Shopgirl Visits: Merci in Paris
While we’re on a roll today showing gorgeous stores, I thought I’d share some impressions with you of a gorgeous Parisian shop called Merci. Perhaps you’ve been? Or have heard of it before? I’ve not visited Merci but after seeing these photographs I couldn’t help but think I really need to hop on a train and visit sometime later this year.
I really need to go, I haven’t been to the city of lights in years (1998 was my last trip!) so I think after 12 years it is time to travel there again. So much has changed since I was in Paris last — I got married, I moved to Europe, and I finally have a little bit of pocket change to bring home some goodies other than a little metal Eiffel tower and a tee shirt. :) Next time I’m in Paris, I’m visiting Merci — but today, we’ll all visit virtually. Ready?
I love their cafe lined with books, the spools hanging from the ceiling, the sparkly chandeliers (I want a small one in my new bathroom – we’ll see!), and the giant “wig” on the sweet vintage red fiat. What a riot!
Thank you Jillian for sharing your photos with decor8 readers (and me!) today, I’ve loved your take on this pretty shop!
(images: jillian leiboff)
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August 10th, 2010 at 2:16pm
J’aime beaucoup cette boutique,le restaurant est un endroit parfait pour passer un bon moment.
Amicalement,
manon
manon´s last [type] ..Ampholia
August 10th, 2010 at 2:26pm
Its already in my to go list next time I’m in Paris :D really lovely store!
They recently had a partnership with Liberty London which produced some amazing products
Juana @ SweetVisualAids´s last [type] ..Edinburgh- Road Trip
August 10th, 2010 at 2:56pm
Ah, that’s a really nice shop; the next time I’m there, I’m there! I was in Paris a couple of weeks ago and found another really good one. Unfortunately, no matter how nicely I asked they wouldn’t allow me to take photos (I explained that I’m an interior designer/blogger and there were many ‘non, non, non’s') and they also haven’t sent photos like they said they would, which makes me sad because it’s an UNBELIEVABLE shop and I have lots of good things to say. Seriously, next time you’re there, you have to have look see. It’s very close to The Lourve.
http://www.astierdevillatte.com/
Another great shop is Ets Lion at 7 rue des Abbesses – 75018 Paris – (redesigned in 2006 by Interior designer Christophe Delcourt) This is not a self promoting effort, but looking at the pictures will give you an idea of what they sell >> http://livinginaprettyhowtown.blogspot.com/2010/04/little-piece-of-heaven.html
Heather´s last [type] ..A Fashioned Pink
August 10th, 2010 at 3:04pm
The spools on the ceiling is so adorable!! I would love to visit that store…
laura trevey´s last [type] ..Bohemian Flair Coastal Living
August 10th, 2010 at 3:20pm
Ooh I love all those books!
Holly of So Chic Decor´s last [type] ..Friday Photography – Ivy Style
August 10th, 2010 at 3:24pm
Gorgeous shop indeed! The hanging spools and rainbows of color are my favorite. Thank you for sharing!
Kristan´s last [type] ..Fun in the sun
August 10th, 2010 at 3:39pm
Looks absolutely lovely!
Ylva´s last [type] ..Den stora svarta
August 10th, 2010 at 3:41pm
Love everything about this. Need to get to Paris ASAP.
Katherine´s last [type] ..libraries are taking over
August 10th, 2010 at 3:46pm
Oh, I went there when i was in Paris a couple of weeks ago, it’s gorgeous, so much better than i expected..one of my alltime favourite shops!
Lottaxx
Lotta Agaton´s last [type] ..Pinch
August 10th, 2010 at 3:53pm
Oh my goodness, that car! :) I was just through Paris and so sad I didn’t know about this shop. It looks like a place I would have spent hours exploring… On the list for next time!
Caroline
Caroline´s last [type] ..A Posh Pâtisserie
August 10th, 2010 at 4:04pm
Great set up and so many cool things to browse adn buy!
Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas´s last [type] ..Lovely Las Vegas- Happy New Week!
August 10th, 2010 at 4:24pm
Absolutely beautiful.
…someday:).
Torrie @ a place to share…´s last [type] ..a place to share recipes
August 10th, 2010 at 4:57pm
It’s on our itinerary for October…can’t wait! Great photos!
Susan´s last [type] ..quote
August 10th, 2010 at 5:17pm
When I lived in Paris, It was one of my favourite place to shopping or to drink a good cup of tea. It’s a dangerous place! All is beautiful!
Soiz´s last [type] ..Brandi Strickland
August 10th, 2010 at 5:17pm
What a great find! I’ve already printed a sheet off for my travel folder so I won’t forget to check it out the next time I visit Paris. Thanks Holly
August 10th, 2010 at 5:18pm
I need those pillows! and the pantone cups!!! and some of Jillian photos!
I need it all haha
I was just in Paris… Wish I would have known about this place!
Courtney´s last [type] ..Surprise Monday
August 10th, 2010 at 5:48pm
What you should know about Merci–and you might want to add it into your post–is that they donate their profits to a children’s charity in Madagascar. So your purchases actually help people in need. How great is that?
