Fueled by the small yet potent French espresso, you could easily shop yourself to oblivion while in Paris. Sounds alluring? I think I can help. Yes, there is a mind boggling choice of boutiques among the many eclectic districts of Paris and it might be hard to decide where to begin.
The left bank is a good place to start just because you might want to experience le vieux Paris first hand and check out the legendary Quartier Latin while you drain your credit.
RUE DE RENNES AND RUE DU FOUR
Boulevard Saint Germain, well, you probably have heard of this place right? It is known for its artist and literary hang outs such as Café de Flore, or Café Les Deux Magots, for the innumerable restaurants, for its Church of St Germain, the oldest in Paris and the myriad of jazz clubs and bookstores. In fact the rich history of the district makes it one of the most popular quarters in the City of lights.
A few steps away from Boulevard St Germain you will find two winding roads crossing each other; Rue de Rennes and Rue du Four. Both are very well known for their countless boutiques and this is precisely where you can start spending your money.
Rue du Four is filled with tiny and cozy shops, often beautifully adorned and styled up to date. Yes you are entering trendy land. Color and décor are king here, while “le paraitre or the appearance is the key word.
Rue de Rennes is a rather large avenue leading from Place Saint Germain de Pres towards Gare Montparnasse in the 14th district of Paris, popular after WWII among the lost generation and the likes of Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. You will find there an array of small concept stores, countless shoe boutiques and big name brands. Again, here you are only steps away from the unique, renowned and hip department store “Le Bon Marche”. In need of a break? Grab the legendary macaroon cookie with a café au lait at the prominent and very snug “La Duree patisserie also in the neighborhood but be sure to get a table upstairs.
Rue du Four
Place: Bootshop
20 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: In this tiny haven you will find fabulous suede and leather boots for any occasion and almost in any color
They sell: Boots, shoes, selected belts and necklaces
Contact: 01 46 33 60 73
Place: Candy Rocket'’s
22 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: First of all the clothes are moderately priced, and secondly there is lots to choose from, so surely there is something waiting just for you
They sell: Casual clothes and accessories, frilly dresses, and long beaded necklaces, they also carry a full stock of the sexy “Anti Flirt” brand
Contact: 01 43 26 96 85
Place: Pom D'Api
28 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: This wonder of a little shop resembles a kindergarten playground. This is a baby shoe store par excellence. The tiny shoes and galoshes in a myriad of styles and colors will have you gaping even if you don'’t need to buy them just yet
They sell: Shoes, sneakers, sandals, and galoshes for babies
Contact: 01 45 48 39 31
www.pomdapi.fr
Place: Free Lance
30 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: You will find here the wildest boots and shoes you can imagine. Boots in crocodile or python skins, heels in shiny treated leather, and stilettos worthy of red carpet galas are scattered all over the shelves.
They sell: Shoes, boots and accessories
Contact: 01 45 48 14 78
Place: Alambic
34 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: This place is for lovers of stylish casual wear. A large and rich stock of Miss Sixty jeans and bags, Jean Paul Gaultier jeans and other informal gear is waiting for you.
They sell: Laid back and sporty clothes for women
Contact: 01 45 48 49 48
Place: Maje
42 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: This place is a gold mine for fab, unique pieces from hippy to Boho chic in modern fabrics and stylish cuts. All the latest looks straight from the runways are on display at this small shop. You'’ll also find great bags in leather and funky accessories.
They sell: Everything you may want and need to fill your ever-hungry closet
Clientele: Hip fashion lovers
Contact: 01 42 22 47 80
Place: EV by et vous
46 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: Et Vous is a famous French chain of stylish stores, EV by Et Vous is the updated, modern spin on it, especially designed for the trendy young clientele from the left bank.
They sell: Progressive clothes and ornaments.
Contact: 01 45 44 70 21
Place: Via Venise Collection
50 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: Great cuts and styles, modern and unobtrusive. This shoe shop will have you confused as to which pair to choose from; all are hot and desirable. Come with a trusted advisor or a personal shopper.
They sell: Boots and shoes
Contact: 01 42 22 52 38
Rue de Rennes
Place: Comptoir des Cotonnieres
47 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: The ad always features a mother and a daughter, sometimes it'’s hard to tell which one is which. Yes these clothes make them look fab. Many basics, sober colors with only a handful of bright color each season. The styles are relaxed, poised and of the moment. Whenever in one of the stores (this is a chain) there is always something I want for days on after.
They sell: Women'’s apparel
Contact: 01 42 22 58 53
Place: Lancel
43 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: The softness of the leather and suede, the color combinations and intricate work, the classy yet so very hot styles, oh dear! There isn't a season I don'’t wish one of those bags or wallets was mine. The ads feature Liz Hurley sporting the sexy Lancel gear.
They sell: Leather bags, wallets, belts and timepieces.
Contact: 01 42 22 94 73
www.lancel.com
Place: Georg Jensen
51 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: The famous Danish silversmith who is known for making the most contemporary and modern jewelry and watches, has a style which best translates to that of refinement and understatement. His fragile and yet sober lines leave no one indifferent.
They sell: Jewels and watches, all with precious stones, in gold or sterling silver.
Contact: O1 45 44 49 49
www.georgjensen.com
Place: Celine
58 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: It is the famous French brand of ready to wear, handbags and accessories with few stores all over Paris, but when in Paris this one is probably the most intimate and fun to visit.
They sell: Luxury products ranging from leather goods, sunglasses, watches, clothes and bags.
Contact: 01 45 48 58 55
Place: Just a Dream
61 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: This is a design store with a goal of bringing you comfort, all of the goods are made from silk, cashmere or other high quality fabrics. What'’s great is that you can find a cozy blanket as well as the softest pillow you ever laid your head on but you'’ll also find lingerie and clothes.
What do they sell: Anything soft, comfortable and comforting, from house décor to bed sheets to slips.
Place: Secret Dessous
74 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: This place has a wide variety of sweet to sexy lingerie at quite affordable prices. You'’ll be able to pick from a large stock of styles, cuts that flatter virtually any female morphology and also from the almost rainbow like colors.
What do they sell: Lingerie
Contact: 01 44 39 30 10
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