Imagine you’re hosting friends for aperitifs. You bring out the cocktails in beautiful antique glasses, which your guests express admiration for. “Thank you,” you say. “I bought them in Paris.” It may not be practical to pack cocktail glasses or flatware or whisks into already-overflowing luggage, but there is something particularly wonderful about having a kitchen full of objects made special by memory and meaning. It also doesn’t hurt to have a moment like the one described above to wow your guests with your worldliness. For the impractical among you, TABLE has curated a list of five of the best Paris shopping destinations to explore for all the unique, elegant, antique, useful or elevated kitchenware your heart desires. Bonne chance!
5 Paris Shopping Destinations for Très Chic Kitchenware
E. Dehillerin
18-20 Rue Coquillière
Those on the hunt for practical, well-made kitchenware on their Paris shopping trip that is well worth the above-average price tag need to stop by E. Dehillerin. This no-nonsense kitchenware shop has been around since the 1800s. It was once a favorite of Julia Child and its selection of copper pots is unparalleled. Be prepared to handle a language barrier and don’t expect the busy staff to help you much, but your patience will be rewarded.
Merci
111 Bd Beaumarchais
This three-story shop sells elegant flatware and long-handled enamel saucepans, but kitchenware isn’t the only thing Merci does well. From richly-colored linen duvet covers to iconic canvas totes, this is a lifestyle store at its finest. Its selection of kitchenware may be more aesthetically pleasing than practical, but the rectangular stoneware plates and terra cotta cutting boards are exactly the beautiful, unique table decorations that only Paris shopping can provide.
A. Simon
48 Rue Montmartre
Located in a neighborhood rife with kitchenware stores, A. Simon beats its competition on price point and customer service. Behind its iconic green façade is a stacked-to-the ceilings selection of just about everything you could want. One of the city’s oldest such stores, A. Simon is small but mighty and a favorite of chefs out for Paris shopping. Look for the caneles molds and much-loved silverware selection.
BHV
52 Rue de Rivoli
A trip to Paris is truly not complete without a visit to Le BHV in the Marais, the six-story department store filled to the brim with Parisian delights. While you’re there, however, don’t neglect the kitchenware section, where you’ll find any pot or pan or wine glass or baking accessory your heart desires. Their dinnerware department is almost 100% open stock, so you can mix and match with creativity.
Le Bon Marche
24 Rue de Sèvres
This multi-story department store is the luxe of the luxe, packed with designer offerings. It is also the oldest department store in Paris, and its stunning architecture and design make a visit worthwhile even if just to browse. Bon Marche’s kitchenware section is not extensive, but the Laguiole silverware selection is a must-see for your Paris shopping trips. Their elegant, colorful knife sets spice up the drabbest of kitchens. Their table linens are also offered in many chic patterns and colors.
Story by Mitra Nourbakhsh
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