August 10th, 2010 at 5:57pm
Wow! If I ever get the chance to go to Paris, I might need to schedule a day to spend in that store. It looks lovely. I especially enjoy all the color organization. Great images!
Jessie-Lee´s last [type] ..For the Love of Letterpress
August 10th, 2010 at 6:06pm
I love! A trip to Paris sounds amazing! How long is the train ride?
Stephanie Ryan´s last [type] ..Trust
August 10th, 2010 at 6:17pm
Thanks for sharing! I’m definitely gonna pay a visit to this store when I’m going to Paris in october! Can’t wait!
Thank you so much for your lovely post with the pictures of my livingroom! I’m really honoured! :)
Sobinique´s last [type] ..Kees van Dongen
August 10th, 2010 at 6:23pm
Holy Moley. When I was reading the beginning of this post I thought, “Ok, a cute shop in Paris, fun!” Then when I scrolled down my jaw dropped. Wow. Wow. LOVE. Great inspiration (since Paris isn’t in my future anytime soon), love it all, esp the hanging spools. Thank you for showing this!!! The shop is so different from a sweet little boutique. Love it.
Jessica´s last [type] ..just one thing
August 10th, 2010 at 6:35pm
oh yes!!! LOVE merci =D
Nuit´s last [type] ..before & after
August 10th, 2010 at 6:56pm
I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. The Fiat is perfect! Lol. It made me smile, thanks.
Elkie´s last [type] ..Win a Sweet Tote Bag full of Beauty Products!
August 10th, 2010 at 7:08pm
Wow, Merci looks like heaven! How was their price range?
allizon´s last [type] ..We Are Hunted
August 10th, 2010 at 7:14pm
I just visited Merci on my recent trip to Paris and adored it! Bought a few things I will always treasure :) Snapped some photos of it too, they’re on my Flickr page :)
CopyStrands´s last [type] ..Photos From My Trip to Paris- London and Brussels
August 10th, 2010 at 7:19pm
I just visited Merci on a recent trip to Paris. I bought a few things I’ll always treasure. I have a couple photos of the store on my Flickr page too :) It’s even more breathtaking in person.
CopyStrands´s last [type] ..Photos From My Trip to Paris- London and Brussels
August 10th, 2010 at 7:20pm
Oh yes, Paris has been on my list of places to visit for years…one of these days I’ll get there!! I can only imagine how many wonderful stores like this there are!! Such inspiration…wow
Piper´s last [type] ..shake it up – the scoop
August 10th, 2010 at 7:50pm
Wow I’m in love! This shop looks like a place where I could spend hours browsing!
Renee @ eatliveshop.com´s last [type] ..DIY- Sundae Bar
August 10th, 2010 at 8:10pm
Merci beaucoup for the tour! I have’t had the pleasure of visiting the shop but look forward to one of these days.
August 10th, 2010 at 8:31pm
wow, never heard about it…amazing shop…wish i could fly for some hours to france and go shopping in this beautiful and inspiring shop…thanks for sharing…;)…great location and interior design…cheers and hugs…i…
frauheuberg´s last [type] ..The wonderful The Sketchbook Project 2011
August 10th, 2010 at 8:54pm
Oh, so fun to Merci on here today – it’s my favorite shop in the world! It was right next door to the flat we rented in Paris last fall and they are SO nice and let you take a zillion pictures. I have some more here (and history of Merci) if you want to see:
http://bussbuss.com/wp/2009/10/28/merci-the-best-store-ever-oui/
@allizon: The prices really range, which makes it fun. Clothing and acessories are hundreds of dollars, but you can pick up pencils for a few dollars. Everything’s so artfully displayed, but not in a hands-off way. It’s kind of like Anthropologie meets Takashimaya. And their book program is great. You can bring a book and swap for one or purchase used books for a few dollars each. Oh, and the charity thing is absolutely true. Also because of that, exclusive designer goodies are 30-40% off than their normal prices (because Merci donates all of its profits to charity, so they don’t mark up to retail prices, so it’s almost like shopping wholesale!).
Holly, they also have a floral shop in the front that you will love!
August 10th, 2010 at 8:59pm
Looks like a lovely shop… If i was only closer to Paris.
August 10th, 2010 at 9:13pm
Oooh, so HAPPY to have stumbled across this, as we are leaving for Paris on Saturday!! I will definitely be going here — thanks so much! Love, love, love your site!
the Business Yogini´s last [type] ..That Yoga Glow for your Business
August 10th, 2010 at 9:30pm
It looks huge! Love the books in the cafe’, the chandelier’s and the spools hanging. It looks like a very unique place!
Penny Patten´s last [type] ..My Newest Publications
August 10th, 2010 at 9:47pm
Oh, I’ve been there and it is indeed such a gorgous place! Even if you don’t buy anything it is such a great source of inspiration. I could have spent hours in there…It’s definite worth visiting!
