Paris, the City of Love, is renowned for its fashion, architecture, and charming atmosphere. It’s a city that captivates the senses, with its elegant boutiques and iconic concept shops. As a design enthusiast, I’m completely smitten with Paris, where I indulge in delicious treats like croissants, baguettes, and macarons, and enjoy a glass of red wine even before noon. It’s simply the best.
A Parisian Design Adventure
This month, I explored Paris with my sister during Paris Fashion Week. We immersed ourselves in the city’s buzzing energy, peeking into pop-up showrooms and cozy cafes amidst a flurry of fashionable models. My sister, bless her soul, was incredibly patient as I repeatedly begged for “just one more design shop!” We walked miles between coffee and wine as we uncovered the city’s hidden design gems.
The Allure of Concept Shops
Let’s be real, concept shops are unquestionably the best. They offer a carefully curated selection of the finest interiors, décor, fashion, beauty, stationery, and even cafes. They’re inspiring, enchanting, and totally worth the visit. Paris truly excels in the concept shop scene. Here are my top 5 must-see Parisian concept and design shops:
Merci: A Parisian Icon
Merci is a true Parisian landmark located in the charming Marais district. This iconic store is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and it’s easily recognizable by its lush, jungalow-inspired interior courtyard with industrial windows and a vintage red Mini Cooper. Merci sets the tone for an unforgettable retail experience with its industrial glam design and highly sought-after curated collection. Over the years, I’ve fallen for Merci’s charms, snagging everything from jewelry and notebooks to perfume, leather clutches, Christmas decorations, and stylish trainers.
Top Picks:
- Roly Poly chair by Faye Too Good
- Suspension brass pendant chandelier
- Unit with Hay design foldable colourful crates
- Bon Parfumer
- Recycled throw
- Merci x Serax La Nouvelle Table dishware collaboration
Fleux: A Haven for Design Lovers
Nestled in the Marais district, Fleux is a collection of 6 stores lining Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie. This design wonderland offers a unique experience: each storefront specializes in a different area, from lifestyle and jewelry to fashion, furniture, children’s items, and even a “nothing too serious” section. Fleux is a design haven, with a secret passage leading to a hidden interiors shop filled with stunning designs.
Top Picks:
- Floor rug or wall art
- Soft bed linen
- Crazy fun vases by Rosenthal Fast Porcelain
Ailleurs: Boho Scandi Industrial Chic
Located in the Bastille district, Ailleurs was founded by a former Merci interiors buyer. This stylish shop blends Boho, Scandi, and industrial vibes, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. A passionate collector of glassware, the owner has scattered drool-worthy glass collections throughout the store, but there’s so much more to discover. I’m so grateful to Dee Campling for introducing me to this design gem. I even snagged a pair of hand-blown reeded glass tumblers from Murano, Italy. Ailleurs is full of treasures.
Top Picks:
- Coussin Vincent cushion
- Verre Arme coffee table
- Carved Plateau Fin Teck wooden bowls
- Plaid turn around throw
- Amber or Green Jug
L’atelier 55: A Mid-Century Dream
Tucked away on a sleepy street in St. Germain, L’atelier 55 is a mid-century marvel bursting with personality. This design lover’s dream is packed with furniture, art, and lighting. Looking for an original vintage Scolari? You’ll find it here. Searching for inspiration in art, lighting, and chair combinations? Look no further. Take your time exploring this treasure trove of vintage icons.
Top Picks:
- Vintage weaved cane armchairs by Le Corbusier & Pierre Jeanneret
- Corbusier & Jeanneret vintage chairs x Edoardo Menini mixed techniques painting in black
- Playful Ben Lithograph “Is everything art?”
- Medea wood chair by Vittorio Nobili
- Vintage Sciolari ceiling brass and glass lights
India Mahdavi: Design Queen of Paris
A legendary name in interior design and architecture, India Mahdavi has created some of the most stunning and original spaces worldwide. From restaurants and hotels to shops and residences, her work is exquisite. Exotic, playful, and dramatic are just a few words to describe her projects, including The Gallery at Sketch in London, Ralph Pucci NYC-LA-Miami showroom, and Hotel Condesa in Mexico. Mahdavi’s St. Germain showroom is a must-visit for design enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find her latest furniture, rug, and lighting designs, and her adjacent shop is overflowing with lust-worthy accessories.
Top Picks:
- Jardin d’Interieur wool rug
- Rameau wool cushion
- The iconic Bishop stool & table
- The iconic Charlotte chair in velvet & brass
- Don Giovanni Lamp in coloured glass and brass
More Design Delights
These are just my top 5 picks for design shops in Paris. These inspiring shops are sure to captivate and delight you, leaving you wanting more. But, Paris is a city overflowing with design, so don’t stop there.
I’m also compiling a list of up-and-coming design shops and an Interior Design Student guide to Paris, which I’ll share in a future post. Whether you have a day or a week, you must explore the design treasures that Paris has to offer.
So there you have it! My Inspiration Monday guide to Parisian design shops. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. If I’ve missed a shop you love, please share it in the comments or DM me.
Merci, au revoir!
Address details for each store:
- Merci. 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
- Fleux. 38 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
- Ailleurs. 174 rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris
- L’atelier 55. 55 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
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India Mahdavi. 3 rue Jacob, 75006 Paris
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Caravane. 19 and 22 rue Saint Nicolas. Bastille (other locations in St Germain & St Paul)
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Marche aux Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. Antique Market. 124 rue des rosiers
93400 Saint-Ouen France. This site is also helpful (click here)
