A Comprehensive Guide to Vintage Shopping in Paris
“Treasured vintage finds all across the city.”
In Parisian folklore, a good vintage store is like a good boulangerie: locals tend to keep their favorites secret, so they don’t become flooded with tourists and lose all authenticity. While some may find it unfair, how else would the alluring figure of the stylish Parisian be preserved?
Luckily, some of those very Parisians agreed to spill the beans on where their most frequented luxury boutiques and flea markets are located. While the Marais and République areas—located on the trendy Right Bank—are brimming with second-hand spots, it can prove challenging to find a vintage shopping destination that strikes the perfect balance between range, quality, and value. From confidential boutiques to open-air markets, whether you are on the hunt for second-hand Tabis or beaten-up Doc Martens, we rounded up the best-rated vintage stores in Paris, recommended by the women of passerby. Read on (and save this map) for selections by Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin, the women behind leather accessories brand Fane; Emma Songeon, owner of vintage boutique Em Archives; stylist Bambou Roger-Kwong; and Zoë Zissovici, founder of Italian vintage store Maj Kiosk; and more.
Vintage Clothing
recommended by Laurie-Anne Braun, Margot Baudequin, clémenece polès, and Emma Songeon
Tucked in a quiet street of the Marais, don’t be fooled by this boutique’s overly simple name. “It has a very good selection mixing French designers, such as Hermès or Alaïa, and very edgy pieces from Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto and Margiela,” say Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin. Emma Songeon adds that “Every piece in this store is a beautiful, rare, high-end find. If you have a large budget, this is the best-curated vintage store for you.”
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
Recommended by Bambou Roger-Kwong, clémenece polès, and Elizabeth Yowe Toubiana
A true vintage mecca, this flea market is one of the most famous antique markets in the world. Almost a village in itself, strolling through Saint-Ouen’s numerous alleys can transport you through different eras of fashion history. You’ll find delicate lace blouses, classic French workwear jackets, glittery disco dresses, and endless stalls of vintage jewelry. “It’s always a pleasure to go there and walk through the alleys on a cold and sunny winter Sunday,” says stylist Bambou Roger-Kwong.
Emmaüs Défi
Recommended by Laurie-Anne Braun, Margot Baudequin, and clémenece polès
Located in an up-and-coming Parisian neighborhood, this huge charity shop mixes furniture, objects, and clothing. The space promises to be busy as it’s only open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but its hip crowd makes it an excellent spot for people-watching. Just make sure you arrive in the morning to catch the latest deliveries just as they are being shelved and hit the “Créateurs” rack for designer gems at ultra-affordable prices.
Chinemachine
Recommended by Zoë Zissovici, Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin
This vintage spot has two locations: one in the Montmartre area, a favorite of Italian vintage specialist Zoë Zissovici, and another in the 10th arrondissement. “If you come often and have the patience to dig, you can find nice designer pieces for a very affordable price,” say Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin.
Les Puces de Vanves
Recommended by Emma Songeon and clémenece polès
Less touristy and pricey than the Puces de Saint-Ouen, this flea market in the South of Paris has everything to offer from vintage furniture to clothing and French linen. “It’s the perfect Sunday morning activity,” says Emma Songeon.
Chercheminippes
Recommended by Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin
A great local spot if you’re staying in the Left Bank, Chercheminippes offers a mix of vintage pieces and second-hand clothing from current brands. “The prices are really fair, and the clothes are always in excellent condition,” say Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin.
Local flea markets and car boot sales
Recommended by Laurie-Anne Braun, Margot Baudequin, and Zoë Zissovici
A great way to discover an arrondissement you weren’t planning on visiting and shop like a true local is to hit up one of the many street markets that happen at the weekends. Head to Vide-Greniers to check the calendar, and get there early to snag the best deals. “The earlier you get there the better,” advises Zoë Zissovici.
Ultra Violet Vintage
Recommended by Emma Songeon
For those looking to sprinkle their wardrobe with some Y2K style, Ultra Violet Vintage has a great selection of noughties pieces at an affordable price. With a bit of luck, you might stumble across some of the era’s most iconic pieces, like a Jean Paul Gaultier mesh dress or silver Maison Margiela Tabis. “I love that the space is shared with Nina Olivet, a super talented hairstylist, who’s been cutting my hair for more than two years now,” says Emma Songeon. “If you’re in need of a haircut during your stay in Paris, she’s the one!”
Gajin
Recommended by Emma Songeon
A treasure trove filled with vintage and second-hand items from Japanese designers, this store carries all the big names (Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, Kenzo, and more) but also offers a selection of lesser-known brands to discover. “Each item is [good quality], and the price point is very good,” says Emma Songeon.
Brut Vintage
Recommended by Emma Songeon
Located near the Place de la République, this unpretentious boutique is the place to go if you’re looking for vintage French or European utility pieces and good-quality denim. Make sure to check out their selection of deadstock military sunglasses and sneakers.
Preclothed
Recommended by Bambou Roger-Kwong
Issey Miyake, Acne Studios, Jil Sander: Camille Graffin rounded up all the best luxury designers for her niche online store Preclothed. The shop now has an IRL commercial space that “recently opened at the Printemps Haussmann department store,” says Bambou Roger-Kwong. “[Camille] is so tasteful.”
Super Vintage
Recommended by Emma Songeon
This tiny shop in the 10th arrondissement offers an eclectic selection of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and homeware. Its racks are not for the faint-hearted: standout pieces include matching sets, colored suits, and jeweled headpieces.
A handful of additional favorites from our founder, Clémenece Polès, are Chezel Vintage, Retro Chic, Citizen Concept Store Dépôt-Vente, La Marelle, Bobby, Marchand d’habits, Nuovo Paris and Ending Soon. And, some more selections from passersby include La Mode Vintage (recommended by Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin), Nice Piece (recommended by Bambou Roger-Kwong and Claire Dauge-Roth), Thanx God I’m A V.I.P. (recommended by Fleur Burlet and Claire Dauge-Roth), Chez Snow Bunny (recommended by Fleur Burlet), La Bonne Pioche (recommended by Claire Dauge-Roth), Tilt Vintage 6th (recommended by Claire Dauge-Roth), and Episode (recommended by Fleur Burlet).
Words by Fleur Burlet