The best fashion and gift stores New Aquitaine

L'Atelier de l'Oculus is both Eliane Roulet-Rochette's boutique and a showcase for local artisans. The clothing and hat designer likes to play with the colors and materials she uses. A fan of bias cuts, she imagines reversible jackets of great comfort. Her unique pieces regularly combine the creations of other artisans: ceramic buttons, days of Angles ... In her store, she welcomes other creators of jewelry, cartery, cutlery, ceramics, soaps... A place conducive to exchanges!

A magnificent concept store a stone's throw from the Thouars market, where you can treat yourself to exceptional gourmet products and decorative items. With 120^{m2 of} tastefully selected products, Au plaisir des mets will whet your appetite with teas, coffees, preserves, bulk spices, local produce and gourmet shelves for gourmets. On the mezzanine floors, it's time to decorate with a range of trendy tableware, lighting, small furniture and household linen. Also a tearoom, the address welcomes you for a drink and a pastry (from Resto du coin) in its garden.

Cityrideuz is a trendy, committed fashion brand. The concept? Women's clothing and accessories adapted for urban cycling. A real challenge! Trenchcoat, overskirt, rain cape... The pieces are windproof, even waterproof, to cope with all weather situations. The collections are produced in small quantities and offered to customers in recyclable packaging made from recycled plastic. The products are available from a number of retailers, including Goupil mobilité in Gradignan.

Now that the summer rush is over, Lucie, a nurse in retraining, has opened her pretty children's boutique, with a wide range of products for 0-10 year olds. You'll find games, toys and a whole host of fashion and home accessories. What's more, there are plenty of gift ideas for moms (but not only!). One thing's for sure: you won't find anything that's hard on the eyes or ears. Lucie favors wood, soft colors and materials, and everything educational.

If you like to ride in the city, in the country or in the mountains, on a bike without getting too tired, "La folie Verte" is just what you need! For rent from the first half-day or for sale, these are top-of-the-range, trendy bikes for everyone. It's also a range of scooters, electric skates and accessories, a repair workshop and, very useful, a babysitting service during your absences. Arrive on foot, leave on bikes adapted to your size and to the use you wish. City, countryside, coastline...

Both a designer boutique and an unusual place, this boudoir offers a multitude of gift ideas to please yourself or others. Jewelry designer Nathalie Robin invites craftswomen and artisans (most of them local) into her boutique to showcase their creations. Jewelry, textiles, cosmetics, home decor, groceries - there's something for the whole family. And that's not all: the boutique also features a cosy café-lecture corner where you can sit back, enjoy a treat or a drink, and pick up a book from the library.

This is the Coulonnaise institution, where you can create a nice aperitif or stock up on good things to bring back. In addition to the best-sellers such as pate de ragondin, trouspinette and nougatine-chocolate mogettes, treat yourself to some great wines: Cognac XO and Napoleon, vinegar and angelica mustard, Poitou bison terrine. You will also find pretty metal sugar and cookie boxes, like those of the past.

DD du Pwatoo is a gentle, disheveled baudet, the brainchild of graphic designer Jean-Philippe Vriet and his sidekick Frédéric Trouvat. The green-tongued baudet can be seen all over the place on T-shirts, woven hats, charentaises... as well as on a range of original recipes created with local partners (Bellefois beer, rillettes from Maison Mitteault...). In the boutique, you'll find all the brand's products, as well as goodies with the fun, offbeat effigy that we love both for the symbolism of the concept and the spirit of derision behind it.

Since its inauguration in February 2023, the store has been making happy customers. On the menu: tackle for all types of fishing, carp/carpodrome fishing and predator fishing: rigging, baiting, fresh bait (delivered on Wednesdays), pellets, etc. Rental of bikes, paddles, float tubes and accessories, wadders by the day or week. Pescalis fishing packs also on sale. On-site goodies: portable charging point and free ice cream. Items can be ordered by telephone and received in store.

You'd never expect to find a Jamaican boutique in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-port as unusual and colorful as Michaël, its representative! This handicraft store is brimming with creations from Jamaica, Indonesia, Morocco, Madagascar and elsewhere. Inside, to the rhythm of Jamaican music, Michaël is also a talented singer and composer. Our versatile artist makes objects for the home from rattan, wicker, papyrus and other materials. You'll also find leather goods, hammocks, bags and...Michaël.

