Le Marais: the Hidden Gem of Paris Shopping

Didn't get into the Chanel show?

Join the club.

Fashion week centers around well-known fashion houses, with reporters rushing to cover the shows of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and the like. But, unless you know someone, and someone knows you, getting into a show is not going to happen. However, this doesn't leave the average fashion enthusiast crying at home while watching the shows from a small laptop screen, as there is a great way to indulge in all things sartorial without a personal invitation. 

Le Marais is a trendy neighborhood that is home to lesser-known designers and concept stores with aesthetics that are as noteworthy as any fashion show. Hip street-style can be found everywhere you turn and chic showrooms pop-up everywhere. What makes Le Marais even better? It doesn't have to be fashion week to indulge in all the neighborhood has to offer.

To make things easier to navigate, here is a list of top fashion spots to hit: 

Merci

Don't be fooled, the Café on the corner is just one part of this two-story concept store. Head down the alley-way on the left of the Café and check out the beautiful layout and design. The top floor specializes in homeware, while the first floor showcases a great selection of clothes. Items are pricey, but it's a perfect place to go for inspiration. 

Location: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris 75003
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10h-19h

Etudés Studio

Like street-style? No doubt you will find it tucked away in this small space, from the shoppers standing outside to the collection of clothes inside. Established in 2012, this concept store is based between Paris and New York City and embodies the spirit of fashion week. The brand "represents a global experience of visual culture," and emphasizes "experimentation and collaboration". The store is located off of a small street so keep your eyes out, you won't want to miss this one. 

Location: 14 rue Debelleyme, Paris 75003
Hours: Monday: 14h-19h30, Tuesday-Saturday: 11h-20h

The Broken Arm

The Broken Arm is a Café that doubles as a clothing store stocked with cool brands like Vetements and Loewe. Coffee and clothes, need I say more? 

Location: 12 rue Perrée, Paris 75003
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9h-19h

Leather Crown

Looking for shoes? The Leather Crown is an Italian brand that hand makes their shoes using genuine leather. "From the cutting, to the edging, to the assembly, right up to the finishing touches everything is strictly "hand made," and everything is controlled with an obsessive attention to detail to ensure a high level of quality and comfort". Leather Crown clearly cares about its craft, higher prices are worth the craftsmanship.

Location: 18 rue Commines, Paris 75003

American Vintage

Talk about style inspiration! If you want to remember sartorial seasons past, go here. This vintage shop specializes in luxury items, from names as big as Chanel. It is pricey, but definitely worth visiting just to look at the impressive selection. Also, buying vintage items is sustainable!

Location: 10 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Paris 75003
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10h30-19h30

If you like wandering around, Le Marais is also home to pop-ups and showrooms throughout fashion week; check out streets like Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth to see for yourself. 

Fashion week might be over, but for a healthy dose of style any time of the year, head to Le Marais.