and scarves are hand-knitted. Available brands are: Ethos, Idéo, Herbe Rouge, Peau Ethique and more. To decorate your house, you will find numerous pieces, many of which are made from recycled materials (candle holders, candlesticks, lanterns). Le Sourire Multicolore sells handbags as well as handcrafted jewelry (from Madagascar for example) made out of grain, horns, mother-of-pearl, pearls, vegetable ivory, or even origami.
Barrier Roger has been in the watch making business since 1858. It has an international reputation with clients, such as Piaget, Baume & Mercier and Cartier. This establishment also deals in precious stones. Barrier invites people to check out the private collections from Monday to Saturday. In addition, they undertake repairs of watches and jewels and make them as good as new!
This thrifty music store is known to be one of the few shops to cater to individuals with a keen inclination towards musical instruments like saxophones, harmonicas and more. A sublet of the same is located at 5 Rue Duperré and houses some of the most fantastic guitars. Drop into Major Pigalle and browse around to search for your future musical instrument. Harmonica classes by the famed artist Sebastien Charlier, too takes place here from time to time. Check the website for further details.
Some markets get so overcrowded with tourists (and prices that match) that it's more worth it to just duck into Monoprix. This market, however, in the residential neighborhood of the 15th Arrondissement has none of that uppity Parisian flavor. Vendors and customers are faithful, coming back for cheap clothing, delicious paëlla and a variety of butchers, fishmongers, produce stands, and local French specialties from wine to foie gras. This is fairly close to the British neighborhood, so most vendors have some understanding of the English language. If not, just point and nod. For more information, call +33 8 3668 3112 (Tourist Information). -Emily Monaco
At first glance, Shakespeare and Company is nothing more than another English bookstore. But just a few steps inside the door, you start to see why the storefront is just as much a museum as it is a legendary bookshop. Between the books stacked to the ceiling, there are notes, announcements and fliers left from visitors all over the world. Since 1919, the name Shakespeare and Company has been a refuge to writers. The original bookstore was the stomping grounds of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Joyce and others. Today, writers from all over the world come to share their work. Unknown writers have a place here, too; Shakespeare and Company lends sleeping space in exchange for a couple of hours of work in the store.
Le Sept-Cinq is a unique concept store located 9th District. Housed in a lovely boutique, the store has many things to offer from clothing, apparel to accessories. Everything in the store is sourced locally and hence it is 100 percent Parisian. After all the shopping, you can take a breather and enjoy some baked goodies and craft beer at the bar located at the back of the shop.