Paris in July 2019: Specialized Shopping in Paris

Whether one is window shopping or looking to buy, Paris certainly abounds with choices in just about every price range! But sometimes when one is traveling, the lookout is on for just the right thing! As I once again join the Paris in July blog festival, here's a look at some of my favorite specialty shopping in the City of Lights! If you have other favorites, please be sure to leave them in the comments because I know I will be back!

Art Supplies:

I had longed to visit Sennelier for many moons and last October, I got my wish. Established in 1887 by Gustave Sennelier and still run by family members, this classic art store seems to cram more merchandise into tall but very narrow space than most others I've visited. And it's good product.

The sketchbooks are by Hahnemuhle and Fabriano (among others) and while they do carry Golden paints, which I like very much, I was there for the Sennelier brand of juicy watercolors in a palette so big, I could hardly decide!

They are noted for their pastels, which Sennelier created especially for Edgar Degas including 30 shades of browns that the artist used from a collection of 700 colors. His grandson, Henri, later created oil pastels, specifically at the request of Pablo Picasso, in 1948.

 There are any number of art stores in Paris, but this one ticks both the art and the history boxes.

 English-Language Books

Visiting Paris, want a book but unable to read French? Not a problem!

A short walk east from Sennelier and you will find the legendary Shakespeare and Company with its selection of English language books and a long and fascinating history. There were actually two Shakespeare and Company bookstores. This is the second, which opened in 1951 on the banks of the Seine near Place Saint-Michel. (The first closed long ago.)

Among those who called it home were Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, James Baldwin, Lawrence Durrell, Bertolt Brecht and many others.

George Whitman had modeled his shop after the original, owned by Sylvia Beach. Originally named The mistral, Beach herself gave Whitman the name of her shop to use for his.

On the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, Whitman renamed his store "Shakespeare and Company," describing it "a novel in three words."

Look about! Type a bit on a vintage typewriter, imagining who else might have sat at this very spot.

Then soak up the atmosphere of the Tumbleweeds, writers, intellectuals and artists in need of a bed who were invited to sleep among the shop's shelves.

Their payment: They must read a book each day, assist several hours in the shop a day and write a one-page autobiography.

 Even if you're not into book shopping, take a peek in here!

Bread

Man does not live by bread alone, but one could live rather awhile on a two-kilo loaf from the renowned Poilane Boulangerie.

Located at 8 rue du Cherche Midi in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, this is the sight of the original Poilâne, which opened in 1932. It is still considered the bakery's flagship store.

The bakery's original owner was Lionel Poilane who used stone ground flour and a wood fired oven.  The shop also offers several types of bread and some delicious shortbread cookies. (Yes, I've had both the bread and the cookies!)

His son, also Lionel, continued the business, keeping largely to traditional methods with the exception of machine kneading.

There is a second Poilane on boulevard de Grenelle as well and one can arrange for tours. (We didn't do this, much to Rick's chagrin!)

The company is currently run by Apollonia Poilane, who holds her degree from Harvard University.

 Music

Let's just say that you are traveling with a classical guitarist who wants to maybe, just possibly, buy a new guitar while in Paris. And, if not that, at least some sheet music.

If so, the place to go is Rue du Rome area (Europe metro). There one will find numerous spots to entice the musician, whether looking for music or, say, a guitar!

Of course, there are more than shops for luthiers in the area. You could find a piano, a violin, brass instruments.

Some pretty heavy hitters have walked into these rooms and looking at the memorabilia on many shops walls is almost as much fun as shopping. (OK, if you don't happen to be the musician, it's more fun!)

Most of these shops are small and the proprietors are more than happy to let you try out the instruments ...

...or give you a little performance themselves.

It's the best free entertainment in town!

Of course, you can find, books, music, bread and art supplies in loads of places on Paris' streets. Enjoy!

This post is part of Paris In July, an annual blog event with posts related to France! Check out Tamara's site HERE for links!

Paris In July: Finding Your Own Music

One last Paris In July post (check Thyme for Tea for other great links!) For the music lover, Paris is an auditory delight. Join me on a mini-musical tour!

Clearly, the easiest music to find is that on the street and in the Metro. They don't just let "anyone" have street space here, so you can count on something rather beautiful. For the most part, you'll find the lone violinist or a small group with their relatively portable instruments. But at Place de Vosges we spent a rather long time enjoying the beautiful harp music of this young man.

For something more formal, check out the Paris Opera Garnier. The lobby itself is a masterpiece, but imagine sitting in this beautiful theatre as you enjoy some of the greatest operas and ballets ever written.

(The Chagall ceiling isn't bad, either!).

Of course, if you are more the student, venture below to the opera's museum where you will find volumes of musical scores, paintings, set models and costumes from productions and many special exhibits.

Feeling classical?


You'll find numerous opportunities to hear free or inexpensive music in churches with their magnificent organs. But for a slightly more expensive and almost celestial experience, check out the chamber concerts in La Sainte Chapelle.

I've been to two of these and yes, they do play the lollipops (as Rick calls the "Pachelbel Canon" and "Four Seasons"). But they play them well.

And face it -- do you really come for the music or the incredible experience of enjoying this magnificent church and the light that dances on the floor from the renowned stained glass windows? (I'm not sure how this plays out in winter with it getting darker early, but in the summer it's pure joy to enter with the light pouring through and by the end, the sun has gone down, casting lovely shadows.)

The performers are always happy to meet after the show -- and sell a CD or two!

 

Of course, if you are musically inclined yourself, a trip to Rue du Rome's music stores should be on your list. Shopping for sheet music is an almost overwhelming experience.

And if you're not so good -- well, they have something for that, too!

My personal classical guitarist sampled guitars in several stores, including two specialty guitar stores in the Rue du Rome area.

 

We enjoyed impromptu concerts by the store owners which were simply delightful...

... and Rick had the opportunity to audition guitars.

 We also learned valuable information on the instruments, their history and makers..

You'll find music stores elsewhere, of course, just not so concentrated. On Avenue Bonmarchais, we were also able to chat with the luthier.

Then after, Rick offered his own concert, more uditioning guitars.

Of course, one of the most delightful ways to enjoy music is simply to encounter it. And a stop at a cafe or walk down one of any number of Parisian streets will bring a find and musical end to your day.

This is part of the Paris In July blog post party. You can find more posts on Paris at Thyme for Tea at the left side of the page! 

 Check them out -- you'll discover new books, films, photos and travel info!