Insider’s Guide to Vintage Shopping in Paris

Insider’s Guide to Vintage Shopping in Paris

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I love a good vintage store find. There’s just something about hunting through racks and piles of clothing to find that perfectly unique piece.

I’m sure I wouldn’t be alone if I mention that cringe-y feeling you get when you’re walking down the street and you see someone wearing almost exactly the same thing as you, most likely found at a chain store. The perfect way to avoid this is to head into a vintage or thrift shop, where the diversity can be a breath of fresh air to your wardrobe. 

Another bonus about vintage shopping that I love is that with consumerism being the norm in many societies, this is an alternative but stylish way to go green and help the environment.

There’s no shortage of vintage shops in Paris, as with any major city! That being said, sometimes the sheer volume of stores can feel overwhelming. I’ve done the heavy lifting for you all, after 5 years of living in this vintage treasure trove.

Keep on reading for my insider’s guide to vintage shopping in Paris!

Read also; PARIS – SHOPPING

Vintage Clothing by pxhere

Before you go

Before you hit the streets to go shopping, I always suggest that you take the time to create a list of what you are looking for. There have been so many times that I’ve gone on a shopping trip, and end up finding nothing at all because I don’t have an idea of my mission of the day. Too many choices without a clear sense of direction can be a recipe for disaster and also a waste of money if you end up buying something you eventually won’t have much use for! 

If you’re not much of a list maker, at least try to find some photos of styles you like and that you’d like to emulate. Checking out websites like Tumblr or Instagram can inspire you it is normally where I start, if I want some help figuring out what styles I like.

Getting inspiration from French film actress Françoise Hardy by Joost Evers- WikiCommons

Being open-minded and creative is also essential to having a successful day of shopping. I know that not all of you reading this are master seamstresses, but a simple cut and hem here and there can really go a long way!

Read also; Bargain shopping: The Best Flea Markets in Paris

High End

Vintage shopping doesn’t necessarily need to be about digging through piles of clothing to find what you’re looking for (although for me, this can be my favorite part!). There are many shops in Paris that have done the hard work for you, and really curate their selection. Let’s check them out below.

1. Thanx God I’m a V.I.P.

Thanx God I’m a V.I.P by Elodie Laleuf for Télérama

While this store is definitely on the high end of my budget, their selection and organization is definitely a plus.

The store is owned and run by a former night life organizer, which may be one of the reasons why there is such a cool and trendy vibe here, as soon as you walk in the door!

With racks color coordinated to the extreme, Thanx God is an OCD lovers paradise. Everything in the shop is of very good quality, making their collection ready to wear, right from the rack.

Expect to pay between 100-300 euros for a single item in this shop.

12 Rue de Lancry, 75010

Open: Tuesday-Saturday 2pm-8pm; Closed Sunday and Monday

2. Rose Market Vintage

Rose Market Vintage – Lifestyle.Paris.com

Rose Market Vintage specializes in haute couture pieces from the likes of Celine, Chanel and Dior. This shop is also very well organized and you have the impression that you’re in a high-end boutique and not a vintage shop!

The owner of Rose Market collects her pieces in major cities from all around the world. With clothing pulled from locations such as Paris, London, New York, Berlin and Tel Aviv, it means that there is plenty of diverse fashions to go around!

Their stock is constantly being replenished, so don’t be afraid to visit this shop often!

19 Rue Milton, 75009

Open: Tuesday-Thursday 1pm-7pm; Saturday 2pm-6:30pm; Closed Sunday and Monday

3. La Mode Vintage

La Mode Vintage by lamodevintage.com

The owner of this shop is a veteran fashion designer, so forget about having to repair or restyle the pieces you find at La Mode Vintage.

Again, be prepared to spend a lot more to get the high quality designer pieces you’ll find here. Organization is clearly key with these higher end shops, making the shopping experience easy and relaxing.

