A guide to some of the best shopping in the Marais neighbourhood to help you find that something special.

Trudon

Luxury candle brand Trudon has an elegant boutique in the Marais where you can find regal and sophisticated candles to decorate your home. While the price tag may scare you off, it’s worth noting that Trudon has specialized in candles since 1643 when Claude Trudon – the namesake of the brand – opened a store in Paris, where he sold candles and spices, making this the oldest branded candle in the world still sold today.

This brand was granted the status of Royal Manufacture in 1719, the only candle brand to ever receive this title (and France is known for their high-end candles). However, it wasn’t until the early 21st century that the Trudon candles we see today became more readily available. Now they offer fragrances and limited edition candles, in addition to their iconic collection of gold-sealed candles. You can also find the necessary accoutrements for sale here, such as scented matches and glass coverings, along with diffusers and scented wax busts.

Address: 11 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie
Closest métro station(s): Hotel-de-Ville (M), Rambuteau (M11) and Saint-Paul (M1). 

Parle Moi de Parfum

Relatively a new brand on the scene, Parle Moi de Parfum is a family company with roots in the fragrance industry dating back much farther than the origin of this brand, which was only established in 2016. Created by Benjamin Almairac, with his father Michel as the nose behind the brand – his father having already created famous scents over the decades for many other brands – Parle Moi de Parfum is a niche and high quality perfume brand, where the scents are clearly influenced from Michel’s memories or experiences. As you browse around the store, you’re likely to run into Benjamin himself, where he can not only introduce you to the brand and the scents, but explain the story and inspiration behind each scent, which is bottled on the premises. For instance, the scent ‘Une Tonne des Roses / 8’, which is a smokier rose scent than you’d expect, was inspired by Michel’s walks through Parc Monceau.

And if you’re curious about the prestige attached to having Michel Almairac at the helm of this brand, here are just a few of the fragrances for other brands that he has created: Bond no. 9 Bryant Park, Bond no. 9 Fire Island, Bond no. 9 Saks Fifth Avenue, Bond no. 9 Scent of Peace, Bond no. 9 West Side, Chloé L’Eau de Chloe, Chloé See by Chloe, Burberry Body, Burberry of London, Le Labo Ambrette 9, Gucci Pour Homme, Van Cleef & Arpels Santal Blanc, Chopard Casmir, Jimmy Choo Man Ice, and countless more.

Address: 10 rue de Sévigné
Closest métro station(s): Saint-Paul (M1)

SOI Paris

SOI Paris is a contemporary fashion brand created by two sisters, designed for women looking for comfort, quality, colour, and a hint of femininity. Knit sweaters, printed blouses, and elegant day dresses are just some of the favourites here, but you’ll be able to find anything for your closet, whether it’s a small piece to add to an outfit, a staple item, or something bold to steal attention. If interested, make sure to check out the prints, as the sisters always use printed fabrics that tell a story or remind them of something. For instance, throw a blazer over their PJ style blouse with little Queen Elizabeth’s spread throughout. Understated and classy, yet a hint of colourful fun and whimsy. Or perhaps you prefer a blouse with wine bottled, the pattern called ‘Grand Cru’. From a distance a shirt with pattern just looks like a black shirt with colourful circles and lines, but up close and upon inspection, you can make out the bottle heads, making it work and family appropriate, but also perfect for a dinner with friends.

Address: 104 rue Vieille du Temple
Closest métro station(s): Saint-Sébastian Froissart (M8)

Empreintes

A concept store that feels more like a gallery, where you can’t help but walk away with pottery/ceramics for your home. From tableware to jewellery, you’ll undoubtedly find something you want to bring home with you. And unlike so many other stores and brands, all of these items are strictly available in France. In fact, they are strictly available at this store only- not to be found anywhere else in Paris or the rest of the country. So when you buy something here, you know you’re truly getting something unique and one of a kind. While it’s not the cheapest of options, everything here is high quality and made by local craftsman.

Address: 5 rue de Picardie
Closest métro station(s): Filles du Calvaire (M8), Saint-Sébastian Froissart (M8) and Arts et Métiers (M3 and M11)

Alix D. Reynis

Alix D. Reynis is a porcelain manufacturer who creates beautiful pieces for the home, from tableware to lighting fixtures, with her creations perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning something from Restoration Hardware. Not only do all of her pieces scream quiet elegance and simple sophistication, everything is made in France, so rest assured that the items you buy are of the finest quality. Find white porcelain tableware with various design motifs, each one named after the source of its inspiration, such as ‘Eden’, which uses flowers and a garden design in the motif, or ‘Liberté’ which features swallows mid-air. Naturally the ‘Monde’ motif is made up of square shapes, inspired by the work of Mondrian.

While specializing in pottery, Reynis has expanded her collection to include an assortment of other items, including lovely scented candles (housed in her pottery), high quality and skillfully designed jewellery (often with intricate shapes or patterns), handmade journals, and textile/fabric based products, like sacs, totes, or aprons. Be warned, you can easily blow you shopping budget in this store but you’ll undoubtedly find something special to bring home with you or the perfect gift for someone you care about.

Address: 14 Rue Commines
Closest métro station(s): Filles du Calvaire (M8) and Saint-Sébastian Froissart (M8)

Fleux

Over the last few years (or decades really), Paris has become all about the concept store, regardless of what you’re shopping for. Fleux is one of the many of these types of stores, however unlike most, which focus on fashion, Fleux is a home décor store. Here you can find furniture for the living room to fit a range of decorative styles, from mid-century modern and art deco to industrial, rustic, and bohemian. You’ll also find lighting, mirrors, and art. However, if this sounds impractical for you (assuming you’re on vacation and not looking to ship items home) don’t worry, this store’s real specialty is in its smaller lifestyle and décor pieces. From candles and vases to interesting pieces of dinnerware/serveware that would look great on your table, you can definitely find something wonderful for your home here. And because it wouldn’t be a true concept store with just home décor, you’ll also fun random household items like luggage and cosmetic cases, books and journals, jewellery, accessories, alarm clocks, and fun gizmos and gadgets for your tech.

