I’m happy to be able to share a fresh new shop tour today on decor8, this time in Paris, and the store is called Merci shot by fabulous Australian photographer Jillian Leiboff. If you’ve ever needed shop suggestions for Paris it’s quite likely that Merci was suggested to you as an absolute go-to source for all things interior-related. As you scroll down, you’ll soon see that Merci is a gem, the Liberty of Paris or so I’ve been told. But first, a little Merci history… Lots of us suggest is to friends but do you know much about it? I did some research and discovered that there is much more than beautiful things in a gorgeous environment, Merci has a beating heart – it’s a store with a story and a soul.
Marie-France Cohen (who is sister of the late Annick Goutal from the prestigious perfume brand of the same name) developed concept shop Merci in 2009 after the success of her lovely children’s brand called Bonpoint which has been around for over thirty years. In her sixties now, Ms. Cohen could have decided to keep everything comfortable after selling Bonpoint but instead, she decided to play a game of chance and open up shop again – only this time, a totally new concept and Merci was born
Merci has a cafe with walls of books to browse as you eat (you can buy them for between €3-10 each), a cafeteria, fresh flowers, clothing and lots of interiors accessories, furnishings and lighting. Merci is flooded with light, 1,500 square meters in size (around 15,000 square feet) with 10 meter high ceilings and loaded with inspiration at every turn. What makes Merci and shopping there even more special, in addition to the obvious beauty and selection, is that it is the only store where 100% of the joint profits are donated through a foundation to associations that help women and children in Madagascar, a country in which Merci and Marie-France Cohen has developed a special alliance.
Merci also works regularly with brands like Isabel Marant, Azzaro, Stella McCartney, Kris Van Assche, Paul Smith and others to create a unique piece to be sold there 30-40% less than in their shops.
A mix of old, new and commissioned work, Merci (“thank you” in French), is definitely on the top of my must-see list when I’m in Paris next month. When my friend, photographer Jillian Leiboff, was there recently on vacation, she photographed the store and so all of these pictures shown were shot by her to share on decor8 and I’m so grateful for her lovely work – thank you Jillian!
Isn’t Merci just grand!? What are your favorite must-see shops and restaurants in Paris so I can visit some of them?
Merci is located at: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, Tel: 01 42 77 00 33, Métro station: Saint Sébastien-Froissart.
More beautiful photos of Merci (the store changes constantly so it looks a little different now as the photos above show.)
(images: jillian leiboff)
August 8th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
IN- CREDIBLE. I am dying to go to Paris again, it has been so long. I can’t wait to go and check out all of the beautiful shops I have learned about over the years via you and others. sigh…. Thanks for sharing this beautiful place hun!
xo
Melis
August 8th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
This is an amazing post! So informative and fun!
Loved reading it.
Have a great day.
xo
August 8th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
I could spend and entire week in this space! Amazing~
August 8th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
How did you know I was looking for suggestions on places to visit in Paris? LOL…I was thrilled when I read your post this morning. Merci is now on my list!
August 8th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
If I could I would jump in the train right now to go there. It looks amazing. I am in love with Paris, it is my favorite city next to Venice. Next time I plan to go to Le petit atelier de Paris ( http://www.lepetitatelierdeparis.com ). I also love BonTon, Agnes B, La Grande Epicerie at Le Bon Marché, La Durée, Fauchon, Muji, and I can go on and on… If you are a meat lover, do visit Boucherie Rouliere in the Rue des Canettes (St Germain).
x Iris
August 8th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
I just love shops like this, they are the kind of shops that you go into and you feel like you are home, or at least what you would like your home to feel like. I could spend quite alot of time just wondering around a shop like this.
August 8th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Amazing shop/cafe/bookshop! Definatly on the list for the next visit to Paris!x
August 8th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
What a gorgeous store, great photography by the way
August 8th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
They also own Grazie an italian pizzeria on the same boulevard and “Merci cinéma café” both spots are great ! You have to stop by Cire Trudon a famous candle shops, the shop is gorgeous and the candles divine :)
Here’s a very nice site with lots of nice places around the world including Paris : http://www.hipshops.com/
August 8th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
It´s beautiful – wish I could go there right now! :-)
August 8th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Definitely place to visit and one more reason to go to Paris!
Thanks for the tour, it was a dream!
August 8th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
hello Holly,
I’m leaving for Paris this wednesday, and I’m thrilled to go to Merci for the first time!
I second the choices of this page: http://www.hipshops.com/paris – really great selection.
Here are some personal favorites:
Muji (as said before, preferably the St-Sulpice one)
Merci of course
Fragonard on Boulevard St-Germain (perfumes, fragrant candles, ceramics, home wares)
Florame ( deluxe organic cosmetics) – near place de l’Odéon
Kusmi Tea – beautiful Art Nouveau tins and wonderful tea!
Le petit Atelier de Paris – 31, rue de Montmorency
L’éclaireur 40, rue de Sévigné – this Sévigné street is a great place for shopping!
another great spot for high-quality tea: Mariage Frères, I love their 30, rue du Bourg Tibourg spot.
