This past January marked my first ever trip to Paris Deco Off, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Essentially, Deco Off serves as a yearly opportunity for designers and editors to set foot inside some of Paris’s most incredible showrooms—I enjoyed admiring the latest collections at Pierre Frey, DeGournay, Elitis, Sanderson, and more. Even though January can be a dreary month (yes, even in Paris!), the city was abuzz with excitement, and it was so energizing to soak everything in.
Deco Off was also a wonderful time to network with fellow designers from across the U.S. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with industry friends and meeting new ones at special evening brand events. All the while, I took in all of Paris’s magic and enjoyed some incredible meals.
My Thoughts on Shopping!
Of course, no trip to the City of Lights would be complete without some shopping, so I made sure to build in time to visit some of my favorite boutiques in the city and check out Paris’s gigantic weekend flea market, Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen.
Located just north of Paris, Les Puces is a sprawling venue that will easily take a day to explore. I went there for a few hours on a Sunday and enjoyed combing through all kinds of treasures. I discovered unique pieces to incorporate into future designs and found inspiration for custom furniture pieces I can make here in the U.S. for my clients, too.
If you’re looking to stay within the immediate confines of the city during your visit, there are plenty of wow-worthy design-related stores to check out in the heart of Paris. I’ve shared some of my favorite spots in this reel. Whether you’re looking for client gifts or souvenirs for yourself or just are looking to soak up some inspo before hitting the next spot on your list, you can’t go wrong setting foot inside shops like Merci, Marin Montagut, and Samaritaine Paris, to name a few.
Looking to see what else I did during my week-plus away? Check out my full Paris highlight for plenty of behind-the-scenes moments! In the meantime, make note of my top recs for where to stay, eat, drink, and more.
Where to Stay?
Of course, there are so many fantastic hotel options and other amenities in Paris, so consider this just a brief list of my personal faves.
- Airbnbs: I prefer renting an Airbnb, as it’s a great way to immerse myself in the local culture. I can roll out of bed, make myself a cup of espresso, and do laundry if my visit is longer, making it easy to enjoy all of the comforts of home away from home. Here’s the one I rented during my January visit.
- Hotel Le Grand Mazarin: This hotel has been all over Instagram for good reason! It truly lives up to the hype; I stopped by, and the decor is spectacular. I admittedly spent 10+ minutes in the bathroom taking photos, so I can only imagine how beautiful the rooms are. (The hotel also has a beautiful and delicious restaurant – Boubalé.)
- Le Meurice: This hotel has been on my bucket list! I’d love to stay in La Parisienne suite, a stunning light-filled apartment tucked into the hotel’s eaves.
Where to Shop Vintage?
No Paris trip is complete without a good vintage haul. Here are my favorite shops for vintage clothing, home decor, and more.
- ALE PARIS: This is my favorite vintage designer store in Paris! Ale curates the most beautiful collection of high-end vintage pieces, from Christian Dior and Chanel to YSL. Ooh la la!
- Hotel Drouot: This auction house is where you peruse available auction items and bid online. So yes, you can even bid at home in your pajamas!
- Kiliwatch: This shop offers menswear and womenswear alike, and while it requires a bit more digging, there are some amazing deals to be found. I found some great skirts here for just 35 euros each!
- Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen: is the largest vintage flea market in Europe. Come prepared to stay for at least one full day. You’ll find everything from furniture to artwork, lighting, small home accessories, and fashion.
Where to Shop and Gain Design Inspiration?
Design lovers, these stores are calling your name.
- Marin Montagut: Marin Montagut masterfully turns everyday items, such as lampshades, candles, etc., into unique works of art. Every piece he creates is infused with Parisian whimsy.
- Ultramod: This is the oldest haberdashery in Paris. I picked up vintage buttons and trims, and probably could’ve spent the whole day there!
- Samaritaine: This is a gorgeous department store renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco decor.
Where to Grab a Drink?
There’s no shortage of elegant bars in Paris, but these are some classic picks for grabbing a beverage solo or with a group. Just note that the wait time for Bar Hemingway can often be upwards of 30 minutes, so you will want to allocate time spent standing in the queue to your schedule!
Favorite Off the Beaten Path Things to See
Have some extra time to bop around and explore? Check off some of these locales.
- Bibliotheque Nationale: The library rotunda is stunning!
- Musée Carnavalet: This museum is dedicated to the history of Paris, dating back to prehistoric times. How cool!
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs: This museum has an incredible, well-organized collection of furniture and clothing designs from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
I hope this has been helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about Deco Off or Paris in general. I love traveling to France, so I’m always happy to share my thoughts. Bisous!
P.S. Interested in reading more about my shopping adventures? Take a peek at my recent post about Round Top, TX!
