I just got back from a recent work trip to Paris and was able to squeeze in a little shopping & sightseeing. If you know where to look Paris has miniatures everywhere!
The wonderful museums are a good place to start. La Gallerie Dior showcases many miniature versions of their iconic styles through the years, culminating in the instagram worthy descent down the colorful spiral staircase.
Musee d’ Orsay is another favorite of mine, built in a former railway station they have a wonderful collection of Art nouveau furniture but they also have a glorious cutaway miniature of the Palais Garnier which is completely spectacular – a mini Versailles right in the heart of Paris. Do yourself a favor and visit both the real opera house and its mini version – you will not be disappointed 
There are many other museums with miniatures also. Musee Carnivalet was wonderful – it is a museum of the history of Paris and definitely worth a visit – over 40 historic rooms from different eras which were a real inspiration for me.
Musee des Arts Decoratifs is another winner with more historic rooms, fashion, jewelry, textiles you name it Even walking down the street you will see window displays and roomboxes for sale in random places LOL
But as wonderful as all this was to look at, I wanted to shop as well LOL
A fellow miniature enthusiast had posted on facebook about buying some miniatures in Paris so I asked her where she went. Les Drapeux de France near the Louvre was the answer so of course I checked it out. It’s a wonderful store to visit but not in my preferred scale so I didn’t make any purchases there, but really enjoyed poking around and chatting to the staff
Next up were a couple places I had found in my internet research that I wanted to visit – combining a desire to find some of the old covered shopping arcades and dollhouse stores, Passage Jouffroy fit the bill, built in 1836 with not one, but two miniature stores practically next door to one another
Pain d’Epices which means gingerbread, is a mini lovers dream. Old fashioned charm on two floors you are sure to find something you like no matter what your budget
Just a few steps further down and you will find Le Boite de Joujoux, which means the toy box. Another wonderful old store that you could spend hours in
I confess I came away with a bunch of tiny treasures from both stores
I had one more place I wanted to visit La Maison de Poupees, but it was by appointment only and the owners were away on vacation the week of my trip so I will have to try again next time.
Paris is one of my very favorite cities in the world for multiple reasons but it was nice to discover a common love of miniatures too.