Médecine douce for nice and affordable jewelry: 10 rue de Marseille.
if you like Asian style ceramics and home ware on the very cheap (but good restaurant-like quality) go to Eurotra, 119, Boulevard Richard-Lenoir. They have a great choice for great prices! Their wares are usually made for restaurants, but they alos sell to you and I. My secret Paris address! ;-)
Enjoy your stay in Paris!
-Vic from TeaButterfly
August 8th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Oh my goodness what great place! Love the wide plank floors and old chandeliers. And what a worthy cause, the shop’s generous charitable giving to the women and children of Madagascar. Having lived there for 7 years during my youth I have a fond connection to that wonderful special island.
August 8th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Yes Merci – c’est tres joli…merci! I would LOVE to see you do a post on La Mere de Famille but also understand it may not come under your auspices of decor as it is a sweet store but SO beautiful….maybe you’ll consider it?
http://www.lameredefamille.com
August 8th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
hello again!
more details, and useful links on my blog: http://teabutterfly.blogspot.com/2011/08/small-guide-to-paris.html
-Vic from TeaButterfly
August 8th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
MERCI is my favorite shop in Paris… I was there last week and have made some pictures there just now showing on my blog.. together with more impressions + the beautiful pictures of my travel companion Photographer Marjon Hoogervorst made at Grazie! Restaurant of the son of Marie Cohen.. they also own another restaurant called Pizza chic in 13 rue Meziers ;)
I also bought some great goodies all with the MERCI theme ;)
And for those who are interested.. lots of great shops in my Paris list!
Desiree
August 8th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Ahh Holly, I wish I had known about this when I went to Paris last week :) It looks a gorgeous shop. Will definitely go on my next trip. I visited a few lovely places (some you probably know already!) – Laduree and Pierre Herme for macaron, Angelinas for Mont Blanc (Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel used to visit!), Coutume Cafe for gorgeous coffee, Sandro (lovely clothes), Jacques Genin for patisserie and yum chocolates, Mélodies Graphiques for pretty stationary and calligraphy, Berthillon ice cream, ooh and I loved the Musée D’Orsay, beautiful Impressionist paintings..I could go on and on!!! xxxx
August 8th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
I want those chairs.
sécia
August 8th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
J’adore Paris!!!
August 8th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
good lordy, I think I just died and went to Merci!
Thankyou for sharing!
<3
August 8th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Since we are at Merci, I want to say Merci to You for the problogger podcast, Ive listened it today onces again, more carefully, I have even done some little notes:) it so inspiring! but also funny like when you talk about about your book calling it a future project…:)
August 9th, 2011 at 2:48 am
This is so absolutely perfect!
August 9th, 2011 at 3:27 am
Wow, what a beautiful concept and a beautiful store. I was so intrigued with the name that I looked over this post several times. How inspiring Ms. Cohen is! I am such a francophile but sadly have not had the opportunity to travel to Paris. Hopefully in the next few years! “Merci” is definitely being added to my “must see” list as well. Please share more about this fabulous store when you visit next month!
Also, I have been remiss in not offering my own “merci” to you for about one month now! I read your book from beginning to end on a long car trip (round trip) recently. I was so inspired, I made huge changes in my home. Just by creating a new “nook” to play games and do a craft, my kids are so happy. I love what you shared about having plenty of comfortable places to sit, and the lay out of each room, how it should work. I took so many fantastic tips, I find myself referring to the book again and again. By the way, my 9 year old daughter has really enjoyed looking at it too! She is an aspiring “redoux” apprentice.
Merci, merci, merci for your fantastic blog. -K
August 9th, 2011 at 3:36 am
I love to see and read those shop tour, especially the inspiring one like Merci. It really give me different experience and realize that so many creative shops and people around the world. Thank you for sharing Holly. Those are beautiful images.
August 9th, 2011 at 3:43 am
Oh my…I want to go so badly! I wish there was someplace like Merci in my area– inspiring, gorgeous, and even with a decent social conscientiousness. I guess I’ll just dream.
August 9th, 2011 at 5:42 am
Oh. My.
WOW I am DEFINITELY feeling inspired, what a beautiful space, with such a cross-mix of styles! FABULOUS!!
:) Hazel
August 9th, 2011 at 8:38 am
Great photos !! This place is indeed marvellous :)
When in Paris, check out Le Cent Quatre (www.104.fr), an artistic center ; Deyrolle (www.deyrolle.com) ; La Bellevilloise (www.labellevilloise.com) which is both a restaurant and a place for exhibitions, concerts, etc. For food, La Grande Epicerie of Le Bon Marché is the best. You can find really nice shops around rue Keller (www.loulouaddict.com) and rue de Charonne in the 11th district. The area of Aligre is also very nice with its market and Italian cafés & restaurants.
August 9th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Wow! What a great place! I want to go to Paris now. :o) I love the heavy black chandelier, the Tolix stools and the cute white vase with flowers on. The rest is just as inspiring!
