Paris
This elegant épicerie fine (specialist grocer) stocks a scrumptious array of gourmet goods to take away; it adjoins a striking art nouveau dining room…
Must-see shopping in France
St-Germain & Les Invalides
Opposite the residence of the French Senate’s president, this delightful little shop sells its namesake dolls' houses as well as poupées anciennes …
Nice
Down in the heart of Nice's antiques district, this amazing shop specialises in vintage musical instruments of every description, from hunting horns to…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Craft beer from all over the world, Paris included, is the speciality of this bottle-filled shop, which stocks over 600 varieties in all. Look for the…
Golfe du Morbihan
If you've got children with you then there's no way you'll get past colourful Bilboquet – a classic old-fashioned toy shop – without buying a train, a…
St-Jean de Luz
Dating back to 1884, St-Jean de Luz' grand market offers a delight for the senses, with its vendors selling fresh fruits, cheeses, cured meats, breads,…
Languedoc-Roussillon
Millau's covered market brims with stalls selling fresh fruit and veggies, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, wines, flowers, honey, chestnuts and other…
Paris
Paris' historic flower market, the Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II, transforms into this cacophonous bird market on Sundays.
Lyon
One of Lyon's two main outdoor food markets, Marché St-Antoine is a great venue to stock up on gourmet items, including cheese and charcuterie. It has…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Beautiful fabrics, buttons and threads are stocked at this boutique, along with homewares (light fittings, curtains, cushions and more) and children's…
Lille
Fromagerie Philippe Olivier is an excellent source of perfectly aged cheeses. Regional Hauts-de-France cheeses include Crémet du Cap Blanc Nez, Rollot and…
St-Tropez
Hand-crafting sandals (from €240) since 1933 for such clients as Picasso and Brigitte Bardot. There’s another branch nearby.
Paris
Not the most stylish fromagerie in town, but it always has great deals out the front, where you can pick up a preselected assortment of cheese for under …
St-Tropez
Colette brought a pair of sandals from Greece to Atelier Rondini (open since 1927) to be replicated. It’s still making the iconic sandals today (from…
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Picnic supplies galore are on offer at this friendly grocer's on the village square. There's a great cheese selection, as well as homemade charcuterie and…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
A traditional open-air market on Tuesday and Friday, Marché Raspail is especially popular on Sunday, when it’s filled with biologique (organic) produce.
Côte d'Or
This agency works with vineyards throughout Burgundy to facilitate fully insured, door-to-door shipments of wine to the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand…
Yonne
An interesting spot is Diane Calvert’s illuminated painting studio where she grinds her own pigments from semi-precious stones and uses parchment and…
Nancy
Shop like royalty (or window-shop like mere mortals) for exquisite crystal and jewellery here, where the simplest ring – impossibly delicate – goes for …
Toulouse
France's first organic market has been going strong for 30 years. Arrive early to fondle fresh veggies and stock up on organic beer, wine, cheese, honey…
Paris
Stringed marionettes made of papier mâché, leather and porcelain bob from the ceiling of this endearing little shop. It also sells wind-up toys and music…
Paris
One of Paris’ oldest fashion houses, established by milliner-turned-designer for women's and children's clothing Jeanne Lanvin at the turn of the 20th…
Var
The cooperative of Bandol vignerons, from the 16 sq km of the renowned Bandol appellation, showcase their wares in this boutique and information centre.
Lille
Studio-boutiques feature works by emerging fashion, jewellery and accessory designers. There's another location in Lille.
Côte d'Or
This polished wine shop in the charming village of Aloxe-Corton represents several makers of the excellent Aloxe-Corton appellation (terrific reds and…
Bordeaux
Browse this attractive artisan-glass workshop and boutique for uniquely crafted mirrors, jewellery and objets deco (decorative objects) for the home.
The Dordogne
This fab caviste (wine merchant) has bottles stacked everywhere, hitting all price points from €5 to €300. Sample the wares at the in-store bar.
Latin Quarter
Shop for fruit and veg (some organic), cheese, bread and so on at this welcoming, village-like food market that spills across place Maubert thrice weekly.
Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie
Strasbourg
Bakes scrumptious Alsatian gingerbread, macarons, raisin-stuffed kougelhopf and sablés (butter cookies) flavoured with nuts and spices.
Colmar
Edible art describes this chocolatier’s seasonally inspired truffles, pralines and nougat. Novelties include mini cupcakes and conker-shaped chocolates.
Latin Quarter
A mouthwatering range of chocolates by several maîtres chocolatiers (master chocolate-makers) are laid out like jewels at this chocolate shop.
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
For quirky necklaces, earrings and brooches with designs such as frogs, ladybirds and exquisite mini Eiffel Towers, head to this divine little boutique.
Marseille
An adopted Marseillaise, Virginie Monroe creates delicate, affordable necklaces, earrings, brooches and bracelets from bronze, gems, enamel and glass.
Latin Quarter
One of Paris' largest bookshops sells titles in English, has stacks of browsing space, and stocks an exceptional range of maps, guides and travel lit.
Montmartre & Northern Paris
Flip through colour-coded racks of luxury cast-offs (Isabelle Marant, Chanel, Zadig & Voltaire, Riquel et al) at this vintage clothing boutique.
Lyon
All the staples of French cuisine can be found in this lively street market: cheese, wine, charcuterie and pastries. A real favourite with Lyonnais.
St-Tropez
Outlet for St-Tropez hand-crafted sandals (from €240). K Jacques has been around since 1933, serving such clients as Picasso and Brigitte Bardot.
Galeries Lafayette Fashion Show
Paris
Reserve ahead to take in a 30-minute fashion show on the 4th floor of department store Galeries Lafayette.
Paris
With its dramatic window displays of spectacularly sculpted chocolates, this is one of the most stunning boutiques of chocolatier Patrick Roger.
Bordeaux
The men’s department of department store Galeries Lafeyette sells all the big fashion brands for men.
