Les Parisettes – the best vintage boutiques in Paris

When you think of Paris fashion, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of classic, chic French women, swanning along the Seine, wrapped in trench coats and delicate silk scarves.

Maybe you think of the hallowed Paris Fashion Week, when the world’s greatest designers converge in la ville lumière and the streets are brimming with willowy figures in velvet and lace. Or you might think of Paris’ incredible haute couture history: of Coco’s ground-breaking silhouette’s, Yves’ unprecedented shapes and Christian’s luxe take on femininity.

Or perhaps, like me, you think of Paris as the most glorious repository of vintage wonders to be found just about anywhere.

There are a myriad of vintage boutiques in Paris, but some of the best ones are to be found a little off the beaten path. Come with us as we explore the finest tucked-away vintage shops, overflowing with gowns, stoles, dainty shoes and glittering jewels just waiting to be unearthed.

Les Georgettes

In the heart of the 3rd arrondissement, down a narrow, winding street off the rue Vieille du Temple, lies Les Georgettes. This little shopfront is overflowing with gorgeous vintage dresses, decadent beaded accessories and cosy knits. There’s more colour in here than your average Paris boutique, which makes it a vibrant and exciting little place to shop.

Célia Darling

There are many fabulous vintage boutiques around the French capital, but Célia Darling would have to be the best one. It is lovingly curated and stocked with only the most perfectly preserved, chic and unusual vintage fare. Célia features lots of 1950s silhouettes, cocktail LBDs and an unrivalled collection of Burberry trench coats.

Mamz’elle Swing

Mamz’elle Swing is perfectly located on the edges of the Marais. It is only a few minutes’ walk from the Seine but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Hôtel de Ville area.

With a strong 1950s and 1960s influence, the tiny shop is brimming with mod jewels, sweet scarves and full-skirted dresses that will have you feeling like Betty Draper, or perhaps more fittingly, like Catherine Deneuve in ‘Les Parapluies de Cherbourg’.

Didier Ludot

While bargains can be found in all the other shops on this list, Didier Ludot is all about haute couture luxury and investment pieces.

Think Dior dresses, Hermès scarves and quilted Chanel bags. Some items are newish casts-offs of the Parisian fashion elite, while others are veritable vintage. Either way, a visit to this little gem in the Palais Royal will have you seething with sartorial envy.

Mon Amour Vintage

Few places in Paris offer as many cool and left-of-centre shopping options as the Haut Marais. The Marais’ slightly less established neighbour boasts beloved Parisian boutiques like Thomsen and French Trotters, hallowed cafés like Breizh and La Perle, and vintage treasure troves like Mon Amour. The latter is a destination in itself, with wonderful vintage prints, knits and the odd buttery-soft, worn-in leather jacket.

What’s your favourite vintage destination in Paris? Please share in the comments below or on twitter @maviefrancaise.