It’s atmospheric-oh yes! The Canal Saint Martin, made famous by Arletty, when, after a play, standing next to the Hotel du Nord (which dates back to the time of the studios), she sarcastically asked if her face resembled that of her surroundings… Surroundings of the populist atmosphere, which the canal has not entirely lost, due to its hundreds of onlookers sitting on the edge of its waters at the slightest ray of sunshine. It, nevertheless, has that sacred touch of bourgeoisie, all the while remaining bohemian.
Charming little shops and boutiques have flourished on the embankments of Jemmapes and Valmy and in the adjacent streets. One of the pioneers of the genre is, without a doubt, Antoine & Lili’s boutique, a shopping paladin of fashion and ethno-chic décor. In fact, there is neither an Antoine, nor a Lili, but there is a Martine, who opened her first fashion boutique in 1997(capturing the spirit of the times in a very colorful style, which has been replicated again and again) and 16 others since, namely this décor boutique on Valmy quay.
Here it’s Ali Baba and the forty explorers: The colorful items, from around the world, like the essence of the brand, have been brought here by suppliers from a variety of places, and Martine has tastefully chosen them all, and then dropped them off here, in this museum of color. It’s not always cheap, but it’s always a good find. Time for a little bit of shopping:
Painted metal Indian canteens ( €45 small, €56 large)
Spoon lamps from Africa (€225 each)
3 Giraffes (€75)
Painted metal coffee table trays (€250 each)
Rice crockery made of plastic with a floral or polka-dot design (bowl €10,50 & cups a piece)
Colorful Indian rage rugs (€40 each)
A pretty African spoon-shaped chair (€230 each)
To buy a multitude of fun and original items…
Or simply for a stroll through a world of color…
For a breath of harmonious gaiety with just enough kitsch to please the eye… Or just for a little bit of inspiration…
Antoine et Lili, 95 quai de Valmy, 75010, et partout ailleurs dans Paris.
