French Touche

Bags adorn the walls, trinkets sit atop small wooden shelves, and lamps are dotted around the room – French Touche is a shop where one could happily rummage for hours. Nestled in the heart of the 17th arrondissement for the past decade, this 'gallery of touching objects' is one of the first concept stores in the capital (alongside the prestigious and expensive Colette). Dreamed up by the lovely Valérie, it's teeming with original creations: from retro knitted cat badges (Severina Kids) to Beatles patches and micro-notebook keychains. 'I try to choose products from designers who aren’t widely known and for whom I have a true passion. Like these hand-painted ceramics by Maud Salançon,' says Valérie. At the back of the store is a pleasing selection of clothing, boots and crockery which unearthed from antique stores. 'And vinyl is coming soon,' she adds enthusiastically. We'll be back.