Ultra-cool crockery at Astier de Villatte

Its credentials as a shopping destination need no explanation; when it comes to chic boutiques, gargantuan department stores and très cool concept shops, Paris has it all. But with the stress and pressure of finding the perfect gift, Christmas shopping can prove a challenge, even here – one is simply spoiled for choice in the City of Light. However, you’ll find no Scrooges here at RIH, and in generous fashion we’ve rounded up the best of the best boutiques – no matter who you’re choosing a gift for…

For the Foodie: Jean-Paul Hévin

Paris has no shortage of chocolate shops, but Jean-Paul Hévin’s flagship store truly is one of the most delectable. In addition to traditional truffles, cakes and chocolate bars, you’ll also find incredibly artistic sculptures and a selection of sweets with unusual fillings; think chocolate Eiffel Towers and ‘aperitif’ snacks made with chocolate and cheese. And if you want to try some of Hévin’s creations before you make that important gift purchase, head to the first floor Chocolate Bar. 231, rue Saint-Honoré – Paris 1er.

For the Domestic Goddess: Astier de Villatte

Shopping for someone who would never, ever set foot in a branch of IKEA? Then Astier de Villatte should be your first port of call; the elegant boutique on the rue Saint-Honoré specialises in delicate, decorative handmade china of all shapes and sizes, whether your budget stretches to a whole dinner service or just a diminutive sugar bowl. The brand’s own range of exquisite perfumed candles and beauty products are worth a look too. 173 rue Saint-Honoré – Paris 1er.

For the Impossible Friend – Masomenos

Totally stuck on what to buy for the friend who seems to already have it all? Masomenos is an extraordinary, eccentric concept store offering a quirky selection of vintage items and too-cool-for-school new brands, with anything from jewelry and accessories to design objects and retro copies of Playboy. It’s worth a visit just to marvel at the eclectic selection of stock on display. 34 rue du Mont-Thabor – Paris 1er.

For the Culture Vulture – Assouline

The specialist par excellence of coffee table tomes and books on all things art, design and culture, Assouline is the go-to destination for gifts for that cultural pal. The store also offers numerous special editions and gift sets, as well as beautiful stationery. Assouline is great for a browse too – you may just forget what exactly you came in for! 35, rue Bonaparte- Paris 6eme.

For the Fashionista – Pretty Box

The City of Light is a vintage-hunter’s paradise, but if you’re looking for a beautifully curated selection of clothes and accessories, Pretty Box is a real find. Expect pretty, beaded 1920′s clutches, colourful silk scarves and a range of high end pieces that are definitely worth investing in. 46 rue de Saintonge – Paris 3eme.

For the Little Darlings: Antoine et Lili

Situated next to the Canal St Martin, Antoine et Lili has three pastel-coloured shops selling toys, clothing and homewares of every shade and tone. Choose a rainbow-bright outfit, a colourful costume or one of the imaginative toys on offer – whatever you opt for, it’s guaranteed to delight and charm long after the wrapping paper has been torn off. 95 quai de Valmy – Paris 10eme.

For the Man in Your Life – Old England

Gifts for the stylish gent are to be found in abundance at this distinctly British store a stone’s throw from L’Opéra; expect made-to-measure shirts, Church’s shoes, and cashmere and tweed piled high. There are Penhaligon’s fragrances, elegant accessories and any number of hats, scarves and ties too; Old England is as classic as the wares is sells. Oh, and in case you don’t happen on that special something, bien sûr there’s an ample selection of socks…  12 Boulevard des Capucines – Paris 9eme.

A curated selection of elegant vintage

For the Beauty Junkie – Le Bon Marché

Stocking cult beauty brands alongside famous French favourites, Le Bon Marché is an art deco haven for all things beauty. The selection of skincare, makeup and fragrances is truly exceptional, and it’s a real pleasure just to browse the decorative counters – make sure you make time for a break from shopping, and book into the Dior Nail Bar or the Shiseido Qi Lounge for a quick pick-me-up treatment. 24, rue de Sèvres – Paris 6eme.

For the Wine Buff – Caves Augé

Whether you’re after a rare vintage, a bottle of organic wine or some festive champagne, Caves Augé has expert cavistes on hand to advise. The enormous wine emporium has been serving Parisians since it opened in 1850, and stocks an impressive selection of vintages. 116, Boulevard Haussmann – Paris 8eme.

For the Lady in Your Life -  Alice Cadolle

Alice Cadolle has been selling sumptuous underpinnings since 1889, so this is the place to go for luxurious lingerie in sensuous silk and lace. The sexy corsets, extravagant slips and flirty briefs aren’t necessarily what you might wear every day; these are pieces designed to be shown off… in the privacy of the bedroom! 4, rue Cambon – Paris 1er.

Don’t Miss…

If you’re still looking for that elusive gift, highly recommended are concept stores Merci, Colette and L’Eclaireur. Head to Le Loir Dans la Théière for a copious brunch or try Bread & Roses for a delicious selection of lunches and snacks. Mid-afternoon, Mamie Gateaux is a perfect tea-and-cake pitstop, or if you can hang on until early evening, Le Verre Volé serves up fine wines and a range of excellent tidbits (cheeses, charcuterie etc.). Paris department stores’ windows are always a treat, but Printemps has really excelled itself this year, with a fantastic display featuring mini Karl Lagerfeld statuettes!

Where to Stay?

Hotel De Vigny is a classically chic boutique hotel situated in a traditional Parisian townhouse on a quiet street a short step from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées. After a busy day of Christmas shopping, it’s a simple, yet elegant choice if you’re spending a few days in Paris. Despite its location just off one of the city’s busiest avenues, the hotel is cosy and welcoming, with wood panelling and jewel-toned oriental rugs creating a comfortable interior, and friendly, attentive staff on hand to advise.

Rooms and suites are bright, spacious and individually decorated in typically refined French style – think handsome antique furniture and classic colours. On arrival, you’ll find fresh fruits to welcome you, while the marble bathrooms provide a refined setting for a long, relaxing soak after a hard day’s shopping. The buffet breakfast offers a delicious selection of fruits, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and freshly baked delights – ideal to set you up for a long day of purchasing gifts. Plus the hotel’s proximity to the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne means that some of the most upscale boutique in Paris are within walking distance. For more information and to book, see the Hotel De Vigny website.

Just off the Champs Elysées, the Hotel de Vigny is an elegant place to stay if you're spending a few days in the French capital...