Beautiful (Specialty) Stores in Paris
Chantal Thomass
Famous across the globe for her delicate and evocative lingerie. While you can see her collection in many of the department stores try and visit one of her galleries or Boudoir as the French would - located at 211, rue Saint Honoré in Paris chic first district or below. Looking for Chantilly lace, you'll find lots in her stores.
22 rue nogue or 20 place George Clemenceau t: 05 59 27 98 58
Miller Harris - Perfect Perfume, Perfect cup of tea
The English Perfumer, Miller Harris has recently opened a Fragrant Tea Room you can sip while you sample. If you're looking for an English gift these popular and exotic fragrances are all the rage. The range is exported globally.
www.millerharris.com
Mary Beyer
This designer is bringing the glove back as an important 'fashion' item. Her collection ranges from 'made-to-order' and 'made-to-measure' as well as repairs and perhaps replacing a missing 'loved' glove. Her range can be viewed online but don't miss a visit to her studio in the Galerie du Palais Royal. She is also a member of the Grands Ateliers de France - which lists artisans of France.
www.marybeyer.com
32-33 Galerie Montpensier, 75001
Fifi Chachnil
With stores in London and New York anyone who loves lingerie, hosiery, perfume must visit one of her two stores in Paris. Gorgeous bras and pants - while some lingerie pieces will set you back some 120 euros think of it as a lifetime purchase! There's also a fabulous line of swimwear reminiscent of the 50s. Worth a visit just to see what all the fuss is about.
Open from 11am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.
www.fifichachnil-boutique.com
68 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau t: 01 42 21 19 93 or
E.Dehillerin
One of the best suppliers of professional cooking utensils in France. The store has been operating for over 200 years and is famous for its copper casserole dishes available in every size and shape. You'll find everything from quality copper pots to cocktail umbrellas. Be warned however this is a professional supplier of utensils so don't expect service staff to swarm over you for a kitchen knife. Tip: Prices are not marked but referenced. Take the reference number of the end of the aisle and look up the price. Don't miss this shop, there is something for every level of cooking even those who just want to bake a cake. You will be astounded by the store's variety and its lack of service but don't let that deter you -- it's half the fun!
www.e-dehillerin.fr
18, Rue Coquillière, t: 01 42 36 53 13
Calling all Gardeners - Le Prince Jardinier
A very special shop that not only includes exquisite gardening tools and furniture but also houses a mini museum dedicated to the art of taxidermy. The shop is run by a Prince Louis Albert de Broglie and his dedication to gardening is evident in his chateau in the Loire Valley and his annual 'Tomato Festival' at Montlouis-sur-loire, held each September. If you love gardening you'll love this little store.
www.princejardinier.fr
46 rue du Bac 75007 (7th) t: 01 44 55 07 15
Causse Gantier - just fine quality gloves since 1892
One of those beautiful Parisian boutiques specialising in quality gloves for the great couture houses like Chanel and Dior. Now they have their first store in Paris. Their gloves have adorned the hands of Jackie Kenney and many a starlet.
Prices begin from 100 euros a pair.
You can visit the atelier in Millau unaccompanied from 9.30am till 12.30 or 2pm to 7pm - (see site for directions)
www.causse-gantier.fr
12 rue de Castiglione 75001 t: 01 49 26 91 43
Baby Buddha
Here's an interesting store, jewellery and handbags by Karine Hourtoule, the youngest daughter of the creator of Van Cleef & Arpels. Very modern, different pieces here.
68 rue des Saints-Peres, 7th t: 01 45 48 08 00