Paris is in a continual state of renewal, with new shops, new bars and clubs, new restaurants opening every month. Here is a small selection of some of the latest specialist stores to appear in the city of lights that you can enjoy this spring.
Ernest Stilettos Heels
There is something just a little decadent about stiletto heels and Paris that go together well. Earnest, the maker of the legendary 14 cm Elysée stilettos, has been struggling over recent years, though once it was a major brand of stilettos of all heights and styles and has been supplying their range of French and Italian manufactured footwear since 1904. It has now been bought by Isabelle Bordji who is re-launching it in Paris though the outlet at 75 Boulevard de Clichy where she is specialising in knee and thigh high boots with heels of anything from 10 to 14 cm.
Broken Arm Concept Store
Although there are many concept stores in Paris, one with a fresh look has opened on rue Perrée in northern Marais. Named the Broken Arm, it is located inside a hundred year old building by the covered market known at the Carreaux du Temple, and it includes a café that specialises in patisserie and specialist coffees. It also sells books and women and men’s fashion. Its minimalist style and abundances of flowers and plants are distinctly Scandinavian; certainly worth a visit.
Terroirs d’Avenir
Terroirs d’Avenir has been known for several years as a supplier of fine and specialist foods to Paris restaurants, specialising in sourcing from small food producers across Europe. Now it has opened three adjacent outlets for the general public on rue du Nil in the 2nd arrondissement. Food is available from no fewer than 60 producers and includes fish, charcuterie, poultry, meat, cheese, herbs and vegetables.
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
In rue de la Roquette in the very heart of Paris a new chocolate store has been opened by the well known chef Alain Ducasse and his partner Nicolas Berger. This is much more than a usual run of the mill chocolate store though; the cocoa beans are specially sourced and roasted, and each chocolate bar is made by hand. The chocolate is strong and almost sugar free, and is available with many different fillings and flavours. If you love chocolate, then don’t miss the opportunity of paying this unique chocolate store a visit.
It seems that Paris gets closer to London each year, and now you can just hop on a London to Paris bus at midnight and alight in the heart of Paris next morning. Today coach travel to Paris is cheap, comfortable and efficient; a great start to your spring shopping break.