Category: Travel

Paris is a shopping dream, whether you’re into high-end fashion, handmade artisan goods, or digging through thrift racks for the perfect coat, there’s something for everyone. On my latest trip, I set out with a mission: to shop smart, support local and independent makers, and maybe snag a few standout pieces along the way. Here’s a round-up of my absolute favourite shopping spots in Paris:

La Trésorerie Magasin Général If you’re into cooking or kitchen design, this is your dream stop. This store is beautifully curated, carrying various French-made brands, kitchen gadgets, knives, tote bags, and more. I ended up getting a paring knife and peeler by Nogent, plus one of the store’s branded totes. Practical and cute! Website | Instagram: @latresorerie

L’Oreille Pincée I stumbled across this brand at a pop-up in the Marais and instantly fell in love. They make delicate, feminine jewelry, I picked up a gold-dipped ring with tiny white flowers embedded in resin. It’s so unique and special. Highly recommend if you’re after a meaningful little souvenir. Website | Ring I got | Instagram: @loreille_pincee

Tolatoli Another pop-up find! Everything here is handmade, from jackets and vests to shoes and bags. It’s the kind of store that feels like a treasure chest. While I didn’t purchase anything, it was worth the visit just to see the craftsmanship up close. Website | Instagram: @tolatoliparis

La Boutique de Cara This vintage shop has an impressive selection of second-hand luxury pieces. If you’re looking to splurge or browse vintage Chanel and other gems, it’s definitely worth a visit. Instagram: @laboutiquedecara

Bubble Rock Studio A small but fun jewelry brand I came across, they specialize in classic pieces with a twist and everything is waterproof. Think bold rings, chunky hoops, and colourful touches. A great stop if you’re looking to add something playful to your collection. Website

Bar de Bonneterie I found this adorable brand at a pop-up in the Marais, and they specialize in scarves of all shapes and sizes. Any pattern or colour you can dream of, they’ve got it. I picked up a couple of neck scarves to really get in that Parisian style vibe. Instagram: @bar_de_bonneterie

Juliette Has A Gun If you’re a fan of perfume, this is a must-visit. I’ve loved this brand for a while, but I had never seen one of their stores, turns out, this is the only one in the world! The staff was incredibly kind and shared the whole brand story with me, and I even got a sample of their newest scent, Miami Shake. Website | Location: 2 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris

Bobbies Paris This place is well-known, but it’s still worth the mention. Their store in the Marais is beautiful, and their shoes and bags are top quality. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place. Website

Vintage Désir This might have been my best thrift stop in Paris. As a self-proclaimed thrifting enthusiast, I came in with a mission: find the perfect trench coat. Vintage Désir delivered, I scored a navy trench for just €20! The selection is unreal: leather, denim, fur, long coats, short jackets, you name it. I could’ve easily spent hours here. Location: 32 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris

Merci Paris This is one of those stores that makes you feel cooler just by walking in. Located in the heart of the Marais, Merci is a beautifully curated concept store filled with everything from fashion and homeware to books and unique design finds. I originally stepped in just to browse and ended up wanting everything, especially their textiles and outerwear. There’s also a cozy little café tucked at the back, perfect for a coffee break after exploring. It’s trendy, stylish, and totally worth a visit. merci-merci.com Instagram: @merciparis

Paris always delivers!

On my most recent visit to Paris (April, 2025) — my third time in this magical city — I stayed in the 10th arrondissement, and I honestly think it might be one of my favourite areas yet. Lively and buzzing with a local charm, the 10th has no shortage of cozy bakeries, bustling cafés, and tucked-away restaurants. It felt like I got a small taste of what it might be like to actually live in Paris.

I stayed in a charming Airbnb that was absolutely awesome. Tucked in a historic building, it did come with a narrow, old spiral staircase, so be prepared to climb — but hey, it’s all part of the experience, and I’d say it was definitely worth it. The host was incredibly kind and responsive, everything was spotless, and I felt completely safe and comfortable during my stay. You can check it out here.

I also spent a lot of time in the Marais (4th arrondissement), or SoMa (South Marais), and I cannot say enough good things about this area. It’s relaxed but still upbeat, modern while staying effortlessly chic. Yes, there are some touristy spots, but where isn’t nowadays? The Marais offers everything: boutique shopping, amazing food, contemporary art, live music, and just an overall beautiful vibe. I’d 100% recommend staying there or at least spending a good amount of time exploring it.

As for classic tourist attractions, I only did one this time: Notre-Dame. Having visited Paris before, I’d already checked off most of the big sights, but Notre-Dame was special this time. When I last came, it was closed due to the devastating fire in 2019. Now partially reopened, it felt amazing to walk through it again and appreciate its rich history and stunning architecture — from the stained glass windows to the gothic stonework. During my visit, the Crown of Thorns was on display and a church service was in progress, which made the moment feel all the more meaningful.

Of course, no Paris trip is complete without plenty of dining and shopping — though I mostly kept it budget-friendly, with a couple little splurges here and there.

Restaurants I Loved:

• Le Petite Louise (10th): My absolute favourite spot. Cozy, delicious, and super welcoming.
• La Rose de France (Île de la Cité): A bit pricier but worth it for the setting and the best crème brûlée I’ve ever had.
• Brasserie Gisele (4th): Perfect lunch stop, and I highly recommend ordering a panaché.
• Les Enfants du Marché (Marais): A trendy food market with great vendors and pop-up restaurants.
• La Siffiotte (10th): Amazing food and great value.
• Boulanger Pâtissier El Hafidi Abed (10th): This place deserves a paragraph of its own. The jam-filled doughnuts were truly life-changing. They also have cream and plain ones, but trust me, the jam is the one you want.

Shopping Highlights:

• Merci Paris: A trendy concept store with a mix of souvenirs, fashion, home goods, and more. On the pricey side, but fun to browse or splurge in.
• Shakespeare and Company: A must-visit for any book lover (especially if you’re a Before Sunset fan).
• Bobbies Paris: Stunning shoes and accessories.
• Vintage Pop-Up Shops: More on these in a separate post soon — so many fun finds.
• Thrift Stores: I scored a gorgeous trench coat for just €20, and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.

Paris never disappoints. Whether you’re sipping wine at a café in the Marais, climbing a crooked staircase in the 10th, or discovering your new favourite bakery, the city continues to offer something new every time. Stay tuned for more posts from this trip — especially the pop-up shopping breakdown!