August 9th, 2011 at 9:17 am
Hello!
I am a Belgian but the last time I went to Paris, I discovered 2 new shops that you could love :
- Rose Bunker: http://www.rose-bunker.fr/ (vintage, recycled,…)
- Paperdolls: http://www.paperdolls.fr/ (clothes, jewelry, bags,… from young fashion designers)
(sorry for my bad English speaking…)
August 9th, 2011 at 10:06 am
Really cool and interesting! oh Paris! :)<3
August 9th, 2011 at 11:48 am
Merci is one of the most inspiring and amazing shops evar! I wanna live there :)
August 9th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
I went to this shop a couple of months ago and LOVED it. I could have stayed there all day! What an amazing place :)
August 9th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@Karen – How wonderful, I love that you read the book and applied some of the suggestions from Joanna and I – your nook sounds fab!!!
August 9th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Kaam – Oh how nice, I love that interview that Darren did with me over at Problogger – he is a great guy and that was a fun interview for sure.
August 9th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
My favorite store in Paris, and thank you for sharing it’s rich history!
August 9th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
I hope you tasted their Pistachio cake, it’s so good :D
August 9th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
Yes, it’s lovely!
I sooo wish I could explore it myself!
August 9th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Lovely photography, as always… aww. what a beautiful car,, Mercii.. :)
August 10th, 2011 at 9:32 am
I love the pic with the chairs, they are like 6 different persons.:)
August 10th, 2011 at 10:46 am
As already mentioned in other comments, you should not miss, le Petit Atelier de Paris (for ceramics), get some tea at one of the Mariage Frères “salon de thé”, pay a visit to Pierre Marcolini shop for Chocolates (for the best chocolate ever, from Belgium), do not miss the flea market of Saint Ouen, and also have a look at the “Grands Magasins” my favourite being Le Printemps, le Bon Marché and les Galleries Lafayettes, with amazing displays and architecture (glass roof, terraces …), you can also visit Colette with is a concept store (a la Merci style).
I would also recommend you to have lunch in the magnificent restaurant of the Quai d’Orsay museum (azzling chandeliers, painted and gilded ceilings).
August 10th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
What a draw to a Paris shopaholic like me! “Merci” is a must visit on my next trip to Paris.
Very creative!
August 11th, 2011 at 10:09 am
I’ve been to this shop once and I loved it! I could spend an entire day in it I guess!
Lise
August 11th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Beautiful, beautiful photos!
I am a tad confused though. Hasn’t MERCI been open for over a year? I’ve seen it on many Paris to-visit lists. (Maybe I see them because I love all things French and read as many French blogs as possible.)
However, I have to say these photos are THE prettiest photos I’ve seen of the store.
August 11th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
I love it! I wish they’d ship to the US!
August 12th, 2011 at 12:56 am
@Sunny – Yes but the store changes constantly and these photos were taken by a friend of mine who did such a lovely job on them – I don’t care if it’s been open 20 years, I simply like to share really good things that I don’t think my readers should miss. Lots of people who aren’t combing French blogs wouldn’t necessarily know about Merci.
August 12th, 2011 at 2:11 am
Sigh. This is gorge and makes me long to walk the streets of Paris again just so I can come upon some hidden gem of a shop like this. While there, of course visit LaDuree for tea and macaroons and for the best pizza this side of heaven, visit Maria Luisa’s Pizzeria Napolitano at 2 Rue Marie et Louise in the canal district. It is amazing. I have dreams about that pizza. Also, the original Cosi (not the American chain) at 54 Rue de Seine has sandwiches to die for. It’s a hole in the wall so don’t let it fool you. Simple but delicious and homemade and very reasonably priced. Lastly, go to Tour Montparnasse bar for an unobstructed view of the Tour Eiffel and the city. Go just before sunset and snag a window seat so you can watch the Eiffel light up and sparkle. One of the only places to view the city from a bird’s eye view AND have the Eiffel in the view. Lastly, cheese worthy though it was, highly recommend the sunset champagne cruise on the Seine. Dock across from the Eiffel on the Carousel side. You get to sample and hear how some of the best Champagnes are made while seeing the sites (like Notre Dame) from the River. Have a grand time!
August 12th, 2011 at 2:13 am
Oh, the Bastille Market on Sunday mornings is fabulous! Just off the Bastille Square, it runs til about 2pm I believe. Don’t miss it!
August 14th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
love this store!! they just opened a summer location in Trouville and I always have to go when I pass through during my summers there!
August 15th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
I spent a month in Paris this past June and just LOVED Merci. The store has a wonderful assortment of housewares, such as kitchen towels that are on a roll and are perforated-just tear one offf when you need it, and they’re reusable and washable! The cafe is wonderful, it was my hangout for afternoon tea during my last 2 weeks in the city. Be aware that it is VERY POPULAR on weekends-go during the week if you can. Just very charming overall & the shopping is top-notch!