Paris Souvenirs: 7 Unexpected Treasures to Bring Home
When I travel I always keep my eyes open for unexpected souvenirs that I can easily bring home as my own mementos of the trip (and of course a few things to gift). When creating this list, I am thinking about my own personal goal of “accessible luxury.” I want something that feels rare, exquisite and doesn’t consume my whole budget. Oh, and it must fit in the suitcase home (whether you check your bags or travel carryon only!).
+ You’ve heard me divulge my refined shopping list at the French Pharmacies, the epic skincare products, the holy grail of OTC retinol and the best sunscreen that is just MADE DIFFERENT… but if you ask me what ONE product I’m going to bring home a dozen of to stock my cabinet and share with friends, it’s going to be Dermoplasmine lip balm (but only the one with the pointed tip, not the stick!). It’s next level hydration, repairs dry lips, makes them look plumper and isn’t sticky at all. I keep one beside the bed, on my vanity and in each of my purses. And it’s only like $5.
+ When in Paris, you’ll certainly take an iconic stroll along the Seine river. Be sure to peruse the Bouquinistes set up along the river. These historic booksellers in their iconic Paris green box stalls have a broad assortment of books (both antique and gently used), postcards, art prints, etc. Don’t buy art here (because I’m going to tell you where to go to source that!). DO buy the 5 Euro tote bag sold at many of the stalls. Buy several of them. Their sales benefit the booksellers, and their cuteness benefits you. These are only available from the Bouquinistes. When home, I carry one folded up in my bag to use as my grocery carrier and book tote. It always makes me smile when I pull it out.
+ Something absolutely free— when you visit a particularly gorgeous cafe or have a memorable meal, grab one of the letterpress cards at the front of the restaurant. They’re chic and pocket sized. You can even do this with your museum billet (ticket). I use mine as bookmarks or frame a really gorgeous one once you’re home to hang somewhere that will always transport you back to Paris.
+ If you’re looking for a piece of art, vintage post and menu cards, something rare and interesting… go to the Marché aux Puces Saint-Ouen— what you probably know as THE Paris flea market. Look, it’s enormous, can be extremely overwhelming and is absolutely something I’ll share more about in the future, but here’s the quick guide: Go early in the morning on the weekend. Take an Uber to one of the market entrances.
Saint Ouen is ENORMOUS and has multiple markets within. If you’re looking for interesting art and old paper stuff, hit Marché Dauphine and Vernaison. Dauphine is a covered market, great for rainy days. You’ll find lots of vintage clothing vendors, old advertising art, lots of vinyl records and more. The vibe here is very hip.
Vernaison is mostly outdoor stalls along winding narrow paths. You’ll see the widest variety, from fine antique clothing to silver and crystal, costume jewelry, vintage perfume and collections of various themed junk. Carry cash in small denominations. Don’t be afraid to haggle, but ALWAYS say Bonjour, Merci, Au Revoir.
On my last trip, I found a vendor in Vernaison who specialized in 19th century erotic art (totally bought a piece that now hangs in my kitchen). I found another vendor that travels from the French countryside with late 19th century garments. I bought several white tops with ruffles and red monograms and a few French work coats. At Dauphine, I found a great source for antique menu cards and photographs, as well as a clothing dealer with the most insane collection of stuff dating back to the 1800s.
Small paper things can cost 1-5 euro, so don’t be afraid to stock up on interesting stuff. You’ll never regret getting several special things. Antique clothing can really range in price points but you can definitely find LOTS of treasures for under 20 euro. And oil paintings, work on canvas, etc. can be found in various price points too.
Oh, and keep an eye open for vintage jewelry charms! This is a wonderful spot to find some.
+ Speaking of charms, this is one of my absolutely favorite shops in the world and one of my top secret spots (shh, don’t go tell everyone!). There is a little jewelry shop in the 1er arrondissement, called Dary’s. This is where I go to find special charms and rings. They’re mostly antique, with a significant amount of 1900-1940s pieces. Semi-precious stones, gold filled, sterling, etc. I always stop here to add to my personal collection. You have to ring a buzzer to enter, but don’t let it dissuade you. Feel free to let the shop keeper know what your budget is. I have found many treasures here for 40-150 euro. And if you want an insane fine jewelry shopping experience, around the corner is their big sister fine estate jewelry spot, Au Vase de Delft. This spot is for the serious jewelry acquisition. Say hello to the famed shop cat, Ramses.
+ Okay, this is BASIC, but worth mentioning nonetheless. There’s a supermarket chain in Paris called Monoprix. They also have clothing, home goods, etc. It’s kind of like Parisian Target. I take my kid here to get a little treat. I get striped cotton marinière tops here for myself and as gifts and, not going to lie, the underwear is good too. And very veryyyy well priced. I 100% believe that you can learn a lot about a culture and place by exploring their grocery stores, and while France is still VERY much a fresh market in the street culture, Monoprix is an interesting experience. Give is a 30 minute visit once on your trip and c’est tout. (Oh, PS- the one with the best selection of stuff is on Avenue de l’Opéra).
+ Going to round it out with this accessible luxury pro tip— If you wear makeup, treat yourself to a really fancy lipstick from a counter at Galeries Lafayette. It’s a gorgeous place with its historic domed ceiling. Take a moment to find the lipstick that makes your heart sing, treat yourself and then head up to the rooftop for a café or cocktail and watch the most perfect sunset over the entire city. It’s breathtaking. And when you get home, you’ll reconnect with that moment and memory every time you swipe your lips with your special treat.
Do you have a favorite little treasure you grab when you’re raveling? I’d love to hear about it! Send me a little note via email! And for more insider tips, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, The Rugged and Fancy Dispatch at the bottom of the page. Xo -Morgan