As promised, here is a list of top consignment shops in Paris. Paris, as you know, is one of the world’s capitals of fashion, the home of Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton. But for those of you who are looking for French elegance without the Parisian price tag, I give you the following.
I have personally been to the shops that I list here, and they are definitely worth a visit. I’ve written a little comment beside each with their contact info. Enjoy!
1. Reciproque, rue de la Pompe, 16ème. Open Tuesday* through Friday 11-7 and
Saturdays 10:30-7.
As Paris’ largest collection of consignment shops for all categories of fashion, Reciproque is a must-see stop for all serious consignment shoppers. Begun 30 years ago by Nicole Morel, the six boutiques carry all second-hand high fashion from shoes, jewels and bags to Haut Couture, daily wear, scarves and accessories. In fact, each of the shops, which are sprinkled on rue de la Pompe in the 16ème near la Muette, is dedicated to a particular category of item.
I mark this shop first not because it is my favorite, I find it a bit big and impersonal, but because it has so much stock and the best selection. For more info in English, click here.
*Note for your planning: Most small stores, not chains, are open on Saturdays in France and closed on Mondays. Monday is not a shopping day in France. Also note that most museums are closed on Tuesdays.
2. Le Misentroc, 63 rue Notre-Dame des Champs, 6ème. Open Tuesday to Friday 10:30-7 closed for lunch hour 12-2.
I found this shop by accident. It was kitty-corner to the foyer I lived in when I first came to France years ago. When my mom came to visit in March that year, we went exploring the area and found this little treasure. Packed tightly into every nook and cranny of the quaint shop are bargains. You can walk out of Misentroc with a great pair of designer jeans for 60€ or several base essentials for a total of 200€.
3. & 4. In the heart of Saint-Germain des Près are my two big secrets, my all time favorite consignment shops in Paris and the ones no one seems to know about.
Opening times for these next few shops vary a bit as they are smaller, more intimate places. Your best bet is from 11-6 and avoid the lunch hour 12-2 just to be safe.
Les Trois Marchés, 1 rue Guisarde, 6ème
Catherine B, 1 bis rue Guisarde, 6ème (next door)
Located just beside the Marché Saint Germain off rue Mabillon, Les Trois Marchés and Catherine B are run by fabulous ladies wearing Chanel suits with perfectly coiffed hair and big pearl earrings. They offer a seasonal selection of designer suits, dresses, formal wear and accessories that will blow you away. But so will their prices. You can get a Chanel suit for 1,000€ rather than 5,000€ new, but it’s still a hefty price tag. Their clientele are the wealthy Parisian ladies of the area who wear a new outfit for a season (sometimes the clothes still have the tags on them!) and then bring them in to sell. The clothes here are practically brand new and the prices reflect both the labels and impeccable condition. If you’ve always wanted an original Chanel suit, mark these shops down on your list! They also have a great selection of handbags and accessories.
This is a wonderful area in which to shop around as well. Neighboring rue Four and rue Saint-Germain both have a great deal of shops and cafés for a fabulously French afternoon.
5. Dress Code, 62 Avenue Théophile Gautier, 16ème
In my neighborhood, if you happen to be exploring the Village of Auteuil, this shop is worth a peek. It is a small space, again cramped, but the finds can be exceptional. They specialize in mid-range high fashion, if that is even a pre-defined category: Prada, Sonia Rykiel, Tara Jarmon, Vicomte Author, Zadig & Voltaire and Gerald Darel, among many others. They have a great selection of designer bags.
Happy shopping!
Hi there, I’ve been following your blog for a bit now and I really want to say that it’s beautifully written and I love to learn about Paris a little more each time you post. Thanks for the tips I’ll definitly take a look at these shops next time I’ll be in Paris. Also I love the videos you’re uploading, great quality ! Cheers from New York.
Thanks very much! I’m glad you enjoy it. Let me know if you have any ideas for other things about Paris or France you’d like me to investigate. Take care.
Hi there !
i am so happy you like my shop …
Warm regard
Catherine B*
Your shop is one of my absolute favorites in Paris! See you again soon!
Thanks for sharing this list! I love thrift stores and consignment shops!
Do you think your new family might adopt me? LOL
Hi there! This is a wonderful blog and I’m headed to Paris next week and can’t wait. I’m actually a high-end consignment boutique owner and would love to visit these places. Any chance you know if any of these shops’ owners speak English? Would love to discuss their businesses but my French is not fluent.
Hi there, thank you! In fact, the owners of these places speak English well enough to bargain with you and give you details. And the owner of Catherine B speaks fluently. Hope you have a great time!! The weather is a little rainy at the moment, so here’s to the sun poking its head out from behind these grey clouds for your holiday! Take care.
Thanks! Your blog is fantastic. I’ve had the best time poring over the different topics. Thank you for doing what you do.
Hi, I’m headed to Paris in 11 days. Thank you for this list. I was told that Paris consignment shops are much more expensive than in the states. Can you tell me what to expect? Thank you again for a great list.
Hi – I’m heading to Paris Nov 9. for a couple days. I am really looking for designer handbags. what would you recommend as the top few places. I only have friday and saturday to look. Thanks!
So fun! I hope you have a wonderful time over here! I’d say the very best place to look for real designer bags is Reciproque on rue de la Pompe in the 16th. Near metro Rue de la Pompe, line 9 (left on the map). They have many stores on this street all with the same red signs, and one of their stores (the furthest down the street) is just bags. They have every style, every name. I think you’ll have the best luck there. If you are looking to buy first-hand, then I’d suggest les Galleries at 40, Bd Haussmann between Opera and Madeleine. This is the Paris equivalent to Saks 5th Ave, all the big names are there on the first floor. Hope that helps! Enjoy your Parisian séjour!!
Thank you so much for this site. i will be in Paris next month for 19 days and my sister has made me promise to bring her home a Chanel bag. This way I can please her AND my wallet. Are there certain areas I should avoid? I also heard pick pockets are extremely bad. What do you suggest?