Passion passed down through generations
Perhaps not many countries have shops that have been steadfast in their business in a single field for a century or two like in France. Visiting these shops, you will understand how the French have built their strength by focusing on one thing. Each old shop has a full range of products in its business field. At the same time, the sales person will be a “living dictionary”, always ready to help customers understand each product in detail, give practical advice and satisfy the passion for business learning of the most curious customer.
Keeping their business in one field also helps the French to maximize their creativity. Walk into a sweet shop and you will see the French creating a colorful and flavorful world of cakes, candies and jams. Walk into an umbrella shop and you will be amazed by the creative umbrellas.
At the same time, the French always preserve the secrets of the previous generation, because they are the "treasures" that create the success and image of the shop in the eyes of customers. Moreover, in the country of these cultural heritages, traditions are never something that can be destroyed or replaced. On the contrary, they are national treasures and inheriting traditions is the way the French conquer new heights.
Seeing is believing, let's explore the oldest shops in Paris to understand the unique French shopping culture.
The Tin Soldiers' Shop Au plat d'étain
Opened in 1775, Au Plat d'Etain is a shop that specializes in the production and sale of models, the favorite toys of French children. All the miniature models in the shop are carved and painted by hand, with exquisite detail. The shop has hardly changed since it first opened. You can find here all kinds of models from almost all periods. In addition, the shop also builds models of extremely famous matches in world history.
- Address: 16 Guisarde Street, District 6
THE OLDEST BAKERY IN PARIS - Stohrer
Nicolas Stohrer, baker for Polish princess Marie Leszczyńska (who married King Louis XV and became Queen of France at the time), opened this bakery in 1730. That is why Stohrer bakery is always proud that their customers are enjoying desserts of royal class. Inside the bakery is a world of cakes full of colors and flavors. Besides, Stohrer's interior style is also a surprise for you to discover. Don't miss Baba au rhum, the most famous specialty of this bakery!
- Address: 51 Montorgueil Street, District 2
GENTLEMEN'S PIPING SHOP À l'ORIENTAL
Despite its modest size, the pipe shop À l'oriental, which first opened in 1818, is a veritable miniature museum. Here you can admire pipes made from many different materials. This is a favorite address of Parisian gentlemen and tourists. Even if you don't smoke pipes, just standing and looking through the glass window is enough to make you feel excited.
- Address: 19/21 Galerie de Chartres, District 1
Debauve et Gallais Chocolate Shop over 200 years old
The shop was founded by Sulpice Debauve in 1800. 23 years later, it was taken over by Bebauve’s nephew, Antoine Gallais. Hence the name it bears today. Debeauve et Gallais supplied chocolates to Napoleon I, and was the official chocolatier of three kings, Louis XVIII, Charles X, and Louis-Philippe. That’s why the sign on Deveau et Gallais reads: “Chocolate Shop of the Kings of France.” The shop’s chocolates are perfect as gifts for someone who loves Paris.
- Address: 30 Saints-Pères Street, District 6
THE OLDEST CONDOM SHOP IN PARIS À La mère de famille
À la mere de famille is the oldest confectionery shop in Paris, opened in 1761. The drawers of this magical shop contain 800 types of sweets from all over France. The chocolates, cakes, and ice creams sold here are all handmade by the shop’s artisans. It is also known for having the best praline ice cream in Paris. Although the shop has changed hands many times, the entire interior has remained virtually unchanged since its inception.
- Address: 35 Faubourg-Montmartre Street, District 9
Herboristerie de la Place de Clichy
Entering Herboristerie de la Place Clichy, one of the oldest herbal shops in Europe, you will feel as if this is a “traditional” pharmacy in the middle of Paris with the pleasant scent of herbs. This is where you can find essential oils, herbal teas, powdered drinks and massage creams... In the shop, there are more than 900 herbs used to create products. The sales person will always be a pharmacist to advise you specifically on how and in what dosage to use the products, they can even prepare a herbal dose suitable for your problem right in the shop's small laboratory.
- Address: 87 Amsterdam Street, District 8
ALEXANDRA SOJFER Umbrella Shop
Alexandra Sojfer, umbrella designer, followed in her mother’s footsteps by taking over one of the largest umbrella and parasol shops in Paris, which her grandfather founded in 1834. By 2002, Alexandra Sojfer had launched her own brand of modern umbrella designs using high-quality materials. She transformed umbrellas into a truly sophisticated fashion accessory, while maintaining the same standard of craftsmanship as her grandfather and mother. This can be considered a typical example of the French spirit of “continuity”.
- Address: 218 Saint-Germain Boulevard, District 7
