faire du lèche-vitrines

(pronounced: fair – do – lesch -vi- trween)

shopping paris flea markets vintage department stores clothes

meaning : to go window shopping

literally : to lick the windows

I absolutely loved learning this literal meaning of window shopping and you may well find yourself tempted to lick the windows as you discover the Parisian art of display.

Whether you are seduced by elegantly clad mannequins gracing high end boutique windows, vintage stores where you can fill a bag for €1.00, hip and unique homewares stores or scouring through piles of items from a bygone era in a flea market, Paris is a shopping wonderland.  Catering to all tastes, styles and budgets, you will be bound to find something that fits you like a glove.

And then, there is the much anticipated June and January SOLDES or sales.

Try a little window shopping below.

 

Select a Category:AllCovered PassagewaysFood ShopsFlea MarketsFood MarketsShopping
  • Bastille Markets
    Bastille Markets
    The Bastille Markets are everything you could hope for in a typical Parisian Market; vibrant, colourful, delicious and intoxicating.
  • Marché aux Puces de Montreuil
    Marché aux Puces de Montreuil
    Colourful fabric, car parts, halaal food, fur coats, old books and more. Slightly on the seedy side but that keeps it interesting.
  • Marché d’Aligre
    Marché d’Aligre
    This small ancient and charming undercover, neighbourhood market which is full of friendly vendors and a sumptuous array of food also has a small flea market outside.
  • Galeries Lafayette Paris
    Galeries Lafayette Paris
    With its magnificent stained glass cupola, adorning 7 storeys of fashion and luxury goods, this is shopping seduction at its best.
  • Merci
    Merci
    Sitting at the end of a cobbled lane-way, is a tiny red car with the number plate; Merci. You have just arrived at the stylish and innovative concept store.
  • Le Passage des Princes
    Le Passage des Princes
    Amber lamps, giving off a warm, golden glow, with a beautiful glass ceiling, the entire passageway is dedicated to toys.
  • Passage Verdeau
    Passage Verdeau
    Explore antiques, rare books and vintage postcards beneath the elegant, neoclassical, glass ceiling, then continue over the road to Passage Jouffroy.
  • Passage Jouffroy
    Passage Jouffroy
    Sift through old books at the famous bookstore; Librairie Paul Vulin as you walk upon geometric black, white and grey tiles and discover the quaint Hotel Chopin.
  • Passage des Panoramas
    Passage des Panoramas
    Built in 1799 and inspired by the Oriental Souks, Passage des Panoramas is one of the oldest passageways in the world.
  • Passage du Caire
    Passage du Caire
    A unique façade, a magnificent glass ceiling, 360 metres in length, Passage du Caire is the oldest and longest Passage in Paris
  • Pain de Sucre Paris
    Pain de Sucre Paris
    If you find yourself wandering around the Marais, I encourage you to visit Pain de Sucre Paris. I doubt that you will resist leaving empty handed. This is take away food, Parisian style.
  • Passage de l’Ancre
    Passage de l’Ancre
    Who would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
  • Passage du Grand Cerf
    Passage du Grand Cerf
    Natural light drenches this elegant passageway from its 12 metre high glass ceiling with unique boutiques.
  • Passage du Prado
    Passage du Prado
    Rarely mentioned in travel guides, with not a tourist in sight, this unique passage was once in the heart of fashionable Paris.
  • Passage du Bourg l’Abbé
    Passage du Bourg l’Abbé
    Subtle and elegant pastel interior, muted by natural light from the unusual curved glass ceiling.
  • Marché aux Puces – Porte de Vanves
    Marché aux Puces – Porte de Vanves
    A friendly, vibrant place to spend a weekend morning where you will find a treasure trove of antiques and retro items.
  • La Galcante
    La Galcante
    Vintage periodicals and books fill this small quirky, off the beaten path shop in a secluded courtyard where you may find the perfect Parisian souvenir.

If you have found this information interesting or useful, please thank me by leaving a comment or following me on facebook for daily photos, tips and anecdotes.  Your feedback encourages me to keep this advertisement free site alive and up to date. Merci – Happy Shopping! (everything here is based on my own personal experiences without coercion from other parties).