How to Shop Paris Like a Pro

Paris is a dreamscape for interior designers. A city where history, craftsmanship, and taste converge on every corner. For those seeking to infuse their projects with a sense of soul and sophistication, Parisian sourcing offers a truly unique experience. The city's small antique markets and storied boutiques offer treasures ranging from 18th-century chandeliers to handwoven textiles, all imbued with the patina of time. Whether you're styling a quiet pied-à-terre or a statement-making salon, or just want to bring a little magic back home to the US, Paris provides pieces that are equal parts timeless and expressive.

Almost everyone who wants to shop Paris has heard of the major “brocante” - flea market – the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is a gigantic market that can take days to properly sift through. One of the more enchanting ways to source in Paris is by wandering the smaller, lesser-known antique markets, quieter gems like the Marché d'Aligre or the Village Saint-Paul in the Marais. On the southern side is Puce de Vaneves via Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue Georges Lafenestre. These markets feel like curated treasure hunts—offering vintage ceramics, French linen, gilt mirrors and delicate glassware that can bring layers of character to a space. Many vendors are eager to share the stories behind their pieces, making each find feel more personal and connected to place. Show up early and stay a while, vendors come and go throughout the day with new treasures arriving by the moment.

For more contemporary design inspiration, head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where many of Paris’s best design resources are tucked into charming, walkable streets. Here, legendary textile houses like Pierre Frey and Christian Liagre sit alongside emerging artisan studios, offering everything from custom upholstery fabrics and wallpapers to lighting, ceramics, and furniture. More prosaically, the tile and hardware shops of Paris are a feast. Carrelage des Suds on Boulevard St Germain showcases Moroccan zellige tiles and limestone from the south of France. Across the street, La Quincaillerie offers cabinet pulls and door hardware as well as bathroom fixtures and accessories. While plumbing fixtures aren’t necessarily recommended for bringing back to the US, due to differences in code standards and fitting sizes, hardware and accessories certainly can bring that touch of Paris back home!

If you’re limited on space or budget, one of the most satisfying home goods to bring back from Paris is textiles for the bed or objects for the table top, and one of the easiest places to source lovely goods is any of the department stores. BVH Marais is a one stop wonder, with hardware and home goods in the basement – seek out ligne de lit for bedding and bring the dreams home! Paris is a feast for the senses—and a goldmine for those who value craftsmanship and elegant restraint. Sourcing in Paris is more than shopping—it's immersing yourself in a city where artistry and everyday life intertwine effortlessly.

 Paris Flea Markets

Marché d'Aligre - Place d'Aligre 75012, Paris

Puce de Vaneves

Saturday and Sunday, 7AM – 130PM

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

53 Rue Jules Vallès, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

Shops

BVH Marais

Deyrolle

 La Quincaillerie

Carrelage des Suds