You’ll find a treasure trove of goods here – spread out through the various shop fronts within a block of each other –  that will undoubtedly add to your home here or make for a great souvenir. Further, the price point isn’t necessary prohibitive. You’ll find items in all price ranges here. And keep an eye out for fun designer collaborations as their products can often be sold here.

Address: 39, 40, 43 and 52 rue Sainte-Croix de le Bretonneire
Closest métro station(s): Hôtel de Ville (M1 and M11) and Rambuteau (M11).

Liquides

If you enjoy having multiple perfumes and want yet another,  or are on the hunt for your new signature scent, this is the place for you. A perfume bar where your mixologist-of-sorts finds the perfect scent for you. Tell the “bartender” what you like, and see what they can find for you behind the brass counter. Based on your style, preferences, favourite scents, and almost anything else you choose to let slip and confide, the trained specialist behind the bar will find you your perfect scent from one of the many high quality brands available here. And have no fear, some of these brands are also available internationally, so should you find your new favourite fragrance, you’ll be able to replenish back home. The purpose of this store/bar is not to necessarily expose you to niche or new brands, though they definitely love to do that, but rather to help you find the perfect scent that embodies who you are and/or who you want to be. Some of the brands available here include: Byredo, Odin NY, Fornasetti Profumi, Vilhelm Parfumerie, Ella K, L:A Bruket, 19-69, and Amouage.

Address: 9 rue de Normandie
Closest métro station(s): Filles du Calvaire (M8)

The Frankie Shop

While The Frankie Shop originated in New York, it was always the intention to expand to Paris as this store aims to blend the quintessential style of each city together, bringing customers stylish yet minimalistic designs that are both comfortable and affordable … or at least relatively affordable. The vision behind the store and its collection is to offer the city girl staples that will take her throughout the day, fit for anything that comes her way – subway friendly yet still chic. While it’s positioned as affordable – and it is - The Frankie Shop offers a range of contemporary designers , so don’t expect H&M prices. However, there is a great collection of elegant closet staples from designers around the world (predominately French and American, though), some exclusive to the store.

Address: 14 Rue Saint Claude
Closest métro station(s): Saint-Sébastian Froissart (M8)

NICOLAÏ

Shop this independent and unique fragrance brand to find your signature scent or the perfect aroma for your house, unlikely to be shared by anyone back at home as NICOLAÏ only has stores in Paris and London, England. While their product is sold around the world now, it’s through various other retailers who only have a limited selection and lack the brand and fragrance knowledge you’d find in one of the NICOLAÏ shops. Go to the store, browse the collection, and find yourself a luxurious souvenir to bring home, something you’ll use and appreciate.

The brand was started in 1988 by the great-granddaughter or Pierre Guerlain, the man who made GUERLAIN a household name with his brother. Continuing in the family tradition, but independently, Patricia and her husband launched NICOLAÏ – a high quality brand that refuses to fall into the traps or dictations of fragrance marketing.

Address: 45 rue des Archives
Closest métro station(s): Rambuteau (M11)

L’Artisan Parfumeur

A relatively newer brand when it comes to French fragrances, L’Artisan Parfumeur is less than 50 years old and its creation stemmed from a joke. Knowing that Jean-Françoise Laporte, the nose of the brand, had studied chemistry, a friend challenged him to create him a scent to accompany a costume – specifically a banana-scented fragrance. Able to achieve this, Laporte continued creating fragrances to represent the natural world, from plants to foods, which ultimately lead to the birth of this brand and the vision behind it.

Now L’Artisan Parfumeur is a fully established and revered brand, no longer a niche perfume brand, that offers fresh and natural scents in clean minimally designed bottles, the simplicity exuding sophistication and the freshness of the fragrances within, while also reminding you of an antique apothecary. Aside from sniffing various bottles to find your new scent, you can also purchase scented body wash and lotion and home fragrances, with two storefronts in the Marais.

Address: 32 rue Bourg Tibourg, with a second store at 19 rue des Francs Bourgeois
Closest métro station(s): Saint-Paul (M1) is equally close to both stores.

TWINS Concept Store

On the edge of the Haut Marais and bordering the Oberkampf/Republique neighbourhoods, TWINS Concept Store is a fun little shop full of local French brands, selling a variety of products, from clothing and accessories, to household and lifestyle goods. You can also buy a coffee and a pastry here to make the browsing more enjoyable. With items for men and women, there is something for everyone here. It’s a great shop if you’re looking for local brands, often less commonly known outside the country.

Address: 7 rue Béranger
Closest métro station(s): Temple (M3) or Republique (M3, M5, M8, M9 and M11). 

Stella Pardo

If you’ve ever tried to embrace 60s/70s fashion while trying to make it modern and chic, you know how hard it can be – especially if you also want to be cozy and flattering. But somehow it’s been managed successfully in the Stella Pardo boutique. This zero-waste and sustainability focused brand specializes in luxury knitwear, with the products all handmade in Peru while incorporating French styles. You’ll always find cozy knit sweaters and crochet cardigans in this boutique, the styles ranging from homey to haute. While you’ll find pants, skirts, and blouses here as well, the focus is on sweaters and coats. Of course, you can find accessories and shoes to compliment these pieces, such as pink velvet booties or furry slippers.

Address: 15 rue de Turenne
Closest métro station(s): Chemin Vert (M8)