Franck et Fils

Imagine Galeries Lafayette without the crowds, Bon Marché without the attitude, Colette without the noise and you’ve got Franck et Fils. One of Paris’s best kept secrets, this little gem of a department store is also one of the city’s oldest. When Emma Franck first opened her mercerie, or notions shop, in 1897, her selection of beautiful fabrics, elegant ribbons and original hats—and her one-day sales, very innovative for the time—made it a go-to spot for elegant Parisiennes. The little boutique quickly grew to become one of the first department stores solely dedicated to women. After World War I, Madame Franck moved to the larger premises still in use today. The elegant building is small enough to peruse in an hour or two, and the sweeping central staircase, plush dove-colored carpets and choice selection of designer goods, along with exclusive French labels for things like cashmere and gloves and a smashing jewelry collection, make it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon’s shopping. A lovely tearoom serves pastry delights from La Grande Epicerie in the big Bon Marché department store on the Left Bank (Franck et Fils is now owned by the Bon Marché Group). While there is not the sheer quantity found in other department stores, in fact a large part of the appeal is that the selection has been astutely narrowed down. The salespeople actually seem eager to help, and the store is still known for its limited sales outside of the usual sale periods.

80 rue de Passy, 16th, 01.44.14.38.00. website

Originally published in the January 2012 issue of France Today