A guide to some of the best shopping in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood

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When looking where to shop in Paris, you’ll never find a shortage of neighbourhoods and stores to have you itching for your wallet. However, if shopping in the 6th and 7th arr., particularly in Saint Germain, you may want to check out some of the stores below.

In addition to these specific shops and boutiques, you’ll find street after street lined with contemporary French brands along with high end designers. Affordable high street stores like H&M, GAP, and Etam can be found on Rue de Rennes, while more central, you’ll find womens’ fashion brands like Sandro, Claudie Pierlot, The Kooples, and Comptoir des Cotonniers. Designer stores are left, right and centre, including Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Dior, Jerome Dreyfus and Sonia Rykiel.

Stroll along rue Saint-Germain, rue de Rennes and rue du Bac for store after store, but don’t be afraid to tuck down side streets – you’ll undoubtedly find something there too.

Le Bon Marché

One of the famed department stores in Paris, Le Bon Marché is an ideal destination when looking for luxury fashion, beauty, and accessories – not to mention their drool-worthy grocery store with gourmet prepared food to-go. Open in the mid-19th century, it is considered the first department store in the world, referred to as a ‘grand magasin’.

Aristide Boucicaut and his wife Marguerite not only opened Le Bon Marché as a favourable destination for shoppers, but also introduced a gallery in the later half of the 19th century where artists could not only create and exhibit their work, but connect with potential customers. A hit from the beginning, the store was revived and repositioned when acquired by LVMH in the 1980’s. Guests to the store can continue to purchase anything they might need or desire, with luxury brands and high-end (and quality) products readily available, all housed in one open and elegant store.

Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres
Closest métro station(s): Sèvres-Babylone (M10 or M12), Vaneau (M10)

Officine Universelle Buly 1803

A beauty and skincare staple in France, the store in Saint Germain has been in operation since it first opened in 1803. From a fragrance and scented oils/vinegar store, to a leader in perfume and skincare – with a few decades of being all but forgotten – it’s no longer a secret “find” but rather a neighbourhood must if you’re looking to treat yourself. While you can find this brand’s products internationally, there is nothing like walking into its 18th century apothecary-style store and browsing the full collection. If the historical aesthetic and design of the store and the products’ packaging isn’t enough to entice you, then go to find your new signature scent in alcohol-free fragrance or oil.

With highly knowledgeable staff available to help you – they will explain the history of the brand, how the fragrances should be worn and where on the body, and what each scent evokes – you’ll surely find something to bring home with you. And if a fragrance isn’t what you’re looking for, try one of the skincare products. Or, opt for one of their signature scented stones – the “new” candle. In a porcelain box, you’ll find stones that ooze a particular scent, able to freshen up any room… that is until you put the lid on the box. It’s definitely a unique souvenir to bring back for your home. And if that’s still not enough to sell you on their products, perhaps the in-house calligrapher will be; you can have your products labelled in a beautiful script, saying your name or any other message of importance.

Address: 6 Rue Bonaparte
Closest métro station(s): Saint-Germain-des-Prés (M4)

Citypharma

Don’t be confused by the crowds here, this is not just any Citypharma or pharmacy in Paris, this particular store in the Saint Germain neighbourhood is a beauty lovers treat. Here you’ll find French skincare brands – and a few other brands from around the world – at a discounted rate. Wall after wall of products from brands that are revered around the world, you’ll find any and every skin and hair care product you could possibly want and almost always for much cheaper than you would at home, even with the currency conversion. If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands on some Skinceuticals, Caudalie, Filorga, or Nuxe to try, this is the place to go. You’ll also find larger than normal sizes, package deals (like 2-for-1), and products not necessarily sold in your country.

You definitely should do your homework in advance though, as boring as that may sound. Look up what products you want to try or need to replace and make a list so that in addition to browsing the tightly packed aisles for new finds and discounts, you can grab everything you’ve been longing for. Also, don’t be afraid to take advice from the staff when they pass by and ask if you need help. Most can speak English – some shockingly well – and they’re great at assessing your needs. You might not like what they have to say, but they’ll be blunt and tell you what you need, steering you to the best brands for your skin based on your budget.

Erin’s Personal Tip: As noted above, look up what products you might want from different French skincare brands and make a list of them. I also suggest making note of these items prices in your home country (if they are even available), including tax. When you realize that you really are saving money by buying it here, you’ll feel justified in stocking up and spending as much as you do. And if you spend more than €175, you can ask for that VAT refund form. Brands include, but are not limited to: Caudalie, Filorga, Nuxe, Skinceuticals, Bioderma, La Roche-Posay, Avène, Klorane, Embryolise, Neutrogena, Biafine, Vichy, Phyto+, Marvis and more.

Address: 26 Rue du Four
Closest métro station(s): Saint-Germain-des-Prés (M4)

Arty Dandy

A fun concept store tucked away in the Saint Germain, here you’ll find fashion basics paired with artful and whimsical designs. They sell a range of products, including clothing, accessories, small leather goods, fancy combs, jewellery, watches, and homeware items, like plates, mugs, vases, and candles. Prices range, and while you can find some affordable items to add to your closet, you’ll also find a range of pricier products – these tend to be from brands you’re less likely to see but in designs you’ll definitely want.

Address: 1 Rue de Furstemberg
Closest métro station(s): Saint-Germain-des-Prés (M4), Mabillon (M10)

Deyrolle

Perhaps one of the oddest shops you’ll find in Paris, let alone the Saint Germain neighbourhood, Deyrolle is a historic store of oddities and curiosities. Specializing in taxidermy and the study of insects, along with a general appreciation for natural sciences, Deyrolle is a self-proclaimed ‘cabinet of curiosities’. You’ll see a collection of all sorts of stuffed animals beside cases of insects and plants. However, while you may go there to simply view the preserved creatures, you’ll find art for sale here, including some great educational prints that are perfect for framing back home. You’ll also find random historical treasures beside modern items that seemingly have no place there – but it’s a shop of oddities and you’ll never not be amazing at what can be found in this centuries old store. Warning: If you don’t like seeing stuffed dead animals, perhaps skip this one or simply pass by to say you saw it.

Address: 46 Rue du Bac
Closest métro station(s): Rue du Bac (M12)

Alexandra Sojfer

If looking for something lavish to bring home with you – something unique and a tad over the top – treat yourself to a work of art, that is in all actuality an umbrella, from Alexandra Sojfer. You’ll surely earn a look of appreciation, if not curiosity, no matter where you are with one of these umbrellas. Using high quality woods and animal skins, these umbrellas are made of the highest quality materials and decorated to match. This is a store for your inner dandy, because who else needs a brocade umbrella, let alone one embedded with Swarovski crystals and snakeskin. You can also buy parasols and walking sticks here. It’s all custom orders here, and they start at over €100.