Apprentis d'Auteuil - Vintage fashion, household items, English books and more


While people are frantically fighting over the last red sweater or the perfect pair of boots during the semi-annual sales in Paris, I decided to check out a little-known place where savvy shoppers can find reasonably priced vintage clothes, household items, books in English and French, coats, toys, and hats throughout the year. And best of all, the proceeds support the Apprentis d'Auteuil, a Catholic organization that welcomes, educates and trains boys and girls ranging in age from 6 to 21 years old.

The foundation's mission is to integrate the 13,000 youths, who were in difficult situations, into society as responsible adults. Each of the children benefits from personalized attention designed to develop their individual characters and are assisted in selecting from 12 different trades, including the hospitality industry, construction, agriculture, education, sports, and science.

Even though I frequently pass the Apprentis d'Auteuil on my way to the post office and have been wanting to dine at the Brasserie d'application, where the students prepare and serve meals, it wasn't until yesterday that I discovered that there is also a second-hand store full of inexpensive treasures. Simone, an English woman who volunteers in the boutique on Monday and Tuesday, showed me the collection of English books for 2€ and leather bound antique books that attract enthusiastic dealers. She advised me to get there as soon as the doors open because that's when they've newly replenished their shelves.

If you live in Paris, the Apprentis d'Auteuil gladly accepts articles in good condition every day from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm. 

Boutique: Auteuil Bonnes Affaires
40, rue Jean de la Fontaine
75016 Paris

Open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 am until 6:30 pm.

Let's go shopping! If you see something you like, click on the photo for a closer view.

Simone, the English volunteer who works at the Apprentis d'Auteuil on Monday and Tuesdays, in front of the leather bound books.





Donations waiting to be sorted. What do you suppose is in the the Louis Vuitton bag on the ground?!

Comments

  1. Such a tidy shop! I covet those leather bound books, but I'm happy to let them go to other good homes--they are really beautiful, love the gold lettering. And those furs--ready for the runways in those bold colors.

    And in that LV bag--I can tell you, it's not a piece of LV.

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    1. Some of those books will be going to our home if Stephane has his way! When I showed him the photos, he spotted a leather bound collection by Voltaire that he's interested in.

      You're probably right that the LV bag is full of old socks or something, but it is the 16th and they do have to get rid of their worn-out LV stuff somewhere...

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  2. OOOH, I love shops like this...a little treasure hunt! So, Mary Kay, did you find a treasure you couldn't live without?

    dekage

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    1. I sure did! The only problem is that I only made a quick visit to the store to take photos and planned to spend more time browsing today (Wednesday) because I was planning to go to the Brasserie where the apprentices cook/serve for lunch. Unfortunately, the restaurant was already booked when I called to reserve a table so I didn't go back to the store. No worries though because it's on the route that I take to the post office. I'm sure that I'll have a lot of letters to mail in the future!

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  3. I'm a secondhand sort of person and love shops like this. Added to my list ...

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    1. I'm a secondhand sort of person, too! :) Sometimes you don't find anything and sometimes you strike gold, which makes it all the more exciting,

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  4. This is my kind of place! Boutiques like these are where I find all my vintage goodies. I already see necklaces and shoes that I would "remix" with things I already have.

    I will be in town soon and will have to try and sneak over. What's their price point? I'm assuming not too high but you never know...

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  5. The prices that I saw seemed reasonable compared with some of the other vintage stores that I've visited in Paris. There was a great pair of boots that I loved for 29 €, blazers for 12.50 €, coats for 29€ , purses for 8€ and 18€. What do you think? Is that expensive for Paris? I haven't done enough shopping here to get a good feel for the prices.

    It seems that the trick is to get there when they open so that you have first pick of the new stock.

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    1. Those are pretty good prices and the clothes seem to be in good condition, so yeah, I'd say this is reasonable. I bet there are some great finds for the home!

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    2. Thanks, Mlle Ella - it's good to know that the prices are reasonable. They have quite a bit of stuff for the home and I remember thinking that those things were priced even lower than the clothes. You'll have to let me know if you're able to get there when you're back in Paris.

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  6. I am very interested in the thrift stores. I plan on visiting there next year January 2014 for my big 50 bday celebration. Besides seeing the magnificent sites, I want to spend at least two days thrift shopping. If you have any other great finds, I am interested. I came across your blog on TripAdvisor. Thanks!

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