Alternative Paris: Non-Touristy Shopping in Paris
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For a genuine Parisian shopping experience, skip the touristy spots and hunt for hidden gems that locals love.
Non-Touristy Shopping in Paris: (Jump To)
This post is part of our Alternative Paris Series, your go-to source for discovering off-the-beaten-path Parisian experiences.
Each of these stores offers something different, giving visitors a unique shopping experience, far removed from the usual tourist fare. Whether you're looking for fashion, art, or just something quirky, Paris's non-touristy shops are waiting to be explored.
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Deyrolle
Skip the usual tourist shops and step into Deyrolle for a truly unique thing to do in Paris—taxidermy, entomology charts, and natural-history decor that make unforgettable, non-touristy souvenirs from Paris. This 7th-arrondissement icon is a non-touristy place in Paris where you can browse one-of-a-kind educational prints and beautifully curated curiosities.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Established in 1831, Deyrolle in the 7th arrondissement is an eccentric shop specializing in taxidermy and natural history curiosities. Its walls are lined with exotic animals, insects, and a vast range of educational charts. This storied establishment offers a blend of science, art, and wonder.
Astier de Villatte
For non-touristy shopping in Paris, Astier de Villatte’s handcrafted ceramics, candles, and notebooks feel personal and timeless. It’s a unique thing to do in Paris if you love design-forward housewares and artisanal pieces you’ll actually use at home.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Located on Rue Saint-Honoré, this shop specializes in handcrafted ceramics, unique housewares, and eccentric printed materials. Each item in the store reflects traditional French craftsmanship, and their notebooks and candles are particularly sought after. Stepping into Astier de Villatte is like entering a Parisian antique haven.
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L'Objet Qui Parle
Hunt vintage art, glassware, and conversation-starting decor at L’Objet Qui Parle—perfect for travelers seeking non-touristy places in Paris. You’ll leave with character-filled finds instead of mass-produced souvenirs.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
In the 18th arrondissement, this shop is full of amazing vintage finds. From old paintings to antique vases and quirky trinkets, the inventory is a testament to a bygone era. L'Objet Qui Parle is perfect for those who love to discover unexpected curios.
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Papier Tigre
Stationery fans, add Papier Tigre to your list of unique things to do in Paris for colorful notebooks, planners, and smart desktop tools. It’s polished, practical, and ideal for non-touristy shopping in Paris that still packs easily in a carry-on.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
A modern paper and stationery shop in the 3rd arrondissement, Papier Tigre elevates everyday items to works of art. Their products, including notebooks, planners, and unique writing tools, are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A haven for lovers of design and organization.
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Les Bouquinistes des Quais
Browsing the riverside bookstalls is a classic, non-touristy thing to do in Paris and a great spot for non-touristy souvenirs from Paris like vintage posters and postcards. Take your time flipping through prints and paper treasures with postcard-perfect Seine views.
Map: Google Maps
Along the Seine, there are green stalls operated by booksellers offering vintage books, posters, and old postcards. These open-air bookshops have been part of Parisian culture for centuries. They're an opportunity to discover rare finds and enjoy literature by the riverside.
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Tombées du Camion
For quirky, tiny treasures with big personality, Tombées du Camion delivers—buttons, labels, and oddities you won’t see anywhere else. It’s a fun, unique thing to do in Paris when you want inexpensive, non-touristy souvenirs with a story.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Located in Montmartre, this shop sells small objects and trinkets that never found their way to the intended recipient – thus, the name, which translates to "fell off the truck." It’s filled with unique vintage items from toys to jewelry. A delightful place to unearth peculiar keepsakes.
À La Mère de Famille
Paris’s oldest chocolate shop is an easy win for non-touristy souvenirs from Paris—boxed pralines, orangettes, and seasonal sweets that travel well. Skip the kitsch and bring back edible gifts people actually want.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Established in 1761, this is Paris' oldest chocolate shop. While renowned for its chocolates, the store also offers an array of candies and confections. A visit here is a nostalgic journey into Paris's sweet past. The original shop in Montmartre is linked above, but other locations have popped up throughout the city.
