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Maison Sarah Lavoine – Francis Amiand
When the archetypical concept store Colette closed last year, loyal locals and tourists alike mourned the end of an era. The 1st arrondissement shop was a Paris institution as well as a trailblazer in the world of concept stores- becoming the example that all others were measured against.
While die hard fans will argue that nothing will ever replace this innovative space and business model, the unique combination of shopping and indulgence that Colette offered can still be found in the capital.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite spots to shop and dine to our hearts content:
La Trésorerie – Julie AnsiauLa Trésorerie
This trendy housewares shop features products that are almost exclusively sourced from Europe, with at least 30% of their stock made in France. La Trésorerie focuses on items made using renewable, natural resources such as cotton, linen, terra cotta, and glass. Kit out your kitchen at their shop, which is located a stone’s throw from Place de la République, and stay for lunch at their Swedish inspired restaurant Café Smörgas.
Broken Arm – Diane YoonThe Broken Arm
When The Broken Arm opened in 2013 it was one of many cafés leading the first wave of the craft coffee revival in Paris. What set this small coffee shop and lunch spot apart were its simple yet inventive cuisine paired with select brands in an en suite clothing and accessories boutique. While the original chef Linda Granebring has since left, the menu remains fresh and compelling at this see-and-be-seen café and the clothing selection next door is equally as original.
Merci – Palmyre RoigtMerci
With the closure of Colette, Merci has taken the place of the city’s most well loved concept store. It’s unofficial mascot, a cherry red FIAT 500 parked in the courtyard, is as iconic as the Eiffel Tower for Parisian fashion fiends. It’s almost too easy to spend an afternoon here, with three floors of fashion, housewares, and featured designers to discover and three unique restaurants to choose from. Grab a coffee and a snack at the Used Book Café, or have a no fuss lunch at Le Cinéma Café vegetarians will love the fresh pressed juices and plant-based options at La Cantine.
Merci – Palmyre RoigtMaison Sarah Lavoine
Located on the chic Place des Victoires, Maison Sarah Lavoine features home décor and furniture by the French designer. Enter a world of striking colors and geometric shapes and find a hidden café amidst textiles and shelves of beautiful objets. This rising star of the interior decorating world is behind some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and cafés, so it seems only fitting that she open her own!
Maison Sarah Lavoine – Francis AmiandSteel Cyclewear & Coffee Shop
High fashion takes a back seat (or saddle) at Steel Cyclewear & Coffee Shop where the worlds of cycling and caffeine collide. Browse streamlined biking gadgets and gear and enjoy an espresso sourced from locally roasted beans from Belleville Brûlerie.
Steel – Jean Marie HeidingerRelated links:
- Empreintes is another concept store located in the Haut Marais.
- Read more about the trendy La Cantine de Merci here.
- Looking for more? The Culture Trip also covers the best concept stores in Paris.
Written by Emily Dilling for HiP Paris. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, Tuscany, Umbria or Liguria? Check out Haven In.
Steel – Jean Marie Heidinger
