A local’s guide to the most unique shops in Paris, indie stores from upscale vintage shops to bookshop cafes, concept stores and perfume shops!
Over the past few days, while walking through Paris, I’ve come across so much beauty that I can’t wait to share with you.
This includes, of course, a myriad of department stores and unique boutiques that I had never seen before.
From Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Belleville and the 13th arrondissement, you’ll find below a selection of some of the most beautiful independent – and a few not-so-independent – shops in Paris.
Unique Shops in Paris: 8 Indie Spots You Absolutely Must See
While I’ve talked to you in the past about many beautiful bookstores you absolutely must visit – like Taschen, Assouline, or even Shakespeare and Company and Brentano’s – today, we are focusing on a different kind of shopping experience.
I wanted to include a variety of other addresses here: vintage shops, curiosity cabinets, and even a sophisticated publishing house in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Unique Shops in Paris: Paris Fashion Vintage (Port Royal)
It was truly by chance that I discovered Paris Fashion Vintage, located near the secret former Abbey of Port-Royal (one of the most beautiful and peaceful historical sites in Paris!).
I stepped into a den overflowing with vintage designer pieces, all carefully curated by the owner, Livia, who is a trained stylist.
Being at Paris Fashion Vintage feels like stepping into the dressing room of a star from the last century; you’ll find Chanel, Hermès, or YSL from the 1920s through the late 20th century.
It is incredibly well-hidden, tucked far away from the hustle and bustle of the Marais and Montmartre.
Unique Shops in Paris: Ibal Concept Store (Rue de Ménilmontant)
At Ibal Concept Store, in the heart of Menilmontant, you’ll find a mix of jewelry, home decor, sustainable fashion, and even gourmet preserves – all within a welcoming space that supports women in Tunisia.
If you have never visited Menilmontant, you should know that you will find many small, leafy secret passages there, and, within this brilliant mix of ethnic shops, the incredible craftsmanship of Ibal Concept Store.
Unique Shops in Paris: Africouleur (Rue Saint-Maur)
Very close to the Belleville neighborhood, on Rue Saint-Maur, I discovered the independent boutique Africouleur, which helps support the arts and skills of dozens of families in Togo.
Established for over 30 years, Africouleur is an explosion of crafts, whether it’s fabrics (including wax prints, of course), custom-made clothing, or handmade jewelry and magnificent interior decor in the heart of the 11th arrondissement.
Unique Shops in Paris: Librairie Alain Brieux (Rue Jacob)
Rue Jacob in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the most beautiful streets in Paris.
While it is certainly home to many art galleries, it is also where you will find the Librairie Alain Brieux, which opened in the 1950s.
You aren’t quite sure if you are in a bookstore or a cabinet of curiosities – in fact, it is a bit of both in this shop specializing in science and medicine.
You can find anatomical models by wax artist Nathalie Latour, antique jars, vintage globes, and even a few garments, all set within the fascinating atmosphere of an old-world library.
Unique Shops in Paris: Kim Thanh (Avenue d’Ivry)
When we talk about souvenir shopping, we often think of magnets, berets, and postcards from the booksellers and other vendors on Rue de Rivoli or in Montmartre.
If you head to Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement, you’ll find plenty of food markets (including Tang Frères on Avenue d’Ivry), but also antique and trinket shops like Kim Thanh.
It is a very interesting gift shop, filled with everything from giant to miniature maneki-neko, and cute little knick-knocks perfect for a mantelpiece or a shelf.
Unique Shops in Paris: L’Îlebrairie (Rue de Condé)
L’Îlebrairie is located on Rue de Condé, near the Luxembourg Gardens, and it is one of the most soothing bookshop-cafes in Paris, focusing on imaginative themes and Taiwanese culture.
The selection curated by Betty, co-owner of L’Îlebrairie, is inspired and based on poetic, philosophical, and literary themes, paired with homemade cakes and a first floor that feels like a cozy little bedroom.
Unique Shops in Paris: Éditions Diane de Selliers (Rue Bonaparte)
I have passed by the Diane de Selliers publishing house on Rue Bonaparte many times, yet it was only a few days ago that I finally stepped inside to discover pure elegance and carefully chosen titles.
The shop is very small and releases only one book per year – coffee table books where great literary texts by Goethe, Homer, or Dante are illustrated with world-class art.
The large collector’s editions are limited to 3,000 copies – once they are gone, they are gone – and later, they are released in a smaller, more accessible format for the general public.
Unique Shops in Paris: Granado (Rue Bonaparte)
Also located on Rue Bonaparte – where you’ll also find Lupicia, Assouline, and Officine Universelle Buly 1830 – Granado is the oldest brand from Brazil, originally founded in 1870 in Rio de Janeiro.
The vintage tropical atmosphere pairs perfectly with Granado’s refined scents.
I found two or three fragrances there that I can’t wait to treat myself to.
They linger on the skin and are perfect niche gems displayed on wooden shelves beneath the historical bottles of Granado, which began its life as a pharmacy.
Unique Shops in Paris: 8 Indie Spots You Absolutely Must See
While I have lived in Paris, London, Istanbul, Barcelona, and Rome, it is truly in Paris where you find those perfect boutiques with a sophisticated, vintage allure and products of incredible quality.
From Granado to the Diane de Selliers publishing house, I have shared some of my favorites with you, which also happen to be, for the most part, historic shops or long-standing brands.
I have always had a soft spot for historical sites; whether they are covered passages, old bookstores, beautiful ruins, or cute neighborhoods like Montmartre and the Marais!