La Chambre aux Confitures
Jams are a smart, space-saving pick for non-touristy shopping in Paris, and this boutique nails it with classic and clever flavors. It’s a flavorful, unique thing to do in Paris for breakfast lovers and gift-givers.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Dedicated to jams, this boutique offers an array of flavors, from classic to unconventional. Each jam is crafted with care, making breakfast a gourmet experience. Located in the Marais, it's a great place to shop to experience the French love for preserves.
BHV Le Marais L'Homme
If you’re after men’s fashion and grooming in one place, BHV Le Marais L’Homme is a practical stop for non-touristy shopping in Paris. Browse well-edited brands, accessories, and travel-ready essentials without the chaos of the big-name flagships.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
While BHV is a known department store, its L'Homme section in the Marais is a curated haven for men's fashion and lifestyle. Spanning several floors, it provides a diverse selection of brands and products, from grooming to gadgets. A stylish stop for the modern gentleman.
La Trésorerie
This homeware store near Canal Saint-Martin focuses on durable, well-made basics—exactly what non-touristy shopping in Paris should be. From kitchen tools to textiles, it’s a unique thing to do in Paris for people who care about materials and design.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Located near Canal Saint-Martin, La Trésorerie is a homeware store emphasizing sustainability and craftsmanship. The products, ranging from kitchenware to textiles, are sourced from artisans who value quality. Its calm, organized space encourages mindful shopping.
E. Dehillerin
Cooks and foodies, make E. Dehillerin your non-touristy place in Paris for professional-grade copper, knives, and pastry gear. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s a unique thing to do in Paris that connects you to the city’s culinary backbone.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Operating since 1820, this kitchenware store in Les Halles has catered to professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts alike. Its shelves are stacked with specialty tools and equipment, some of which are hard to find elsewhere. A paradise for those passionate about culinary arts.
Le Rocketship
Part concept store, part gift shop, Le Rocketship mixes art prints, stationery, and home goods with a playful edge. It’s ideal for non-touristy shopping in Paris when you want well-designed items that feel fresh, not fussy.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
A concept store in the 10th arrondissement, Le Rocketship blends art, design, and everyday objects. Each item, from home decor to stationery, is chosen for its unique design and functionality. It’s a place where art meets utility.
L'Officine Universelle Buly
Old-world packaging meets modern self-care at Buly, a refined stop for non-touristy souvenirs from Paris. Personalized labels and giftable fragrances make it a unique thing to do in Paris for beauty fans.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
This 19th-century inspired beauty boutique in Saint-Germain offers perfumes, oils, and creams with traditional formulations. The interiors, adorned with marble and wood, exude old-world charm. Apart from products, they also offer calligraphy services to personalize items.
Klin d'Œil
Support emerging designers at Klin d’Œil, a creative boutique for jewelry, textiles, and small art pieces. It’s a non-touristy shopping pick in Paris that rewards curiosity and keeps your suitcase light.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
In the 11th arrondissement, this boutique is a fusion of fashion, art, and jewelry. Run by two sisters, it champions emerging designers and artisans. The store also hosts workshops and exhibitions, making it a hub for creative minds.
Mamie Blue
Upgrade your vintage hunt at Mamie Blue, where quality fabrics and well-kept classics beat thrift-store luck. This is a unique thing to do in Paris for fashion lovers who prefer timeless to trendy.
Map: Google Maps
Located in the Marais, Mamie Blue is a vintage paradise. It specializes in high-end vintage fashion and accessories. Every piece in the store is carefully chosen, offering a unique journey through fashion's past epochs.
Le Cabinet de Porcelaine
For elegant, display-worthy ceramics, Le Cabinet de Porcelaine is a calm, curated pause from tourist crowds. It’s non-touristy shopping in Paris at its most refined—ideal for gifts and heirloom-level keepsakes.
Map: Google Maps
Link: Website
Located in the 7th arrondissement, this shop is dedicated to porcelain. From decorative pieces to tableware, each item celebrates the art of ceramics. It's a serene spot to discover the elegance of this age-old craft.
