Discover the ultimate shopping experiences in Paris, from eclectic boutiques to free cultural concerts. Dive into the heart of Parisian retail, explore designer leather and fur directly from the source, and immerse yourself in the city's rich musical heritage—all without spending a fortune. Join us as we reveal the hidden treasures of Paris's shopping scene, where fashion, art, and history blend seamlessly.
Nestled in the 7th district, at 116 Rue du Bac, lies Le Grand Comptoir—a beacon of Parisian charm and retail diversity. This radiant and elegant emporium boasts an eclectic mix of quintessentially Parisian goods. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an array of cow imagery, a nod to "Vach'art," the French CowParade, which has become a global phenomenon since its inception in Zurich in 1998. For enthusiasts, miniature cow sculptures are available for purchase.
The upper floor of Le Grand Comptoir is a fashionista's delight, offering a wide selection of ready-to-wear apparel for both men and women. The ground floor caters to beauty aficionados and gourmands alike, with an assortment of beauty products and delicacies. Shoppers can also find a myriad of home accessories, from vintage-style photo albums featuring Parisian scenes to custom pillows, elegant dinnerware, and unique lighting options. For those with a penchant for rustic decor, the store showcases heavy wooden furniture and wrought-iron benches, reminiscent of classic Parisian style.
Despite the upscale ambiance, Le Grand Comptoir caters to all budgets, with plenty of affordable finds for the savvy shopper. Located conveniently near the 'Sevres-Babylone' metro station, the store can be reached at +33 (0)1 4049 0095.
Music lovers can indulge in the rich sounds of free concerts held twice weekly at Saint-Merri Church, located in downtown rue Saint-Martin. This historical church, dating back to 1550, is often referred to as 'Notre-Dame la petite' due to its architectural resemblance to the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral. Its interior is adorned with stunning stained-glass windows, frescoes, bas-reliefs, sculptures, tapestries, and paintings, centered around a magnificent organ with a storied past.
Concerts typically last an hour and feature predominantly classical music, with occasional forays into jazz and even more exotic genres such as classical Indian, Chinese, Armenian, and medieval music. While the concerts are free, donations are welcomed. Additionally, on the first and third Sundays of each month, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the church following the concert.
Saint-Merri Church is situated at 78 rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris, and can be contacted at +33 (0)1 4271 9393. The nearest metro stations are Hotel de Ville and Chatelet.
In the Rue de Paradis, a serendipitous discovery awaits at the workshop exhibition of Jekel, a bastion of French fashion expertise since 1947. Jekel specializes in designer leather and fur, a craft that is becoming increasingly rare in Paris, with fewer than a hundred artisans remaining active in the field. The scarcity of such craftsmanship is likened to finding a genuine Rembrandt in an attic.
Sylvain Jekel, the owner, takes pride in creating and selling exclusive leather and fur designs. Jekel's creations are distributed internationally to renowned retailers such as Galeries Lafayette, Sonya Rykiel, Darel, and Apostrophe. The workshop, located at No. 22 Rue de Paradis, offers ready-to-wear items that can be adjusted on-site for a perfect fit. Prices start at 300 euros, and international shipping is available to accommodate those who wish to travel light.
For more information or to plan a visit, contact Jekel at +33 (O)1 4770 7390. The workshop is accessible from the 'Gare de l'Est', 'Poissonniere', and 'Chateau d'Eau' metro stations.
For those eager to delve deeper into the heart of Paris, stay tuned for the next issue of the paris-eiffel-tower-news.com newsletter by Phil Chavanne, a seasoned Paris expert. Each edition is packed with insider tips on the best places to explore, from scenic walks to hidden attractions, and the finest authentic Parisian dining experiences.
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