faire du lèche-vitrines
(pronounced: fair – do – lesch -vi- trween)
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.
- Bastille MarketsThe Bastille Markets are everything you could hope for in a typical Parisian Market; vibrant, colourful, delicious and intoxicating.
- Marché aux Puces de MontreuilColourful fabric, car parts, halaal food, fur coats, old books and more. Slightly on the seedy side but that keeps it interesting.
- Marché d’AligreThis 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 ParisWith its magnificent stained glass cupola, adorning 7 storeys of fashion and luxury goods, this is shopping seduction at its best.
- MerciSitting 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 PrincesAmber lamps, giving off a warm, golden glow, with a beautiful glass ceiling, the entire passageway is dedicated to toys.
- Passage VerdeauExplore antiques, rare books and vintage postcards beneath the elegant, neoclassical, glass ceiling, then continue over the road to Passage Jouffroy.
- Passage JouffroySift 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 PanoramasBuilt in 1799 and inspired by the Oriental Souks, Passage des Panoramas is one of the oldest passageways in the world.
- Passage du CaireA unique façade, a magnificent glass ceiling, 360 metres in length, Passage du Caire is the oldest and longest Passage in Paris
- Pain de Sucre ParisIf 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’AncreWho 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 CerfNatural light drenches this elegant passageway from its 12 metre high glass ceiling with unique boutiques.
- Passage du PradoRarely 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’AbbéSubtle and elegant pastel interior, muted by natural light from the unusual curved glass ceiling.
- Marché aux Puces – Porte de VanvesA friendly, vibrant place to spend a weekend morning where you will find a treasure trove of antiques and retro items.
- La GalcanteVintage periodicals and books fill this small quirky, off the beaten path shop in a secluded courtyard where you may find the perfect Parisian souvenir.