42 Best Places to Shop in St-Germain-des-Pres, Paris

After years of working with the best and brightest in the Paris pastry world, superstar Christophe Michalak is now opening boutiques, writing books, and promoting his skills. His signature pastries are smooth, eye-popping ovals of glazed perfection, whether the bright orange mango mousse with crunchy textures or the green pistachio coconut version. If you're less adventurous, the small vanilla cake is rich and flavorful.

Paris's bad-boy chocolatier likes to shock with provocative shapes and wicked humor, but it all tastes sinfully good. He designs every detail in his shops, including the presentation tables and futuristic decor. The Boulevard St-Germain shop, his very first, is one of three in the neighborhood and seven citywide. The other two nearby are at  19 rue de Sevres and  2–4 pl. St-Sulpice.

Pierre Hermé might just be Paris's most renowned pâtissier, and this shop sells his peerless cakes and macarons along with many chocolate delights (classic varieties, like the dark-chocolate and orange-rind batons, are perennial favorites). Try the delicate Cheesecake Satine, made with passion fruit and orange marmalade. You can also sample his creations at several cafés throughout St-Germain-des-Prés.

Sourcing his star ingredient from independent farmers, Pierre Marcolini proves it's all in the bean. His specialty saveurs du monde ("flavors of the world") collection of Belgian chocolates are each made with a single cacao from a single location, such as Madagascar or Ecuador—thus, each has a distinct flavor.

Pom d'Api lines up footwear for babies and young children in quality leathers and vivid colors. Expect well-made, eye-catching fashion—bright fuchsia sneakers and leopard suede boots, as well as classic Mary Janes in shades of silver, pink, and gold. There are also utility boots, sandals, and sturdy rain gear.

Rose Repetto, mother of Roland Petit, started making ballet slippers for her dancer-choreographer son in the 1940s. She soon became the dance-slipper maker of choice for the choreographers and dancers of le tout Paris. Along the way, she created Brigitte Bardot's signature ballerina shoes and Zizi Jeanmarie's jazz shoes, which are still popular today and sold in a rainbow of colors. For a price and by appointment, you can customize any one of their classic models. Repetto has branched out to making boots, leather handbags, and clothes, but still specializes in ready-to-dance and custom-made ballet and pointe footwear.

Founded in 1925 by Joseph Richart, these fine chocolates have evolved into tiny works of art, now created by the founder's son and grandson. As the name implies, each tiny square of Richart chocolate is a colorful piece that dazzles the eye and elevates the palate. 

This shop specializes in fine wines and liquors, with port, Calvados, and Armagnacs that date from 1878. Looking for a great gift idea? Find a bottle from the year of a friend's birth and have it labeled with their name. Personalized bottles can be ordered and delivered on the same day.

The gorgeous, delicate pastry creations made by Japanese-born Sadaharu Aoki are a delightful mix of traditional French with his signature Asian flavor and design touches. Look for green tea, black sesame, and yuzu versions of updated classics like éclairs, mille-feuille, and other elegant baked goods, as well as artfully presented colorful batons of chocolate.

Created near the chilly coast of Normandy, this company of "master spinners" has been making quality fishermen's clothes since 1889. Once family-owned, it was bought out by a devoted team of skilled employees, and the majority of their items are still made in France. The wool nautical sweaters and sailor caps are built for warmth and wear, and the striped, long-sleeve Breton T-shirts are classic French.

The bases are all covered here, when it comes to that coveted French élan: sleek designs, excellent quality, luxe fabrics, and prices well within the stratosphere. With styles that vie with the high-profile designers, and accessories to match, this label is an established, chic Parisian's wardrobe essential.

Have you always wanted to imitate the grand homes of Paris? Here's your chance. Zuber has operated nonstop for more than two centuries as the world's oldest producer of prestige hand-printed wallpapers, renowned for their magnificent panoramic scenes. Warning: with only one scene produced per year, the wait can be nearly a decade long. Opulent Restoration-era wallpapers (including metallics, silks, velvets, and pressed leather) make modern statements and can be purchased in 32-foot rolls for slightly less than a king's ransom.