Paris is for (Yarn) Lovers

They say Paris is for lovers, and it certainly is. But what they should also say is that Paris is a great city for yarn lovers! 

If you happen to be lucky enough to be visiting the French capital, make sure to take some time out from the museums and sightseeing to do a little shopping at one - or all - of the many local yarn stores and merceries.

Deadstock buttons in a vintage mercerie

Scattered around the city, these stores are evidence of a vibrant textile scene with a unique perspective. Along with artisanal yarns, unusual patterns, and hard-to-find vintage mercerie items, you’ll find a welcoming and knowledgeable community of like-minded needleworkers.

Here are a few shops that should be on your list:

La Droguerie à Paris
9 et 11 rue du Jour, 75001 Paris
La Droguerie
Located in the heart of Paris, La Droguerie is a renowned yarn and haberdashery shop. It offers a wide range of high-quality yarns, including natural fibers like wool, cotton, and silk. La Droguerie is known for its vast selection of colors and textures, as well as its collection of buttons, beads, and other accessories for knitting and sewing.

Lil Weasel
1 passage du Grand Cerf, 75002 Paris
Lil Weasel
Situated near the Centre Pompidou, Lil Weasel is a cozy yarn shop that offers a curated selection of yarns from various brands and countries. It focuses on eco-friendly and natural fibers, such as organic cotton and merino wool. For those who like to sew as well as knit, there’s a nice selection of fabrics (including Liberty of London) and patterns. Lil Weasel also hosts knitting and crochet workshops, making it a popular spot for crafters in Paris.

Lil Weasel's Rainbow Shelves

Une Maille à l’endroit
57, rue Monge, 75005 Paris
12, place Adolphe Chérioux, 75015 Paris
45 rue de la Pompe, 75116 Paris
87, rue de Lévis, 75017 Paris
UneMaillealendroit
With locations in the 5th, 15th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements, this small chain offers a great selection of yarns, patterns, and accessories.

L’atelier de la Création
13 bis rue des Plantes, 75014 Paris
Latelierdelacreation
Nice selection of yarns and fabrics as well as patterns and accessories.

Entrée des Fournisseurs La Mercerie Parisienne
8 rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris
La Mercerie Parisienne 
Situated in the Marais district, Entrée des Fournisseurs is a charming haberdashery shop that specializes in knitting and sewing supplies. They offer a diverse selection of yarns, ranging from basic to luxury fibers, along with a variety of patterns and accessories.

Les Tricoteurs Volants
22 rue de la Fidélité 75010 Paris
LesTricoteursVolants
Tucked away in the 10th arrondissement, Les Tricoteurs Volants is a cozy yarn shop known for its selection of natural fibers and hand-dyed yarns. It also offers a range of workshops and classes, allowing crafters to learn new techniques and enhance their skills.

La Bien Aimée 
LaBienAimee
La Bien Aimée is a well-known yarn dyer in Paris, offering a stunning range of hand-dyed yarns. The flagship store in the 13th arrondissement is now closed, as is their sister shop and tea room, L’Oisive Thé. Fortunately, you can still find their unique hand-dyed colorways in various yarn bases - including merino, cashmere, and silk blends - in their online shop. They do host popup shops from time to time as well, so it’s worth checking their website or Instagram for current news.

Le Bon Marché
24 rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
LeBonMarche
As one of Paris's premier department stores, Le Bon Marché features a dedicated knitting and yarn section. The wide selection of yarns from both well-known and niche brands ensures a range of options for different projects. Le Bon Marché also hosts occasional knitting events and workshops.

Phildar
PhildarParis

With multiple locations in Paris, Phildar is a well-known chain of yarn stores that offers a wide range of yarns and knitting/crochet supplies. They have an extensive collection of yarns in different blends, textures, and colors, suitable for various projects and budgets.

Sadly, this list was longer pre-COVID, during which so many small businesses suffered. But with a textile tradition that stretches back for centuries, it’s no surprise that Paris is still home to many merceries and independent yarn and fabric shops. And if you happen to come across any hidden gems not included in this list, please add them in the comments. Happy shopping!