Tips FROM THE RIGHT BANK: Antique & Vintage Shopping in Paris
Today, we have another reader question and it comes from someone many of you may know: Julie Khuu from Design Star 5.
QUESTION
Dear Ally,
We’ve corresponded in the past and I just wanted to touch base with
you and get your thoughts. If you’re not super busy, I would love to
get your expertise on vintage shopping in Paris. I’m scheduled for a
trip in Nov. and dedicating my entire 5 days to shopping for clients
(and myself 
of course).
I’m staying in the Marais and have already planned on spending a Sat.
at Les Puces. Do you have any other fave haunts for furniture,
accessories, and clothing? I completely trust your style and taste and
know that you ARE the gal to ask.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you sooooo much Ally. Keep
up the fantastic work!!
-Julie Khuu, Haute Khuuture
ANSWER
I wish I could personally take you shopping but since I can’t 
I guess this list will have to do!
Antiques
As you already know, Clignancourt (or Saint-Ouen) is the granddaddy of all the “Puces.” You could easily spend an entire weekend there:
Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt (avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt, 18th)
The other two well-known markets are smaller and a bit more low-key:
Marché aux Puces de Montreuil (avenue de la Porte de Montreuil, 20th)
Marché aux Puces de Vanves (avenue Marc-Sangnier et Georges Lafenestre, 14th)
A few other places worth checking out:
Louvre des Antiquaires (2 place du Palais Royal, 1st) – exquisite, high-end.
Village St. Paul (rue St. Paul, behind the church, 4th) – a series of courtyards filled with retro items.
Le Grenier de Jupiter (corner of 85 avenue de la Bourdonnais & 201 rue de Grenelle, 7th) – beautiful unique pieces.
Vintage Clothing
Didier Ludot (20–24 Galerie de Montpensier, Palais Royal, 1st) – world famous and with good reason. It’s a must-stop.
Ragtime (23 rue de l’Echaudé, 6th) – also high-end, everything in perfect condition.
Studio W (6 rue du Pont-aux-Choux, 3rd) – small with an amazing collection of accessories.
Free P Star (8 rue Ste-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, 4th) and its sister store (61 rue de la Verrerie, 4th) – jampacked, very popular.
Casablanca (17 rue Moret) – big, hip, affordable.
Quidam de Revel (26 rue Poitou, 3rd) – this may be my favorite.
Adom (56, rue de la Roquette, 11th) – have to dig a little but good bargains.
I think this will be more than enough to keep you busy for five days. If possible, try to leave some time to just wander around too. You never know what you’ll discover. I hope you have a great trip!
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(Photos: 1&2.From the Right Bank 3.Free’P'Star)
Oh, if only I were headed to Paris!! I bet I would love visiting the places on this list! Janell
Ally, that's so helpful of you! I'm keeping this list for when I go again (thinking positive so it will happen.) I haven't been since the mid 90's and I wasn't really into antiquing then.
If Paris was on the list to visit on my next vacation. The vintage clothing shops would the first stops for me to make.
We are planning a trip to Paris soon, so this is really useful! Thanks, Ally.
I am spending 2 weeks in Paris soon (downgraded from the full month or more that I wanted to spend) with my 16 mth old and husband and we will be spending time in all these markets!!!! I think I need to figure out shipping rates before I go…
This is the apt I went with Ally:
http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/247…
on rue St Andre Des Arts!
SQUEAL!
I second Ally's list. I also think that a visit to Paris does not require much preparations as there is something to discover at every corner.
Greetings from Paris!
How I wish I'd had this when I was in Paris last semester! Great tips.
Ally~
Merci x 3
I've got the food list down courtesy of Anthony Bourdain…and now with your shopping list, my vacay is complete.
You're a doll- THANKS soooo much!
xo-Julie
I was in Paris earlier this summer and I really want to ad Merci to your list. It's not all antiques but it's lovely and definitely worth a visit!
I'm going to bookmark this list because there are few places that I did not make on my last visit. Thanks Ally!
Lauren: I adore Merci! It's one of my favorite stores.
I posted about it here: http://www.fromtherightbank.com/2009/06/merci-par…
Oh how useful.
Just found this post as I too am looking for some affordable shopping (maybe find Chanel bag for less hehe)
Another 2 weeks and I’ll be in Paris – first time for me.
Although I’ll be more focused on monuments then shopping still hopefully I’ll bump into one of these stores.
What a great list – I’ll have to arrange to visit them next time I’m in Paris.