How to Visit Merci Concept Store in Le Marais, Paris

Last Updated on 21st January 2021 by Sophie Nadeau

The word ‘Merci’ is not only ‘thank you’ in French, but the name of a chic concept store situated in the heart of Paris. Located in the very centre of Le Marais (a nickname for the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris go-to area for all things fashion), you can’t go wrong by spending a couple of hours perusing all of the quirky wares that Merci Concept Store has to offer.

Not only is the shop a fun place to visit, but in purchasing something in store, you’ll be helping out with a worthy cause. All profits from the store and eateries on-site go to a foundation that helps educate underprivileged women and children. Now if that’s not a reason to visit, then I don’t know what is…

The store is actually quite hidden from sight, behind a pretty unassuming door. But as soon as you step behind the façade of 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, a whole different picture starts to emerge. And, if you’ve spent time on any Paris Instagrammer’s account, then you’re sure to have seen it before!

However, if you haven’t seen Merci’s iconic storefront before, then you’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot an adorable vintage mini in the front courtyard, whose numberplate has been replaced by a sign proclaiming ‘Merci’.

Full of unusual finds just waiting to be discovered, the store also happens to be home to two cafés and a restaurant. With one of the cafés having a view out onto the cute red mini that adorns the building’s front, it’s the perfect place to check out on a rainy day in the city. Another of the store’s iconic cafés, the literary café, contains over 10,000 books!

A quick history of Merci Concept Store in Le Marais

Founded in 2009, the store has gone from strength. You’re never far from history in Paris and the Merci Concept store is no exception. In fact, the store is located in an 18th century 1500 metre square (16,000 square feet) old wallpaper factory! As a result, you can imagine that the decor is pretty modern with a quirky twist.

How to visit visit the Merci Concept Store in Paris

Just like l’Objet qui Parle (in Montmartre), Merci is where real locals go to hang out and pick up quirky items for both their wardrobes and their homes. The store is open from 10 AM – 7 PM Wednesdays and from 11 AM – 6 PM Thursday – Tuesday.

Like many other concept stores, no two visits to the shop are ever the same and the stock on offer changes on a constant basis. Set over three floors, you can expect to find vintage designer ware (with eye-watering price tags to match), ceramics and homeware, coffee tables books, and much, much more.

The closest metro station in Filles du Calvaire, which is on the line 8 of the metro. Particular places of note nearby include Musée Cognacq-Jay (an 18th-century small house museum), and plenty of other hidden gems of Le Marais you won’t want to miss on your visit to Paris.