Paris Take-Homes – Pretty Papeterie and Other Stationery Shop Souvenirs

The Parisians have always created pretty papeterie or stationery, particularly notebooks, handmade writing paper and greeting cards, all things we once took for granted, yet which we rarely use in this digital age (notebooks aside for me, which I use on a daily basis). I think this is why I find stationery shop souvenirs even more appealing now, because they’re almost a luxury.

Paris may have a reputation for being home to some of the world’s most atmospheric bookshops – and if you’re not already browsing bookstores when you’re on holidays, see our 10 reasons to visit bookshops when you travel – but the French capital also boasts some of the most beautiful stationery stores.

And some of the best Paris take-homes are stationery mementoes and you can find every conceivable kind of stationery shop souvenir in Paris. There’s the old-world elegance of the bespoke invitation cards and papier à lettre (writing paper) of Stern, which specialises in handsome cartes de visite (calling cards).

There are exquisite bound notebooks, fountain pens and desk sets at Cassegrain, a favourite of the rich, royal and famous. Then there’s Marie Papier, which has paper in hundreds of different colours and bright coloured notebooks, diaries and address books, while Trait has funky notebooks, fabulous greeting cards, and hip Paris gifts, like tiny flipbooks and fun stamps.

Paris Take-Homes – Pretty Papeterie and Other Stationery Shop Souvenirs

These are the best Paris take-homes and stationery shop souvenirs and where to buy them.

Notebooks and Journals

When I wrote travel guidebooks, I’d fill a notebook each research trip, but for Grantourismo I’m going through a notebook a month, so I didn’t need an excuse to buy a couple of notebooks in Paris.

Although I love Italian products, I’m probably the only writer in the world who is not a fan of Moleskines (mine fall apart by the time I’ve filled a book), and instead, prefer to use simple spiral bound notebooks. I realise they won’t last forever, but I like to staple business cards inside and need the notebooks to expand, and I like a completely flat page to write on.

I’ve always loved Mark’s retro-looking Carnet de tous les jours and plastic edition le+zippé with handy plastic storage pockets (both above). Mark’s began in Japan, however, they co-produce some beautiful products for concept store Colette in Paris, as well as the gorgeous Editions de Paris books.

Stamps and Stamp Pads

I was obsessed with wooden stamps and stamp pads as a child and would get quite cross when the stamp pads dried up. While I’ve well and truly grown out of stamping flowers and love hearts on my legs and hands and all over my exercise books, I firmly believe there should be a return of both personal thank you notes and bespoke signature stamps.

I love the ‘Merci’ stamp by Aladine, which is made in France. I also liked their sets of seasonal rubber stamps in tubs, such as this Christmas set here, however, unfortunately I can’t afford to carry around something I’m only going to use for one month of the year.

I’m determined to get some use out of my Thank you! stamp although as you can see from the photo above, I haven’t got around to buying some nice envelopes yet.

Recipe Books

Terence may store his recipes on his iPhone, but if I had time to cook as much as he does I’d be keeping my recipes in the cute cahier de recettes or recipe book (above) – the one with the rabbit ‘burger’ on the cover.

I love the surreal, retro feel of what’s essentially a school exercise book – again, it takes me back to my childhood. It may not be as practical as the iPhone or last long enough to become a family heirloom but it will come in handy when you’re doing your cooking classes in Paris.

Paris Postcards

Paris has postcard stands on every street corner selling the usual Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe cards, but I’ve always preferred to buy my postcards (yes, I still send postcards) from stationery shops, art galleries and art museums.

Trait has a huge selection of Parisian-made cards (the French manga style is very popular), but I bought the gorgeous postcards of vintage travel posters above from the gift shop at The Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute).

Local Guidebooks

This year, on our yearlong grand tour of the world, we’re not using mainstream guidebooks like Lonely Planet and the like, but we’re relying on advice from locals instead. In line with that philosophy, in each place we visit I’m on the lookout for unique guidebooks produced by locals.

I just loved these tiny (and cheap!) books written by Parisians and produced in Paris, Paris gratuit (Free Paris; Editions First) and The Best Places to Kiss in Paris (in French and English; Parigramme.) They make lovely Paris take-homes. You won’t find these in all Paris stationery shops, although I found them at Trait and saw them at the occasional newstand and in bookshops.

If you like these, see more take-home tips from around the world here.