It’s the indisputable capital of haute couture: From Lanvin to Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy to Chanel, Paris has long been at the forefront of the high-end fashion industry. Yet for the vintage-loving thrifter, the city’s also home to a wealth of second-hand stores and neighborhood flea markets. Dig into one of these spots: Whether you find a quirky, contemporary piece or a cast-off designer item, you’re sure to discover some treasures.
By Flower
If your definition of thrifting involves a good rummage, get yourself over to By Flowers and start digging. Located a stone’s throw from the Place des Abbesses at the foot of Montmartre, this vintage hideaway is low-key and offers excellent value-for-money. If you’re lucky, there’ll be a few bags the owners haven’t yet had a chance to unpack, so you can forage to your heart’s content.
Freep’Star
Something of an institution among tourists and locals, the three locations of Freep’Star are within a few streets of one another and form a golden triangle of thrift between Saint-Paul and Hôtel de Ville. The small boutiques are crammed with an indiscriminate assortment of second-hand clothing — none of it dirt-cheap, but nothing too expensive either. Freep’Star is popular and the stores are generally crowded, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours for a more leisurely (and profitable) experience.
Hippy Market
Hippy Market is in fact a shop, not a market – and a popular one at that, with two locations in Paris, one in Avignon, and one in Lyon. Beguilingly colorful and refreshingly well organized, this is one of the more expensive options on our list, but it’s worth a visit for the curated selection of 1970s clothing and accessories.
Kilo Shop
This place does what it says on the tin — sells sackfuls of used clothing by the kilo. With several locations in Paris and a couple in Athens, the Kilo Shop has become something of a cult craze among vintage vultures, and operates on an irresistible principle: Items marked with green tags are sold at €30 ($41) per kilo, while those marked with red are only €20 ($27.50) per kilo.
Marché Aux Puces de Vanves
Located at the Port de Vanves on the edge of town, this flea market is a lesser-known alternative to its Clignancourt counterpart, where the thrifting can be too aggressive (and overpriced) for some. Meander instead down this pleasant, tree-lined street and leisurely browse the eclectic bric-a-brac stalls, skimming old dog-eared copies of Baudelaire and dressing up in 1920s-era clothes.
(Main image: © moodboard/iStock/Thinkstock)
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…whose Paris guide cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
