The Vinyl Tourist Visits Paris

The easiest way for non-European visitors to convert cash into euros at the most favorable rate is to use an ATM (automatic teller machine). Just remember that your receipt will be denominated in € and you'll have to check your bank statement upon your return for the exact amount you withdrew. Of course, there's always the carte de credit. For the latest exchange rate, visit the Universal Currency Converter.

A note on French LP pressings: Most of the records (and CD's) you find in Paris will, naturally enough, be manufactured in France. These tend to be produced in smaller quantities and with greater care than the typical American record or CD. In fact, these pressings are often superior to their US counterpart and one should not be shy about purchasing the French product whenever there is a choice. If your interests are classical, scoop up those Pathé Marconi EMIs. Many are as good as the best "Shaded Dogs."

Also, if you're in the habit of checking the Yellow Pages for shops to explore, be aware that France long ago dispensed with the telephone book as we know it. Instead they employ the Minitel, a national computer network which serves many purposes, including directory assistance. If there's no Minitel where you're staying, visit the nearest branch of La Poste (the post office) where public terminals are available to serve. Thanks to the Internet, you can also find the France Telecom Directories online. For an unabridged list of music stores in Paris, visit the Pages Jaunes and enter the phrase RECORDS RETAILERS as the "BUSINESS TYPE" box, Paris as the "TOWN", and click "Search." If you're looking for vinyl, the operative phrase is "Les Disques 33 tours."

To help you get around, you will find the number of the arrondissement (district) and the nearest Métro [M^o] station following the name and address of each location.

In need of a local map? Try Google Maps. Yes, it works in Paris!

Finally, if you haven't already done so, please read the Vinyl Tourist's Caveat.

Bonne chance!

 

1. Boulinier
   20, b^d St-Michel
   75006 Paris
   Telephone: (01) 43 26 90 57
   6^è arrondissement
   M^o St-Michel or Cluny-La Sorbonne

   Boulinier is a multi-storied shop which carries everything from comics to posters to video games, as well as recordings in all formats. There are a wide variety of used LP's (jazz, pop, classical, and rock) typically priced at 25F each. At 50F - 60F, used CD's are about half the price of new.

2. Pont Neuf
   Quai de Louvre (Rivre droit/Right bank)
   1^er arrondissement
   and
   Quai de Conti (Rivre gauche/Left bank)
   6^è arrondissement
   M^o Pont-Neuf

   On both sides of the River Seine, just west of the Pont Neuf, are stalls which resemble newsstands, but which feature souvenirs and vintage collectibles, including LP's. The selection leans towards 1960's pop, rock and blues. Here I spotted some original Chess pressings by Bo Diddley, among others, for 200F, about what you would expect to pay in the US. Offer 100F, expect to pay 150F.
    
   
    
   

   Unfortunately, my visit was too short to be as thorough as I usually prefer it to be. However, the following shops were either recommended by other record collectors or their Yellow Pages listing suggests that they stock vinyl (arranged geographically by arrondissement):

3. Monster Mélodies
   9, rue Déchargeurs
   Telephone: (01) 40 28 09 39
   75001 Paris
   1^è arrondissement
   M^o Chatelet

   Specializing in 1960s and 70s New Wave, hard rock, and jazz for collectors.

4. Parallèles
   47, r St Honoré
   Telephone: (01) 42 33 62 70
   75001 Paris
   1^è arrondissement
   M^o Chatelet

   Features British and American imports.

5. Papageno
   1, rue Marivaux
   Telephone: (01) 42 96 56 54
   75002 Paris
   2^è arrondissement
   M^o Richelieu-Drouot

   Specializing in opera.

6. Analog Collector
   53, rue Réaumur
   Telephone: (01) 42 21 90 29
   75002 Paris
   2^è arrondissement
   M^o Reaumur Sebastopol

   Analog Collector specializes in vintage classical and jazz LPs. Although the website is still active, in 11/2003 a correspondent reported that the shop was closed.

7. Oldies But Goodies
   7, rue Filles du Calvaire
   Telephone: (01) 48 87 14 37
   75003 Paris
   3^è arrondissement
   M^o Filles du Calvaire

   Reported to be a very good address for country, Rockabilly, and rock 'n' roll.
    
   

   
    
   

8. Crocodisc
   40, rue des Écoles
   Telephone: (01) 43 54 33 22
   and
   42, rue des Écoles
   Telephone: (01) 43 54 33 75
   75005 Paris
   5^è arrondissement
   M^o Maubert Mutualité

9. Dame Blanche
   47, rue Montagne Ste Geneviève
   75005 Paris
   Telephone: (01) 43 54 54 45
   5^è arrondissement
   M^o Maubert Mutualité

   Specialties include classical, jazz, and avant garde music.

10. Crocojazz
    64, rue de la Montagne-Ste-Geneviève
    75005 Paris
    Telephone: (01) 46 34 78 38
    5^è arrondissement
    M^o Maubert Mutualité

11. Paris Jazz Corner
    5, rue Navarre
    75005 Paris
    Telephone: (01) 43 36 78 92
    5^è arrondissement
    M^o Place Monge

12. Moby Disques
    28, rue Monge
    75005 Paris
    Telephone: (01) 43 29 70 51
    5^è arrondissement
    M^o Cardinal Lemoine

    A fellow collector reports that Moby Disques has "an outstanding jazz selection in their little SRO space." They specialize in Japanese imports, as well.

13. Jazz ensuite... [Lutèce Jazz]
    Telephone: (01) 43 37 61 80
    7, rue Navarre
    75005 Paris
    5^è arrondissement
    M^o Place Monge

14. Joseph Gibert Musique
    26, b^d St-Michel
    75006 Paris
    Telephone: (01) 43 29 37 06
    6^è arrondissement
    M^o Cluny-La-Sorbonne

15. TROGLODISC
    5, rue Fromentin
    75009 Paris
    Telephone: (01) 42 81 01 32
    9^è arrondissement
    M^o Pigalle / Blanche
    Bus: Ligne n°30 - 54 - 67 - 68 - 74 - 85

    Specializes in Vinyles d'occasion (Second hand vinyl records)

16. Plus de Bruit
    35 rue La Rochefoucauld Cauld
    Telephone: (01) 49 70 08 70
    75009 Paris
    9^è arrondissement
    M^o Cadet

17. Disco Puces
    102, blvd. Beaumarchais
    Telephone: (01) 43 57 88 55
    75011 Paris
    11^è arrondissement
    M^o Bastille

18. Bellot Records Three
    4, pass Montgallet
    75012 Paris
    Telehone: (01) 44 75 87 40
    12^è arrondissement
    M^o Montgallet

    World music.

19. La Compagnie du Disque
    2, rue Maublanc
    75015 Paris
    Telephone: (01) 48 28 50 40
    15^è arrondissement
    M^o Vaugirard

20. En Avant La Zizique disque collect
    8, rue Baudelique
    75018 Paris
    Telephone: (01) 42 62 01 02
    18^è arrondissement
    M^o Simplon

21. Marchés aux Puces (Flea Markets):

    The flea markets of Porte de Clignancourt and Porte de Vanves, at opposite ends of the city, offer a myriad of booths and stalls which feature everything under the sun, including collectible records. Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday only. Bargaining is expected; offer 50%, expect to pay 75% of the asking price. Beware of pickpockets!

    • St-Ouen/Porte de Clignancourt
      ave Michelet
      18^è arrondissement
      M^o Porte de Clignancourt

    • Porte de Vanves
      ave Georges-Lafenestre/ave Marc-Sangnier
      14^è arrondissement
      M^o Porte de Vanves

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