Shopping in Bastille

Encompassing more than 80m2 of floorspace, Violette and Co doesn’t sell books for the sheer pleasure of reading, but for a more militant purpose: all the works on offer promote causes to do with women and homosexuality. There are books about rape (including 'Rape as a weapon of war' by Vanessa Fargnoli), on homophobia ('Letter to a straight friend’ by Paula Dumont), on adoption, religion, gender relations and even deportation...

Retro motifs, English flourishes, Japanese ornaments and bright colours abound in this boutique, which specialises in home décor and accessories for children (especially girls) and their mothers. This is the place to invest in a mini 2CV in lacquered wood by Vilac (€12.50), a crocheted doll by Anne-Claire Petit (€30-€55) or an irresistible American style lunchbox (from €13.50)...

This is one of Time Out's top 50 things to do in Paris this summer. Click here to see the full list. The Marché Beauvau-Aligre is one of the oldest covered markets in Paris, its bustling stalls groaning with charcuterie, foie gras and other treats. Outside in the Rue d’Aligre, Tuesday through Sunday mornings, there’s a riotous fruit, veg and flower market famous for its vocal vendors...

There are two reasons to walk down passage Josset in the 12th: it’s quaint and off the beaten track; and it’s home to Les Fleurs, a girly boutique extraordinaire that drips with funky jewellery, bags, rococo mirrors and all sorts of gizmos and gadgets for little and grown up girls alike.  Owner Lucie Deniset has handpicked little-known, yet confirmed creators (like Nat&Nin, Adeline Affre and Titlee) to create a range of desirables quite unlike elsewhere in Paris...

With its fuchsia pink shop front and its prominently displayed tulle marriage dress surrounded by paper birds, L’Appart by Cendrine is forthrightly whimsical. But don’t be fooled by the girly-girl façade – inside is all elegance and class. Structured black and white Chanel dresses sell for €690, red striped blouses by Isabel Marant fro €129 euros, teamed with Louboutin shoes...

Philippe Devant honed his taste for second-hand treasures as a compulsive collector since the age of 15, and a regular rummager at the Vanves Flea Market for more than 20 years. The passion comes through at his chaotic dépôt-vente on the Rue Faidherbe: he has a particular taste for vintage Vespas (from €1500 to €5000), as well a whole slew of other atypical knick-knacks (jukeboxes, Moon rocket shoes and old advertising signs)...

Opened in 1988, this store has made its name offering comfortable shoes made from quality materials without compromising on style. Among the ranges on offer, you’ll find the big name brands such as Camper, Chie Mihara and Trippen as well Pantanetti, Ink or Minnetonka. Of course, quality comes at a price, but fortunately the cost (expect to pay between €150 and €300 a pair for winter shoes, and €100 to €200 for sandals) can be spread over more than one season...

This dépôt-vente with its hot pink shop front in the rue des Tournelles has been around for 30 years. Renamed five years ago after its charismatic owner Sissi, it offers loads of clothes categorised by size, type and colour, and isn't limited to big name brands. Tailored trousers, tartan skirts, sleeveless jackets and mink coats can all be found here at very reasonable prices, like €60 for a See by Chloé jacket or €120 for a pair of Jimmy Choos...

If most wine and spirits shops these days will stock champagne, few make it their speciality. Three cheers, then, for Rouge, Blanc, Bulles, which opened in 2000 on the site of the appropriately-named Le Champagne. An entire wall is devoted to certified appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) champagne vintages, showing off the most famous brands and promoting new discoveries...

Adjoining her workshop, Anne Willi’s boutique is a calm and agreeable space where one can take one’s time to choose THE item that will best fit one’s curves and personality. Pure, feminine lines, fluid materials and sober colours characterise the collections. Willi, who opened her boutique in 1998, finds her inspiration in contemporary art exhibitions and in her Swiss origins – thought her S/S 2012 collection was inspired by ‘Mad Men’ and the ’50s and ’60s. Prices are steep, but worth it...