Unique shops among Paris patisseries
The Montorgueil neighbourhood in the Second Arrondissement of Paris is known for its many restaurants, patisseries and chocolatiers, but it’s also a local favourite for one-of-akind shopping.
The narrow streets in this increasingly residential part of town have a slightly bohemian feel and are full of distinctive designer clothing, accessory and food shops that are a combination of newer and long-established spots. Anthony Peto: Located in a long and narrow space, this establishment is devoted to men’s hats. The eponymous designer turns out fashionable toppers in materials ranging from leather and wool to velvet, and the options veer from loud to the more subtle.
Each one is handmade in his workshop nearby. Prices from 120 euros, about $147 at $1.23 to the euro. 56, rue Tiquetonne; 33-1-40-26-60-68; anthonypeto.com G. Detou: It may look like an ordinary grocer from the outside with its simple red awning and cream-coloured façade, but this 60-year-old gastronomic haven is a jackpot for fans of specialty French food products.
The choices are overwhelming and include tins of escargot, duck confit and pâté, more than two dozen kinds of dried mushrooms, olive oil, nuts and more than 50 brands of chocolate bars and candies. Prices from 85 cents. 58, rue Tiquetonne; 33-1-4236-54-67 Little Eleven Paris: France is known for its stylish children’s clothing stores and this sleek shop is no exception. A team of 10 Paris-based designers are behind the edgy and casual collection for children between the ages of 4 and 14, and many of the punchy pieces are unisex. Pric- es from 29 euros. 50, rue Étienne Marcel; 33-1-42-36-98-62; elevenparis.com Kokon To Zai: At the only other location of this London-based brand, the clothes for men and women in the tiny, mirrored boutique transcend the ordinary and are more akin to works of art. A collaboration of European designers turns out a mix of gothic, futuristic and spunky pieces such as a fishnet knee-length cream dress, a black lightweight nylon jacket adorned with thick patches of black fur and oversize shorts with a lamp, scissor and paintbrush print. Prices from 60 euros. 48, rue Tiquetonne; 33-1-42-36-92-41; kokontozai.co.uk Claudie Pierlot: Chic everyday clothing for women at affordable prices is the premise behind this brand, which is more than three decades old. It is housed in a simple square space with light wooden floors. The selections are mostly in neutral tones such as black and navy, and the tapered blazers, sheer silk blouses and slim-cut pants and jeans are fashionable without being overly trendy. Prices from 85 euros. 49, rue Étienne Marcel; 33-1-42-33-65-88; claudiepierlot.com The New York Times