The shop is only open two days a week, but trust me, it’s worth waiting out Friday and Saturday to take a peek at what they have to offer!

12 Rue Rochebrune, 75011

Open: Friday & Saturday 11 am-7 pm

4. Citizen Concept Store

Xavier Badia Castellà, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Citizen is a luxury and antique consignment business in Paris’s famous Marais neighborhood that launched in 2006.

You will find beautiful pieces ranging from ready-to-wear to haute couture from the most prestigious French and worldwide fashion brands.

Citizen Concept Store carries many ready-to-wear collections from numerous labels such as Prada and Miu Miu. Here, you can discover inexpensive haute couture, which is nearly impossible to find elsewhere.

Please do not hesitate to ask the staff for any fashion guidance you may require while shopping. Check out the online shop for more information on what’s available.

Read also; Top 5 Vintage Stores in Montmartre

22 RUE DE THORIGNY, Rue du Roi Doré Entrée par le 8, 75003 Paris, France

Open: Tue-sat 11 am-7 pm

5. Opulence Luxury

Photo by Antony Trivet from Pexels

Opulence Vintage has been in the city center of Paris (France) since 2016, near the historic Paris stock exchange palace.

It offers a selected range of vintage and collector bags, shoes, apparel, watches, and jewelry from the most prominent brands such as Cartier, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.

All things here are guaranteed to be real. The owner, Raul, is extremely courteous and knowledgeable about the things he sells. Items are also displayed on the website, where you can see all the sizing information so you know exactly what you’re getting before you buy.

Come shop with Opulence and discover their pre-loved 100% original products and have fun shopping here.

107 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris, France

Open: Mon-Fri 1-7pm

Bear in mind, with this type of selection, the prices in these stores tend to be a bit higher than those 1-10 euro finds you may be hoping for in a vintage shop. If that’s more your price range, read on!

Where to Find Those Rare Gems

Vintage by Ashton – Flickr

Now, if you do enjoy rummaging through crammed clothing racks and piles of fabric, these stores are for you! Prices here are a bit softer on your wallet, and while they may not carry a designer label, I always find my most interesting pieces at places like the stores below.

1. Free’p’star

Free’p’star by Sadie’s Wardrobe

My overall favorite vintage store in Paris is by and large Free’p’Star. There are multiple locations across the city, but my preference is definitely their shop at 61 rue de la Verrerie in the Marais.

My best find? A leather trench coat for just 1 euro. Yes, you read that right! The store has two 1 euro sections, where everything will cost you less than a cup of coffee at most cafes in Paris.

Author Molli in her 1 euro leather coat

My advice? Enter the store with an open mind, and be prepared to do some digging. The key for me when I enter any vintage store is to be ready to hunt for those pieces that you know you won’t see other people wearing. That’s probably what I love most about doing my shopping at these stores, unlike big department stores, their pieces tend to be one of a kind.

Bonus for all of you amateur sewers out there, the other amazing part of Free’p’star’s 1 euro section is that because it’s so inexpensive, you don’t need to worry about taking a bit of creative licence with the clothing that you buy. Did you find a dress with fabric you love, but wish it was a bit shorter? Don’t be afraid to trim a little off of the bottom!

Many locations: 52 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004; 61 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004; 20 rue de Rivoli, 75004

Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm

2. The Kilo Shop

The Kilo Shop by The Kilo Shop

Kilo Shop may not have a 1 euro section, but the idea behind the store is to sell their clothing by weight using a color coded system (although they do sell some things individually as well!).

There are different tiers of prices, meaning there is something for every budget. For example, if you choose items that fall under the 10 euros per kilo tier, and you purchase 2 kilos of clothing, it will only set you back 20 euros. Their concept is definitely unique, I’ve never come across a boutique that uses this type of system!

The store is more organized than Free’p’star, but be prepared to do a lot of browsing. There are 5 stores in Paris, and 10 in total in France!

