Paris is the kind of place where you can’t help picking up a this or a that when you’re out walking (say, a sweet vintage book from a bouquiniste or a coffret of macarons in the new-season flavours). So it pays to have a bag on hand that comes packed with some handy extra space. And luckily, some of the best shoppers in town are as pretty as they are practical …
Kasia Dietz Code Postal Bag
Proclaim your love for your favourite arrondissement with this chic hand-painted tote. Any Parisian postcode can be ordered.
See Kasia Dietz for details.
Vanessa Bruno Cabas Tote Bag
A wardrobe staple for many Parisiennes, this long-popular sequin-trimmed design comes in a variety of sizes, as well as an ever-changing array of season-perfect shades.
Vanessa Bruno, 100 Rue Vieille du Temple 75004
Longchamp Le Pliage
The foldable nylon bag couldn’t be more perfect for travel. Bonus: it’s available in both classic and bright colours.
Longchamp, 271 Rue Saint-Honoré 75001
Filt Market Bag
The must-have market shopper, this classic French bag will stretch to fit all your apples and leeks, and a bunch of peonies, too.
Available widely online, and in gift stores.
A Basket à la Birkin
Yes, Jane Birkin did have a fancy Hermès bag named for her … but she also loved toting a simple basket around Saint-Germain. Find a selection of similar styles at une droguerie (hardware store), such as these two on the left bank: Droguerie Paris, 24 Rue des Patriarches 75005, and Cherche-Midi Droguerie, 58 Rue du Cherche-Midi 75006.