Love, Melanie from Dusseldorf, Germany
August 10th, 2010 at 9:49pm
Merci is like a dream! I want to visit it sooo badly now! I love the Pantone mugs, received a purple one as a gift from a vendor recently:)
Interior Design Miami´s last [type] ..If you register your site for free at
August 10th, 2010 at 9:59pm
the shop looks great.. wish i’d known about it when i was in paris last year
hena tayeb´s last [type] ..Where do the days go
August 10th, 2010 at 10:15pm
Really nice shop with really nice decor … been twice now on two separate trips to Paris …. but must say, didn’t buy anything at either trip as everything was on the slightly expensive side … but yes, a bit like a French Anthropologie (another beautiful but expensive shop…)
Mithi´s last [type] ..Planetmithi News
August 10th, 2010 at 10:33pm
The pencils, separated by color, in containers of their respective colors?? I die. Amazing, as is everything else Jillian captured about the space. Thank you for sharing!
Kate [Union Jack Creative]´s last [type] ..Light as a Feather
August 10th, 2010 at 11:16pm
what a lovely, lovely shop! thx for sharing!
August 11th, 2010 at 12:23am
C’est Magnifique!!
August 11th, 2010 at 1:02am
Oh, the dinnerware! So beautiful!
August 11th, 2010 at 1:22am
The car! Amazing!
Penny (Pocket Carnival)´s last [type] ..garden lust
August 11th, 2010 at 2:11am
drools over the books and the homewares! totally in my list to visit if I go to Paris!
August 11th, 2010 at 2:42am
What a wonderful shop!
I would love to visit. I will have to look it up when I am in Paris.
Thank you for sharing :)
Have a wonderful week!
xoxo
Edyta
August 11th, 2010 at 3:52am
I wish I’d know about this when I visited Paris 3 years ago! oh well, I’ll just have to go again! hehe, I must visit this store , it’s adorable!
monica of hola!design´s last [type] ..Piero Corva
August 11th, 2010 at 5:12am
Sigh, sigh, sigh … We were in Paris and had only one day left on our trip. I was determined to visit Merci. Alas, it was ferme!!! I was so heartbroken that I didn’t make it inside. I’ve been dying to visit Merci for several years. Perhaps it was worth canceling our flight back …
August 11th, 2010 at 7:32am
The wig makes me smile. Thank you!
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang´s last [type] ..Clares Day
August 11th, 2010 at 8:51am
This place are great.. all the stuff are adorable,unique and the huge cabinet w/ plenty of books.wow! very interesting to go with…
August 11th, 2010 at 2:29pm
You must go! It is the most amazing store ever!
Every corner i turned in store took my breath away. Gorgeous. And did you know 100% of their profits go to help children and women in Madagasgar? A true charity shop…..so you can can spend lots and feel good at the same time!
the owner of the store (Marie France Cohen) was the founder of the French childrens brand Bonpoint. So much good taste and talent.
Well enjoy it when you get the chance to go (and make sure you have a coffee in their cafe).
Lisa x
August 11th, 2010 at 8:39pm
I love this store, one more reason (as if we needed more…) to go to Paris!! I can’t wait to see it in real life…
Harmoni og Kontrast´s last [type] ..Sykkeltur til Fetsund Lenser
August 11th, 2010 at 10:05pm
Well that’s gone straight on the list of things to do next time I go to Paris! Thanks for posting this!
Katherine´s last [type] ..Nosh at Illegal Jacks
August 11th, 2010 at 11:58pm
this shop is amazing! i would love to visit :)
Gina´s last [type] ..closet break in
August 12th, 2010 at 4:47am
that’s a really nice shop, hope to get a chance to visit there.
August 12th, 2010 at 10:46am
Wow. I go to Paris often but have missed this shop. Looks marvelous. Will put it on my list for the next trip. Your photos are fabulous!
susan J. Smith´s last [type] ..Design Your Life
August 12th, 2010 at 8:19pm
Merci is a great place. More than a shop. I visited it for the first time this year. The books in the photo are second hand books at totally ridiculous prices (like 2€ – books are usually expensive in france). There is a cafe/snack corner.
I made a short post about it earlier this year: http://karineardault.typepad.com/karine_ardault/2010/05/merci-merci.html.html and there is even another short of the cute car which at the time was “wearing” liberty painting!
August 12th, 2010 at 8:46pm
I meant shot, sorry for the typo, Holly.
Karine Ardault´s last [type] ..Its ok
August 15th, 2010 at 12:47am
Love it!!!!! Would love to mooch in here!!!!
Becs´s last [type] ..Apron Fun
August 15th, 2010 at 12:05pm
I’m so glad that everyone has responded so enthusiastically about this place — makes me want to go even more now!
September 9th, 2010 at 1:58am
adorable :)
May 2nd, 2013 at 9:52pm
Love this post about Merci in Paris! I have a mid-May trip planned with my dear mom who is visiting us here in Germany so in between hunting down some awesome vintage finds and snapping pictures in front of the Eifel Tower, we will have to find this store. Thanks for sharing! :) ~Molly