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Aallard
In 1930, Armando Allard put this tony shop on the map by creating the first modern ski pant. Three generations later it’s still a family-run affair with grandson Antoine helming the company, which now sells creamy cashmere sweaters, chic puffer jackets and cool Italian snow boots.
Adelline
Beautiful modern fine jewelry can be found in this tiny shop on the Left Bank. Think of this as a French version of Fragments. The collection contains thin gold circles with stones and delicate, Calderesque earrings.
Ailleurs
Alain Vagh
The village of Salernes is renowned for its terracotta hexagonal-shaped tiles, but Alain Vagh brings them into the realm of high art with his wacky creations that range from a life-size ceramic Harley Davidson to more easily transportable earthenware and bold colored jewelry.
Albert Arts
One of the visionaries behind great 20th century men’s clothing is back with an even more refined version of tailored perfection. Albert Goldberg, who grew his family’s company into the well-known Façonnable brand and then sold it to Nordstrom’s for $170 million in 2000, opened his dream shop in Nice. It’s at once a return to the tailor of old and a new interpretation of the boutique as a gallery, where good taste is made to measure. A connoisseur of materials and styles, Albert Goldberg considers his latest men’s haberdashery his most refined.
Alexandra Sojfer
Selling nothing but handmade umbrellas and parasols since 1834, this shop is still in business probably because of their attention to detail and passion for this particular accessory. You can find dainty women’s umbrellas in bright pink, violet, emerald green, all with contrasting trims as well as wooden-handled men’s versions and elegant walking canes suitable to become family heirlooms. A great source for gifts for people who have everything; these umbrellas are recognizable to those in the know, so it’s you’re access to a secret club as well as a way to stay dry.
Alexis Mabille
Lyon-born designer Alexis Mabille has described his aesthetic as "bourgeois with a twist.” Check out his glamorous designs in his appropriately theatrical Galerie Vivienne boutique, which is decked out with art deco-style mirrors.
Andrew GN
Annie Traiteur
Tucked behind Calvi’s beautiful church of Sainte-Marie, this gourmet treasure trove carries Corsican specialties. Best of all, many of the olive oils, tapenades, jams and liqueurs come in small sizes, making this a great spot for stocking up on gifts before you return home. There’s a large counter with fresh-made picnic food, like quiches, roasted vegetables, cheeses and antipasta. Annie also has an extensive selection of wines, especially from the acclaimed, nearby Patrimonio appellation.
Antoinette Poisson
APOIL Cashmere
APOIL is a new luxury cashmere brand. All products are made in Nepal with 100 percent cashmere, as well as raccoon and yak.
Archimede
Children’s clothing from a Belgian company that makes well-made classic lines. They also developed the “buoyancy” and built-in diaper swimsuits so if you have babies or toddlers that don’t swim, here’s the spot to find them suits. Many of their clothes have extra UV protection but with a traditional French kind of sensibility. Think nautical stripes and pastel colors, instead of fluorescent pink and yellow sun shirts.
Arpin
The Arpin family has long been known for their beautiful woven wool textiles, including blankets, upholstery, pillows and clothing. The charming Arpin shop is located at the entrance to the meandering Rue des Moulins and should not be missed, whether you're looking to outfit your chalet or après ski ensemble.
Assouline
The flagship bookstore of stylish French publishing house, Assouline, where you can find all of their titles on display. Seductive coffee table books on art, fashion, travel and lifestyle topics line the walls and are stacked on tables in a room that feels like a modern men’s club library. Many of their series come in creative boxed sets, perfect for hostess gifts. Their line of candles, called Leather, Wood and Books, were designed by Diptyque, but have less wide distribution than those in the Diptyque own line so have become a kind of cult favorite among scent snobs.
Atelier Rondini
The original St.-Tropez sandal shop, which still makes the classic that fashion icons such as Jackie O. and Brigitte Bardot popularized. They make classic styles with pure lines in many kinds of leather, including cow, goat, calf, crocodile and snake. Python is especially popular. You can see the workmen creating the handmade shoes in the back workroom
Au Comptoir des Saveurs
Au Petit Bazaar
As one of the most visited towns on Corsica, Bonifacio has a lot of touristy shops that you can skip but head to Au Petit Bazaar for beautifully made home accents and accessories, most of which are designed and made in France. Great gifts that pack easily to bring back home: Corsican tea towels; light-cotton pareos and resin necklaces in eye-popping colors.
Aux Petits Gourmands
This sleek pastry shop, chocolaterie and café serves myriad treats but is most famous for its 4810 chocolates. These confections are shaped in the form of the famed Mont Blanc and named for its elevation (in meters).
Bailladran
This is the place for the city’s classic cannelés – the festive-looking little pastry cake that’s caramelized on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The classics are sold in sets of eight. This shop, with its recognizable red interiors, carries a large variety. They make great gifts.
Bäumer Vendôme
Beaupassage
Benneton Graveur
Exquisite engraved stationery and writing cards with wonderful animals and deeply memorable colors sold out of a historic spot on the Right Bank, where the wooden drawers have held dyes for dozens of A-listers who have ordered their note cards here.
Bernard Orcel
Located across the street from the pharmacy on Rue de Rocher, this chic boutique sells haute ski fashion such as Bogner, Celine and Ralph Lauren RLX.
Big Boss
Yes, the name is a little cheesy, but the sleek, sexy styles that Big Boss sells are anything but. A stark, white color palette and floor-to-ceiling mirrors compliment the trendy and extensive selection of international brands sold here, which include Alexander Wang and Balmain.
Biologique Recherche
Biologique Recherche Rive Gauche
Blanc d’Ivoire
Monic Fischer has updated Provençal chic from the Pierre Frey model to a much more subtle and modern palette with pretty boutis (quilts) and fabrics, wooden trays, painted wooden furniture, armoires in intriguing shapes and all of the accessories for your south of France fantasy house. The rooms are set up like those in a house, and it’s tempting to want to buy them complete. In the children’s section of the gorgeous shop you will find clothes that evoke sunny days in the country just as they should be in childhood for ages 0 to 14.