Many Locations: 10 boulevard Montmartre 75009; Saint Germain 125 boulevard Saint-Germain 75006; Kilo Shop Kawaii 30 rue des Rosiers 75004; Kilo Shop Kawaii 65 rue de la Verrerie 75004; Kilo Shop Le Marais 69 rue de la Verrerie 75004

Opening hours vary by locatio but usually open Monday-Saturday11am-7:30pm; Sunday 2pm-7:30pm

3. Tilt Vintage

Tilt Vintage by La Friperie Nomade

Tilt Vintage has two locations throughout Paris. The boutique in the 6th arrondissement, located not too far from the Luxembourg Gardens. It is clean, open, and filled with racks and racks of vintage gems just waiting for you to sort through. For me, it has a vibe that lands in between Free’p’star and the Kilo Shop. While there is a lot to choose from here, you don’t get that suffocated feeling you can sometimes get while hunting for vintage treasures.

My favorite find here? Their Levi’s jeans for just 35 euros. All of my vintage clothing lovers know that a good pair of Levi’s is essential!

Tilt has also bridged the gap between vintage hunting and online shopping, as they also have an online shop.

Read also; The Most Popular Flea Markets in France

Two locations: Tilt Vintage 6th 10 Rue Saint-Placide, 75006; Tilt Vintage 4th 8 Rue de Rivoli, 75004

Opening hours vary by location but usually open Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm; closed on Sunday

4. Vintage by Ramin

Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels

Vintage By Ramin, located in the heart of the Marais, is a casually trendy and hip boutique, in a Parisian neighborhood noted for its maze of cobblestone lanes and a plethora of bars and bistros. It is close to several Kilo Shops and two Free’p’star stores.

The owner collects clothes, shoes, and accessories from all throughout Europe. Designer items are also available in the shop.

Ramin, who manages the business and chooses all of the garments himself, is an art lover who frequently invites an artist to adorn the shop window. He is very polite and will always be happy to answer your inquiries with a smile!

Expect to pay between 5€ and 10€ for a dress or pants, and roughly 15€ for a pair of Converse. It’s difficult to find products of such quality at such a low price!

64 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France

Open: Mon-sun 11 am-9 pm

5. Mamie Blue

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

Want to buy vintage apparel and stuff in Paris? Look at Mamie Blue! It’s one of the best vintage stores to visit. You can rummage through clothing, jewelry, accessories, artifacts, jewels, and curiosities from the 1930s to the 1980s on three floors in a truly retro atmosphere.

The boutique has such unique pieces that filmmakers, costume designers, and photographers frequent, as do style enthusiasts, swing fans, stylists, and fashion students looking for inspiration. 

Brigitte, known as the Baroness of Paname, and her partner Yannick, at the helm of this Parisian institution located just a stone’s throw from Pigalle, wear loud and clear the za zoo spirit of the 1940s dandys and offer a sharp European and American vintage selection spanning the 30s to the 80s.

69 Rue Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris, France

open: Tue-Sat 11:30 am-1:30 pm//2:30-7:30 pm and Mon 2:30-7:30 pm

For the thrifting expert

In addition to the more curated vintage stores, there are dozens of second-hand shops in Paris that are worth checking out for the experts among you. If you don’t mind having to wash your finds before wearing them, and heading off the beaten tourist path, these following places are for you.

1. Guerrisol

Guerrisol Paris Place de Clichy by Time Out

Guerrisol definitely has a more second hand shop feeling than all of the stores thus far mentioned. Their prices are excellent, and if you’re willing to do some digging, and if you have an open mind, their stores are for you!

This is my go-to spot for cozy oversized sweaters, and cool button-up shirts. Their prices vary from 3-25 euros, and one of my good friends scored an amazing down filled coat for just 15 euros!

Geurrisol is a worldwide chain of stores, and the company prides itself on the fact that they lessen their carbon footprint by recycling clothing. Vintage shopping is one stylish way to go green. There are 10 locations throughout Paris. My favorite has to be their Place de Clichy store!

