Thrift Shopping in Paris: A Guide From A Second-Hand Shop Addict

When my friend Cesar told me he’d be dancing in Paris at the start of December, I immediately booked a train ticket to see him.

Not only would I get the chance to see one of my most inspiring friends, but I’d also get to revisit all the Parisian thrift shops I had fallen so hard for a few years back.

Ever since I have memory, my mom and I have been thrift shop addicts. Back when I was in high school and we were living in Florida, she’d pop her head into my room and be like, hey, so… do you wanna go… thrift shopping?.

It was sort of a bi-weekly thing, and the answer to the question was always yes. In fact, back then, I honed my skills as an expert thrift-shopper and built a sort of successful side-hustle re-selling my finds on eBay.

I think more than the actual side of buying things, I love rummaging through a million items, knowing there’s a treasure lying around somewhere that I’ll get to if I just keep digging.

And so, back in 2016, when we found ourselves on a mother and daughter trip to Paris, we immediately knew we had to go thrift shop hunting around one of the world’s fashion capitals. “How times had changed, from the Goodwill in Florida to chic second-hand shops in Paris” we chuckled, as Drake’s Started From the Bottom played silently in our heads.

Getting the chance to revisit all these gems was one of the many highlights of my weekend getaway to Paris, and so, I decided it was time to share with you my go-to spots for thrift shopping in Paris!

My favorite second-hand shops in Paris:

 

FREE’P’STAR

If I had to choose my favorite thrift shop in Paris, it’d definitely be this one. You’ll want to allow at least an hour to visit this eccentric second-hand clothes shop perched at Rue de la Verrerie because it lacks organization and you’ll find yourself rummaging through thousands of items. From trendy clothes to designer names and even authentic vintage coats from the 20’s, you’ll find it all here.

Pro tip: Check out the bulk of clothes in front of the left window, it’s not super advertised, but everything there is 1 euro! You’ll have to browse around, but I’ve scored coats and some pretty cool jackets there.

Trust me, you won’t leave this thrift store empty-handed and, if you’re anything like me, you might get a mini heart-attack while browsing around the store.

Address: 61 Rue de la Verrerie

 

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Kilo Shop

Conveniently located right in front of FREE’P’STAR for your thrift-shopping spree pleasure, Kilo Shop is another favorite Parisian friperie of mine.

Every clothing item comes with a color tag (red, green, blue, and orange), which signifies a price. At checkout, you’ll weigh your items and pay for the weight.

Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip! As always, I recommend Safety Wing to cover you. I’ve been using them for years and always had a great experience and prices start at $45 USD per month. Check them out here.

Kilo shop is also grouped with its sister concept thrift store, Kilo Shop Kawaii, which is set in the same street and my go-to place for all things weird and wonderful.

Address: 69-71 Rue de la Verrerie

 

Vintage 77

If you love all things old and vintage, you’ll find them here!

Aside from their stroke-inducing array of vintage finds from way back when you’ll also find newer designer shoes and clothing for unbelievable prices.

Address: 77 Rue de Ménilmontant

 

Chine Machine

Chine Machine is as eccentric as it gets, from fur knee-high boots to vintage fringed jackets and unique tunics, you’ll find them all here for ridiculously low prices. You’ll be able to score dresses for as low as €4 and leather bags for just €7. They do also carry designer clothing and accessories.

Oh, and you’ll get to browse around while New Wave music fills the air. If that isn’t enough to convince you to pay Chine Machine a visit, there’s a chance you might be a little bit dead inside.

Address: 10 Rue des Petites Écuries

→ If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip, I highly recommend Safety Wing.

And there you have it! Seriously, if you’re looking to do something away from the typical touristic trail, thrift shopping in Paris is definitely a must!

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