I love Montpellier. It’s vibrant; it’s bustling and very alive! Montpellier has more to offer than history, restaurants and museums alone though. Every time I visit the medieval city centre, I lose myself in a labyrinth of little streets. This is how I discovered so many great shops and boutiques. Let me take you across the city for 10 of my favourites. I would love to hear about yours! 🙂
1. Have a Nice Day – 5 rue du Plan du Palais
As I usually park my car in the Arc de Triomphe parking lot, my first stop is at one of my favourite clothing shops: Have a Nice Day. It sells clothing from some fine brands like Vanessa Seward, Des Petits Hauts, APC and Stepart. Together with lovely jewellery and accessories, Have a Nice Day is the kind of shop I always have to take a peek inside when I’m in the neighbourhood. Plus they have a big collection of Patricia Blanchet’s cool boots and shoes! That alone is a perfectly legitimate reason to go.
2. Metropolitan – 30 rue Foch
This a great shop if you’re into home decoration. Metropolitan is a concept store with small furniture, lighting, accessories and tableware, representing a great deal of French and international brands. They like to change the look and feel of their store quite often, following the seasons and they’re always right on trend. I always find nice gifts here, for men, women and the little ones.
3. Pomme de Reinette & Pomme d’Api – 33 rue de l’Aiguillerie
Every time I step into the magic world of Pomme de Reinette, I feel like I’m a child again. This store is jam-packed from top to bottom with the most desirable toys. Whether you’re looking for a trip down memory lane or an original gift, I’m sure you’ll find something that strikes your fancy. Dolls, tin toys, board games, musical boxes, teddy bears, wooden toys, cards and all in between, you won’t be able to tear yourself away. A definite must-go and a shop you won’t forget!
4. Images de Demain – 10 rue de la Vieille
If you’re looking for a postcard, Images de Demain is the place to go. Even if you’re not looking for a postcard, you should go. This is not your ordinary postcard shop; this is an entire alley covered with hundreds (thousands?) of cards. Located between rue de la Loge and rue Saint-Guilhem there is something for everyone: funny cards, artistic cards, quote cards, cards with movie stars, anniversary-of-any-kind cards, and more, much more. Enjoy your roam around!
5. 500 Degrés – 14 rue en Gondeau
Upon meeting the lovely Alysson Lake, owner of the ceramic shop 500 Degrés, I am introduced into the wonder world of clay. She and her partner Laurent create the most beautiful and brightly coloured tableware and other products for the home. If you want to test before buying, you can do so at several restaurants in Montpellier. Anga, Comme un Dimanche sous le Figuier, le Bistrot Urbain, Pimpon and Coldrip are all fans of 500 Degrés.
6. Etat d’Ame – 7 & 12 rue en Gondeau
Take your time when visiting Etat d’Ame. This happy shop sells all kinds of vintage-inspired products you need (and don’t need). A fair bit of their products and clothing are made of reused materials and produced sustainably. Like the fantastic bags and pillows by the brand CSAO, which are created by West African craftsmen and women. Their products are handmade and traditionally embroidered. By supporting CSAO, you are also supporting 50 women that keep this tradition alive.
7. Maison Emilienne – 17 rue du Petit Saint-Jean
Timeless elegance combined with simple and natural materials create the interior decoration shop Maison Emilienne’s signature bohemian style. It’s great to pop by for a dose of inspiration. The owners Vincent and Lorène are both interior designers, and their collection is brought together with heart. Be warned: all of their products are highly desirable!
8. Les Petits Papiers de Flo – 9 rue de Vallat
You can feel the love and inspiration flowing through stationery store Les Petits Papiers de Flo. You won’t find mass-production here, as every object is created by hand. From the beautifully designed notebooks to the original jewellery, each and every object, created with care, is one of a kind. Happy objects to make people see the world through rose coloured glasses.
9. Oxygen – 13 rue de l’Ancien Courrier
Looking for an original gift with a twist? Look no further! Oxygen is the shop if you’re looking for the coolest gadgets and funniest presents for all budgets. I also love the big mural behind the counter, created by famous Montpelliéraine graffiti artist Koralie (who you might know from her pieces at Marché du Lez, another cool place in Montpellier).
10. Le Petit Souk – 20 rue de l’Ancien Courrier
A merry bazaar with a great selection of kid’s stuff, that’s what you’ll find when entering Le Petit Souk. I love their original collection, from bright melamine tableware and colourful kids linen to animal-shaped rugs and retro-looking clothing. Even though our kids aren’t that small anymore, I still stop by regularly and leave the shop with a little something and a big smile.
