Paris: Where to Shop [V]

There is more to life than shoes, clothes and jewelry. It's hard to believe, I know. Some of the stores on this list sell items of the non-wearable variety. (Some do sell clothes, granted. If any of my readers have the kind of budget required to shop at Didier Ludot and Colette, lucky you! For me, they're more like a museums.) Some of the places aren't even really stores, they simply didn't fit into any of the other categories I've written about. Take from it what you will... this is a list of cool places of business that happen to be in Paris, c'est tout.

When in Paris, take a peek inside these shops; you might find something you love...

Le Bon Marché - 38, rue de Sèvres      (M) Sèvres-Babylone

The oldest department store in Paris opened its doors in 1838. Although the store is nowhere near as magnificent as Galéries Lafayette, they do sell things that you won't find anywhere else.

Colette - 213, rue Saint-Honoré      (M) Tuileries

Part museum, part hipster hangout, part store, Colette is a bizarre amalgamation of designer and streetwear; loud music and Lanvin. Their selection of literature is nothing if not interesting. Look for quirky gadgets and limited edition trainers, both of which they sell in spades. Very little of what is for sale at Colette has a practical application, but it's a lot of fun to explore.

Didier Ludot - 24, galérie du Montpensier      (M) Bourse

Vintage designer clothes. Classic Chanel. Need I say more?

Fnac - Thirteen locations in Paris

A French alternative to the Virgin Megastore, Fnac sells music, movies, books, electronics and concert tickets. You can find CDs of all the French singles you've listened to on NRJ and fallen in love with at this store. And you will have to buy them in CD form; iTunes France isn't available to North Americans.

Galéries Laffitte - 27, rue Laffitte      (M) Le Peletier

Although it has come to my attention that most people find my obsession with paper products bizarre, if you love fancy notebooks and stationary, there is no better place to find the perfect one than Galéries Laffitte.

Marionnaud - Multiple locations in Paris

The French answer to Sephora, Marionnaud sells make-up, hair care and body care products. Their selection of Bourjois make-up is phenomenal. Best of all, whereas most Sephora's are located in heavy-traffic tourist areas, you will likely be able to find a Marionnaud in your own neighbourhood.

O'Kari Hammam - 22, rue Dussoubs      (M) Réaumur-Sébastopol

If you've never been to a hammam before, you're missing out on a phenomenal spa experience. Steaming, soaking, scrubbing and massaging are all part of this Middle Eastern ritual, transported to rue Dussoubs by Karima Lasfar, a native of Ghardaia in Algeria. A mere 90€ buys you a treatment that includes a eucalyptus bath, black soap exfoliation, gommage, full body wash, shampoo and scalp massage, whirlpool bath and blowdry. It's worth every centime.

Parashop - Fourteen locations in Paris

French women approach skin care like the science that it is. They have a cream for everything, from anti-aging to bust-lifting. And you can find them all at Parashop, a "pharmacy" that specialises in cosmetic treatments. To find out how to treat all skin woes you didn't even know you had, be sure to stop in.

Princesse Tam-Tam - Twenty-six locations in Paris

For girls like me, who can't afford to spend hours lavishing in the attention of sales staff at Agent Provocateur, there is Princesse Tam-Tam; the home of French lingerie for the girl nextdoor. From cute panties to lacey bras, you really can't go wrong here. Best of all, the prices are so reasonable, you can leave the store will a whole bag full of new things.

Viseart - 58, rue Charlot      (M) Filles du Calvaire

Viseart is the sophisticated older sister of Make-up Forever. A professional make-up company, they specialise in silicone-free products and strive to achieve a "no make-up" look. They won't simply send you away with products to let you figure things out for yourself. The shop provides teaching makeovers, where make-up is applied to one half of your face, leaving you to practise your new skills on the other half.