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Post by willow on May 28, 2008 9:59:02 GMT -5
So I've been building up my itinerary for December and I want to make sure I do some things that I haven't done in addition to showing my friend around (Anna the Tour Guide!). So remembering Catherine's posts from last summer about the passages, I decided to work that into our allotted shopping time. I did a search here on OPF and found a thread on this topic already but I couldn't locate the info I wanted. Mainly my question is what kind of shops are found in these passages? Are they all expensive type boutiques, or can a more frugal shopper find a wonderful keepsake or souvenir? I will want to go regardless because the passages look pretty, but I just want to know if I can take care of any of my shopping there as well! I found this site, but my French is not good enough to understand too much of it! www.parisinconnu.com/passages/index.htm |
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Post by Anne on May 28, 2008 10:40:29 GMT -5
Willow, you can find ALL kind of shops in the passages, it really depend on how chic the passage is . It really goes from expensive designers shops to junk clothes ones in the shabby passages . But the remarkable thing about passages are the unique, lovely old-fashion boutiques that you can find in some of them . Even if you find some of those shops too expensive, just visiting them will delight you . I cannot remember the specificity of each passage as far as shops are concerned, but here is a trip report where I mentionned some of them : www.ourparisforum.com/index.cgi?board=reports&action=display&thread=864 |
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Post by Happygoin on May 28, 2008 10:51:22 GMT -5
Willow, what I do is carry a list of the passages and their addresses with me. When I find myself in a new neighborhood, I look at the list and, almost invariably, I find one close by to investigate. They're all a bit different and really pretty. I was only disappointed in one, off the upper part of r. St. Denis. The name escapes me at the moment.
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Post by annettecinca on May 28, 2008 11:02:09 GMT -5
Willow, I bought some inexpensive items at antique shops/used bookstores in Psg. Jouffroy or Panoramas one trip--some old French hardcovers and an antique bell, just a few euros each. The bell hangs from a silk cord on my back door, and the dog is trained to ring it when she wants out!  |
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Post by ouiparis on May 28, 2008 11:07:10 GMT -5
I too am interested in exploring more covered passages. tiny.cc/cG6hL |
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Post by GitteK on May 28, 2008 17:01:33 GMT -5
babywillow - this booklet is part of a long series, of which each booklet focuses on limited areas, sights, topics etc. in France. Very, very good books, IMO. They are available in English and other languages too. You'll find them in almost every museum souvenir shop. A very good guide with lots of history and pretty pictures. You can even buy it online (remember to choose the English version  ) - notice all the other booklets they have ! editions.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/presentation/editions.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/the-catalog/bdd/livre/55This is the French cover:  |
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Post by suzanne on May 29, 2008 17:41:07 GMT -5
I am a big passage fan. They are so interesting. Our first Passage, discovered on our 2nd visit to Paris remains my favorite. It is the Passage Jouffroy. I love the shops and the quaint hotel there (Chopin). We always have lunch at Valentines and then we buy the homemade jams as gifts for friends and family. There is a really nice store selling things for your home. The bookstore is quite interesting too. Passage Vivienne is very beautiful and has a very nice tea salon. We found a new one on our last trip. I think it was called Cerf (I'm at work and don't have my info). It is just off Rue St. Denis (2nd). Some interesting shops. It was early on Sunday and none were open though.
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Post by cigalechanta on May 29, 2008 20:33:50 GMT -5
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Post by GitteK on May 29, 2008 23:31:10 GMT -5
cigale - I "tinyurled" your long link: tinyurl.com/53ggwsAnd I give you an exalt for finding the full English version of Paris Inconnu. It really is a marvellous site. |
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Post by willow on May 30, 2008 8:35:59 GMT -5
Ooooo
Thank you both!!
That is perfect! I'll have to keep in mind the google translator for next time, it seems to be pretty logical!
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Post by cigalechanta on May 30, 2008 10:44:55 GMT -5
thanks Gitte. I was out of sorts and wasn't thinking. In case some one doesn't know, you translate something like my long url to a tiny one. www.tinyurl.com |
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Post by MaisonMetz on May 30, 2008 12:20:42 GMT -5
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) - notice all the other booklets they have !
Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha