The Marché d'Aligre has its origins in the 18th Century, making it one of the oldest in the city. This eclectic market is actually comprised of two different elements, an outdoor produce market and indoor covered market named Marché Beauvau. The vegetables and fruit stalls beckon you with their vibrant hues and fresh aroma. Inside the market, you'll find a number of vendors selling everything from cheeses to cold cuts, fish and meat, artisan breads, confectionery and more. The market is a feast for all your senses, so experience it to the fullest by sampling delicious local fare and taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling venue and loud vendors competing to sell their fare.
Librairie Delamain has stood at the very same location since 1906. The historic store is today part of the larger Gallimard publishing empire. The store stocks a vast array of genres for the casual reader to the collector to appreciate and covers everything from high-brow literary works of the 18th Century to the latest paperbacks and best sellers. The store still retains its old-fashioned charm with ancient oak shelves stocked with books, complete with ladders to reach the higher shelves. Conveniently located in the city's historic center, just across from La Comédie-Française, it's a great place to purchase a gift or simply catch up on some reading.
Many remarkable art galleries and boutiques are found on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, an avenue of upscale commerce in Paris. For art enthusiasts, a walk down this avenue becomes a truly memorable experience. The galleries, which are mostly concentrated between Place St-Phillipe-du-Roule and Avenue de Marigny, offer some of the most exceptional work by contemporary artists and beautiful French furniture. This avenue also supports Paris' reputation as a world center for fashion as many famous designers such as Givenchy and Chanel maintain boutiques here. A walk along the avenue of Faubourg Saint-Honoré, filled with impressionist art and pulsating fashion, is guaranteed to leave an impression.
Official chocolate makers to the Kings of France, Debauve et Gallais continues to make waves in The City Of Light. Founded in the 1800s by Sulpice Debauve, this shop has a storied legacy that still lives on. Choose from hundreds of chocolate varieties like dark, white, Easter eggs, pralines, chocolate bouchées with nougat, milk chocolate candies, boxes of luscious truffles, ganaches and many more. The store on Rue des Saints-Pères is listed on the French Historic Monument List and is a chocolate lover's fantasy that boasts a tremendous and creative selection.
A whole range of products are on display at Le Bon Marché. These include clothes for men, women and children. That's not all - housewares, cosmetics, sportswear and lingerie, all come together for the benefit of a long time out on family shopping. So stop on by the oldest department store in Paris and find out how much fun it is to go shopping by the Rive Gauche.
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.