Paris Shopping: Sept Cinq Boutique in South Pigalle

This new store embodies a lot of what makes shopping in the capital so much fun: uniqueness and charm in a quintessentially Parisian neighbourhood, South Pigalle, that’s ripe for discovery. Sept Cinq was founded in late 2012 by Audrey Gallier and Lorna Moquet, two young Parisians who are passionate about the artisanal tradition that’s alive and well in the city. A concept store in the best sense of the term –that is, with a strong theme and focused more upon substance than surface – the boutique’s hand-picked jewellery, accessories, housewares and artwork are actually wearable, usable, loveable and, in some cases, edible.

The idea behind the shop – named after sept-cinq, the first two numbers of the Paris postal code – was to assemble the handiwork of little-known designers, artisans and artists working in the city, to offer them an outlet and perhaps an introduction. During the store’s evolution, wares from certain pedigree designers have been added, including Inès de la Fressange’s dreamy scented candles.

However, most non-natives won’t be familiar with labels like Chic Sick Chic’s whimsical jewellery, Bobbies’ fabulous (and well-priced) handmade ankle boots, ballerina flats and moccasins in sturdy-yet-soft leathers, or Snood’s jaunty silk scarves in colours and patterns so pretty and versatile that you’ll wear them every day.

There’s plenty to covet in an atmosphere that’s super chic but also warm and hospitable. Take the central bar, where customers are encouraged to cosy up for an artisanal soda – made in Paris, of course – or a rich chocolat chaud, the house specialty. An adorable salon de thé consists of a few comfy chairs and tables in the back, where customers are encouraged to relax for a chat over some local goodies.

Compact as it is, the store also carries stationery and books, irresistible nail lacquers, delicate ‘everyday’ jewellery, bags, small leather goods, housewares and men’s accessories, while still feeling airy and spacious. The boutique’s location is a perfect start-off point to explore the myriad of shops and cafés on Notre-Dame de Lorette and Rue de la Monnaie, then the treasure-laden Rue des Martyrs and up to Montmartre or down towards the church of Notre-Dame de Lorette itself.

Sept Cinq, 54 rue Notre-Dame de Lorette, Paris 9th, Tel: +33 9 83 55 05 95

From France Today magazine