The world's biggest flea market welcomes 200,000 visitors each weekend. You name it and this place will have it: furniture, pictures, new and second-hand clothes, all at rock-bottom prices (especially if you're a dab hand at haggling). There's a jovial fairground atmosphere with the aroma of food wafting around and people crowding round the stalls, hoping to pick up a 1970s leather jacket or a rare Louis XV chest of drawers. Make sure you have cash on you, as stallholders seldom accept credit cards and the nearest available cash machine is always lined out.
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.
Bucherer have been keepers of time since 1888. The Swiss luxury brand was launched by Carl F. Bucherer and is sold across Europe in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Looking to tap the Parisian market, their flagship store replaces the 144-year-old Old England and occupies three levels of this iconic building. Its proximity to the opera makes it well-known among tourists and shopping enthusiasts in the city. Browse through the display of excellent craftsmanship and unrivaled design with high-end brands like Gucci, Swatch Group, Baume & Mercier, Longines and Rolex, and purchase a piece of understated sophistication.
The Boutique Maille was opened by Antoine Maille in Marseille in 1720. Since then, the store takes pride in stocking the most delicious mustard, with flavors ranging from rose to apricot. With vinegar, oils, sauces, dressings, pickles and tableware for purchase, this boutique is every cook's idea of heaven.
Le Marché de Bailly ("the market of Bailly") is a popular outdoor market that takes place at every Sunday. It used to be right in the Place de l'Europe, but moved to its new location in April 2011 in front of the Carrefour store. The new location provides ample parking and more choices of things to do. Booths sell wonderful local delicacies so don't miss out on this cultural experience.
A few blocks away from the Bon Marché, on the elegant rue Madame, Odorantes is a timeless flower shop that's long been a favorite with locals and celebrities alike. You can't miss this tiny, chic and fragrant store, with its strange stuffed baby deer and birds in the shop window. Run by tasteful master florists Emmanuel Sammartino and Christophe Hervé, the store specializes in the most romantic of all flowers, namely roses. They only sell top-of-the-range roses grown near Paris, amongst which are the Black Baccara, wonderfully fresh garden roses and more. The fancy wrappings are also gorgeous. -Mary-Laure Neulat
A few blocks away from the Bon Marché, on the elegant rue Madame, Odorantes is a timeless flower shop that's long been a favorite with locals and celebrities alike. You can't miss this tiny, chic and fragrant store, with its strange stuffed baby deer and birds in the shop window. Run by tasteful master florists Emmanuel Sammartino and Christophe Hervé, the store specializes in the most romantic of all flowers, namely roses. They only sell top-of-the-range roses grown near Paris, amongst which are the Black Baccara, wonderfully fresh garden roses and more. The fancy wrappings are also gorgeous. -Mary-Laure Neulat
Galerie Dansk promises to embody your home with its skillfully-made furniture having Scandinavian hint to them. The craftsmanship evident in each design, of every piece, is a marvel in itself; and if you are fond of the Northern European style home decor, Galerie Dansk is a perfect trove of material beauty in the form of furniture. Comfy arm-chairs, Danish sofas, sleek tables, lovely luminaries, etc, is just awesome. Dansk sincerely produces great beauty for your home.
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.
The Place des Vosges is one of the city's most precious gems; at the same time, a myriad of treasures await reaping here. Tucked in a small corner of the Place des Vosges is Eux dans l'Eau, a small boutique/kiosk offering a large selection of theater jewelry, cloche hats and other pearls from yesteryear. The best place for souvenirs of a flâneur in one of the best spots in Paris.
Fromagerie Bouvet Saint-Martin is a cheese shop that sells a wide variety of different cheeses. Cow, goat and sheep cheeses are all offered. The shop also has a wine cellar with a selection of bottles that pair perfectly with many of the cheeses. Large cheese platters are also available.
Fromagerie Quatrehomme has been selling cheeses out of a charming Paris boutique since 1935. Now under the guidance of Marie Quatrehomme, a fourth generation cheesemonger, it breaks from tradition by offering imported and experimental cheeses, such as pesto goat cheese. Everything you could want out of a French cheese boutique can be found here.