19 Avenue de Clichy, 75017

Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm; closed Sunday

2. Unité Locale Paris X Croix-Rouge française

Croix Rouge française by Benoit Prieur – WikiCommons

The Red Cross is a worldwide foundation with a mission to “to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering.” One way the organization does so is through their second hand clothing stores! There are quite a few Red Cross locations throughout the city, but their Place de la République location is my top pick.

The Unité Locale is similarly set up to Geurrisol, and their price point is about the same. My favorite find at this store was a purple straw bag which turned into the perfect beach bag for the summer.

Want to support your fellow mankind? All of the proceeds from the shop go towards helping the Red Cross charity!

40 Rue Albert Thomas, 75010

Open: Monday-Saturday 10:30am-7pm

3. Emmaüs Boutique

Emmaüs by François Goglins – WikiCommons

The idea behind Emmaüs is similar to the Red Cross. The charity collects donations of clothing, furniture, and other necessities to either donate, or to sell at low prices. All of the proceeds from their shops also go back into the charity in order to help others!

There are several Emmaüs Boutique locations throughout Paris. The largest, and my personal favorite, is located in the 9th arrondissement.

Prices are low, and you’ll have to do some hunting as with the other shops in this section, but I’ve personally found quite a few gems here!

As mentioned, the stores also carry furniture! So for all the vintage hunters in Paris and Parisians on a budget, this is the perfect place to go if you find yourself in a non meublé (unfurnished) apartment!

27-29 Boulevard de Rochechouart, 75009

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 1:30pm-6:30pm, Saturday 10am-6:30pm, 2pm-6:30pm; closed Sunday, Monday and Thursday

4. Episode

Photo by Burcu Koleli from Pexels

Episode sells used clothing with a twist. All of your fundamental vintage necessities, such as 70s-era gowns for costume parties and 80s-era Adidas purses and tracksuits, are available here. However, Episode also sells repaired clothing.

Outdated sweaters have been changed into beautiful tank tops, oversized tee shirts have been transformed into skirts, and American sorority girl clothing has been transformed into sporty shorts.

The interior of the shop is a bit of a maze, but it is really neatly structured. Customers can simply locate the clothes or accessories they seek. The boutique sells both men’s and women’s apparel, as well as children’s items on occasion.

The prices are fair, around €10-€15 for a shirt, or €30-€40 for a military-style fur coat that’ll last you through the winter. Plus, for the first time, there’s a solid selection for males.

Read also; Here are five amazing things you can do in Paris in November

12-16 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris, France

Open: Mon-Sat 11 am-8 pm

5.  Kiliwatch

Photo by Kei Scampa from Pexels

Espace Kiliwatch is a massive secondhand store spanning 600m2. It is Paris’s most famous vintage shop and can be compared to a large vintage supermarket.

The temple of retro fashion, Espace Kiliwatch, was intended as a long corridor where vintage objects are placed out to seduce even the most sophisticated fashionistas.

You can discover anything here, from a rare book to a Hawaiian shirt: such a combination of genres is, in fact, the core premise behind this cutting-edge fashion company. Prices are slightly higher than for basic fripperies, but the clothes are nicely chosen, displayed, and in superb shape.

64 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris, France

Open: Mon 10:30-7 pm, Tue-Sat 10:30 am-7:30 pm

Conclusion

Whether your on a tight budget or ready to make a splurge for one-of-a-kind pieces, there is something for everyone in Paris. With so much history running through this city’s bones, it should come as no surprise that there is so much to discover, especially on the vintage scene! You’ll never know what you’ll find.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my insider’s guide to vintage shopping in Paris. Are there any shops that I’ve missed? Don’t be afraid to comment with your thoughts!

Read also; Here are five amazing things you can do in Paris in January

Updated by Farah in June 2022 and Vanessa in 2023.