Curator’s statement
While Paris’s legendary designer houses rightfully command the spotlight, the city’s true character often hides in its independent boutiques. Beyond the gilded windows of Hermès and Dior, a wealth of smaller shops offers a more intimate side of Parisian style. As you navigate the grand halls of Le Bon Marché or the iconic Avenue Montaigne, save time for these more approachable, one-of-a-kind gems. Here is a curated list of my favorite discoveries from years of exploring the city.
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Unique stores in Paris
Le Comptoir des Monastères
On the side streets in the shadow of Notre-Dame, you will find this small, charming store comprised solely of products from monasteries. Full of fine spices, beauty products, and, of course, bottles of Chartreuse.
Sabre Cutlery
Highly customizable, colorful French cutlery.
Compagnie Française des Poivres & des Épices
A tiny, easily overlooked spice shop tucked away in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. A clear focus on various forms of pepper, but don’t skip the variety of flavored sugars.
E. Dillherin
A legendary French cookware store, opened in 1820. One can find almost any kitchen item imaginable here. I’m currently hauling back a full set of copper cookware from them, one trip at a time.
Smith & Sons
While Shakespeare & Co has largely become a photo set for influencers, Smith & Sons, across from the Tuleries Garden, is an English-language bookstore where book lovers can actually shop. For book fanatics from the U.S., Smith & Sons carries UK editions, meaning you can scoop up some hotly desirable alternate covers.
Halle Saint Pierre
A gorgeous two-story, airy bookstore in Montmartre. The selection leans artsy and French.
Ex-Libris
Custom stamps, wax seals, and illustrated family crests. Options range from lightly customizable pre-existing designs to fully bespoke creations.
Maile
Located across from La Madeleine, this boutique stocks the familiar Maille mustard in a wide variety of unique flavors not typically available elsewhere. Their stoneware crocks make for great souvenirs, and the mustard is shelf-stable enough to survive the flight home.
Conservatoire des Hémisphères
A beautiful loose-leaf tea shop with a wide selection of varietals.
Menswear destinations in Paris
Edward Green
The legendary shoemaker from Northampton, England. One of only two dedicated boutiques worldwide.
Husbands Paris
A menswear store on Rue de Richlieu that runs the gamut from casual wear to classic tailoring. Think '70s, but with a contemporary twist.
Le Mont Saint Michel
A French workwear brand famous for their classic yet trendsetting chore jacket.
Mes Chaussettes Rouges
While a bit of a niche pick, it’s a true mecca for sock lovers and the only place I’ve ever heard of to offer a bespoke sock service. A great place to pick up proper silk socks for a black tie ensemble!
Charvet
The eternal Parisian luxury clothier. Located steps away from Cartier, Van Cleef, and Chopard on Place Vendôme, and specializing in shirts, ties, and pajamas.
Cifonelli
Parisian bespoke tailors. A bit of a blend between the structure of the English tradition and a more continental style.
Trending now in Paris
Officine Universelle Buly
Yes, it's all over TikTok. Yes, it's swamped with people. Yes, it’s chic as hell, and ultimately, all the products really are excellent. Arrive early (realistically 20 to 30 minutes before opening) to get in without too much of a wait. Or visit the smaller (but less chic) store in Le Bon Marché.
Sézanne
This brand has really exploded in recent years, with women from around the world seeking its trendy yet still approachable French womenswear. The Marais location in particular tends to attract large crowds, so expect to wait.
La Bonne Brosse
A luxury French hairbrush brand. Brushes are specifically matched to your hair type and overall hair-care needs.
The Original Diptyque
The location that started it all is at 34 Boulevard Saint Germain in the 5th Arrondissement. While the stock is the same across locations—excellent, unique candles and fragrances—there is a little extra charm in visiting the original boutique.
Need to know
Regardless of where you end up, always use your best French manners when entering and exiting a shop. A simple "bonjour" upon entry and "merci, au revoir" when leaving are customary across France. Skipping this can be perceived as a slight and may result in "chilly" service. This is especially vital in small boutiques where you might be the only customer—a polite greeting sets the tone for your entire experience!
Travel Advisor
MHW Travel
Michael Webb
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