I love La Boulangerie in Montmartre -- it's not a Boulangerie (it's in an former bakery, maybe that's why they picked the name...makes it hard to find them though...)
It's an artisans' collective shop where all items (housewares, jewelry, fashion, bags etc etc ) are made in Paris and the shop is manned by a rotating cast of the artisans themselves as part of how they run their little Indy shop work. It's one of my preferred spots for spending too much money.
I love buying bread and pastries at the Boulangerie St. Antoine, on rue St. Antoine. The clerks are friendly, the baker is often right there pulling bread out of the oven. And he’s always willing to chat with this frequent visitor to Paris.
My favorite shop in Paris is the fromagier Laurent Dubois at the Maubert metro stop on Blvd St. Germain. I couldn’t possibly go to Paris without a couple of visits to this completely tempting shop where M. Dubois creates such fantasies as Camembert stuffed with Calvados-soaked apples.
Thank you for sharing Sonja's inspiring story. It reminded me of my own magical summer wanderings through Paris, where every street seemed to hold a treasure, far removed from the uniformity of high street chain stores. One of these treasures was Papier Tigre, a stationery paradise nestled in the vibrant Marais.
The moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by shelves of sleek notebooks, their bold, playful patterns practically humming with creative energy. I couldn’t resist gathering an armful of ‘carnets’, their pages adorned with the wonderfully French squared grids that seem to nudge creativity awake, as if each line and square were an invitation to imagine, to sketch, to dream.
Jan I'm delighted to advise that you have WON the limited edition 2025 Sonja Bajic calendar!!! woohoo! Congratulations! I've sent you a DM, do check that out!
Thank you for introducing us to Sonja's beautiful work, and her story. One of my favourite shops in Paris is Shakespeare and Company because I'm a bibliophile and the shop is wonderfully quirky. As a bonus, it's across from Notre Dame cathédrale. Merci beaucoup.
oh my.... Sonja's prints are glorious. I love the cheeses, the baguettes, and more! My favorite spot is Mariage Freres, Paris. Although it is not exactly a small shop, it is magical--and the sights, sounds, and smells make up a full sensory experience. I am transported.
Bonjour! Merci for the inspiration and chunk of joy! I also feel that Paris is a mosaic - in its present state and also in an historic sense. My favorite independent shop is E. Dehillerin - OK less a "shop" than an institution, but I did not know that when stumbled on it par hasard - oh la la! Happy Holidays!
I didn't know Sonja and her work, so thanks for the discovery! I loved reading about her creative process and what inspires her. I haven't been to Paris for a while, so I can't name a specific shop but I always loved entering random very small shops whose window displays or front facade attracted me for some reason.
I love La Boulangerie in Montmartre -- it's not a Boulangerie (it's in an former bakery, maybe that's why they picked the name...makes it hard to find them though...)
It's an artisans' collective shop where all items (housewares, jewelry, fashion, bags etc etc ) are made in Paris and the shop is manned by a rotating cast of the artisans themselves as part of how they run their little Indy shop work. It's one of my preferred spots for spending too much money.
30 Rue des Trois Frères in the 18th
I love this @KAT WALKER, Editor-in-Mischief - Thenk you! - Perhaps we should publish a little story about them?
Judy
also je me kiffe sonja's maps -- been dreaming about a mural in the fantasy versions of my (dear departed) shop for years.
***ANNOUNCEMENT***
I'm delighted to advise that Jan Maddock has WON the limited edition 2025 Sonja Bajic calendar!!! woohoo! Congratulations to Jan!
Thank you to all entrants, both Sonja and I enjoyed hearing about your favourite tiny places in Paris that bring you JOY!!
Remember that these special calendars are for sale and would be a perfect festive season gift for family or friends. Here is the link: https://sonjabajicstudio.com/products/2025-limited-edition-wall-calendar-simple-joys-of-everyday-life
All the best from Sonja Bajic and myself
Judy
I love buying bread and pastries at the Boulangerie St. Antoine, on rue St. Antoine. The clerks are friendly, the baker is often right there pulling bread out of the oven. And he’s always willing to chat with this frequent visitor to Paris.
Thanks for sharing Sonja’s words and work!
I love the idea of a chance to chat with the baker Rachel!
Thanks, Judy
My favorite shop in Paris is the fromagier Laurent Dubois at the Maubert metro stop on Blvd St. Germain. I couldn’t possibly go to Paris without a couple of visits to this completely tempting shop where M. Dubois creates such fantasies as Camembert stuffed with Calvados-soaked apples.
Oh yes, I love his shop too! the aroma, the displays, and of course the advice :) thanks for the reminder June!
Judy
Thank you for sharing Sonja's inspiring story. It reminded me of my own magical summer wanderings through Paris, where every street seemed to hold a treasure, far removed from the uniformity of high street chain stores. One of these treasures was Papier Tigre, a stationery paradise nestled in the vibrant Marais.
The moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by shelves of sleek notebooks, their bold, playful patterns practically humming with creative energy. I couldn’t resist gathering an armful of ‘carnets’, their pages adorned with the wonderfully French squared grids that seem to nudge creativity awake, as if each line and square were an invitation to imagine, to sketch, to dream.
Jan I'm delighted to advise that you have WON the limited edition 2025 Sonja Bajic calendar!!! woohoo! Congratulations! I've sent you a DM, do check that out!
All the best from Sonja Bajic and myself
Judy
Thank you for introducing us to Sonja's beautiful work, and her story. One of my favourite shops in Paris is Shakespeare and Company because I'm a bibliophile and the shop is wonderfully quirky. As a bonus, it's across from Notre Dame cathédrale. Merci beaucoup.
oh my.... Sonja's prints are glorious. I love the cheeses, the baguettes, and more! My favorite spot is Mariage Freres, Paris. Although it is not exactly a small shop, it is magical--and the sights, sounds, and smells make up a full sensory experience. I am transported.
Bonjour! Merci for the inspiration and chunk of joy! I also feel that Paris is a mosaic - in its present state and also in an historic sense. My favorite independent shop is E. Dehillerin - OK less a "shop" than an institution, but I did not know that when stumbled on it par hasard - oh la la! Happy Holidays!
Love that photo of you Judy in the mirror in the wine bar - and of course Sonja’s drawings - especially the cheeses.
At Christmas, I love the window displays and lights in Galleries Lafayette- which I know isn’t a small, independent Parisien shop.
Thank you. Very kind :)
Yes I love them too.
Jx
I didn't know Sonja and her work, so thanks for the discovery! I loved reading about her creative process and what inspires her. I haven't been to Paris for a while, so I can't name a specific shop but I always loved entering random very small shops whose window displays or front facade attracted me for some reason.
Yes that’s what many of us feel is so attractive about Paris. Thank you for commenting