Georges & Co.

In these days of electronic correspondence, Georges & Co. has taken up the task of putting the fun, imagination and artistry back into all things handwritten. The lustrous shop on the boutique-lined rue du Bac is devoted to the highest-quality contemporary materials manufactured in France and Europe for correspondence, diary-keeping, calligraphy, announcements, invitations and anything else that involves writing by hand. Smartly arranged in sections, there’s an “ink bar” with refillable bottles in a rainbow of colors, a section for deluxe leather goods—notebooks, diaries, agendas, address books—and a rotating carrousel à stylos modeled on a sushi bar, with a tempting array of pens, along with high-end fountain and ballpoint models in stainless steel and precious metals. One small room is dedicated to elegant paper and envelopes in various weights and colors.

If you draw the line at handwriting your own invitations, Georgette the writing machine will do it for you. With 13 handwriting styles and a range of papers and envelopes to choose from, personalized announcements can be ready in 48 hours. If it’s customized stationery you’re after, manager Delphine Mercier or a knowledgeable staff member will guide you through a vast collection of styles for something just right—ready in five days, shipping available. Luxurious small leather goods can be custom-made in 40 different colors and leathers, including goatskin, glove leather and reptile, for superlative gifts.

Upstairs, kids can test their first fountain pen or peruse a library of calligraphy and origami books or explore calligraphy-inspired games from all over the world, like Le Mystère du Chevalier, complete with quill pen, ink and coat-of-arms emblazoned parchment. Calligraphy and origami ateliers are available for children and adults—a full schedule is on the website.

90 rue du Bac, 7th, 09.81.32.33.74. website

Originally published in the February 2012 issue of France Today