Behind the window of the Esku Lanak retail haberdashery, "le travail des mains", is a sewing and alteration workshop that offers sewing classes for beginners and above. Above all, it is a place of sharing and conviviality, where Myriam and her brigade initiate you and advise you on the different methods. Each "apprentice" sewer has a sewing machine and can design pieces, as well as make alterations on new and old clothes.

A very nice general bookshop with an exceptional children's section. Comics, novels, mangas, toddler albums, games, toys, cards: you will always find something to spoil and occupy your kids. For yourself (or as a gift), in addition to the new releases and summer thrillers, treat yourself to a creative hobby kit, a beautiful photo book devoted to Poitou in all its splendour or a collection of recipes from the Deux-Sévres. The address is lively and warm, as is the team of booksellers who are full of advice...

Head to the charming Passage du Commerce to discover this boutique of local designers. Ideas abound, and the store is never the same. The designers take turns to offer you the very best in local craftsmanship. The pieces are lovingly crafted, and always with great originality. Unmissable banana bags, ceramics, candles, cosmetics, jewelry of all styles, fantasy and color have pride of place. Like its little brother rue du Rempart, this jar is the perfect gift for any budget.

Under the Deshoulières and Aplico brands, the Chauvigny site produces tens of thousands of pieces of porcelain every year. In the boutique, you'll find the latest collections and sales by the kilo of plates, cups, dishes, teapots... for family tables as well as those of catering professionals. White or colored porcelain, decorated or fancy... there's something for every taste and every table.

Patrick Vincendeau is a seasoned collector. For 30 years, he has been hunting coins, toy soldiers, Star Wars figurines, Goldorak, robots. In this 350 m² hangar, he has gathered his finds and many other wonders that vintage and second-hand lovers will love. Dishes, decorations, antique and modern furniture and for all of them a characteristic: small prices for a second life. It will take you some time to discover all that this great unpacking conceals.

The military surplus par excellence! In addition to uniforms, badges, French army Rangers and other collectibles, Xtrêm Limit will make adventurer-baroudeurs happy. A huge collection of high tech gadgets is offered, bivouac equipment, orientation materials, outdoor clothing as affordable as resistant. Visit the website, which will give you an idea of the richness and creativity of the catalogue... An amazing and resourceful shop that will give you many ideas for your travels!

The store of creators of Thouars. You can find a lot of little handmade things, clothes, bags and clutches, cosmetics, zero waste accessories, jewelry, charming dishes and a lot of gifts to offer. The baby world is also very well represented with adorable clothes. You can even personalize the accessories. The restocking, almost continuous, is done according to the creations of the ones and the others. You will have the chance to discuss with one of the exhibitors, since they take turns to be on duty.

Hydropneus is not specialized in the tire rain. This member of the Pneumaticiens Réseau network sells tyres of all kinds in several brands (Continental, Michelin, etc.), and very regularly in promotion. If the prefix'hydro'came to light, it is because it can also wash its self-service vehicle. The washing station has four high pressure jets but no rolls. Hydropneus can also perform maintenance work (emptying, shock absorbers, battery, braking, parallellisme, etc.).

Peaux d'Anne is the leather goods workshop-boutique of Anne Rambaud, artisan designer of handbags and leather accessories. Simple, elegant shapes, quality materials and finishes: she works with as much passion as care under the sign of colors. Treat yourself to unique men's and women's pieces, renowned for their style and fashionable details that will make you fall in love with them too. Boutique, workshop visits (on occasion, a few days a year) and leatherwork workshops (belts, purses and even handbags).

A graduate of the Institut de Bijouterie de Saumur, Coralie Le Gac has set up her workshop at the back of the M ton sac designer boutique. It's here that she imagines gold and silver jewelry, unique pieces created using the lost-wax casting technique. She draws her inspiration from nature, playing with floral and ethnic motifs. In her workshop, Coralie repairs and transforms your jewelry. She also makes bespoke creations. Rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants that go from a sketch to reality.

The smart ones will find at this address beautiful objects, pieces of creators of the corner to please themselves and to bring back in memory, jewels to be adorned, illustrations to be framed, objects out of wooden to expose, clothing to be carried for the small ones and for the large ones, candles to be perfumed, small things to be nibbled... The creators receive you there and speak to you about their works, their method of work. A very nice address to discover in Gençay.

Here, know-how has been handed down from generation to generation for over 60 years! La Maison de l'Espadrille is one of France's leading espadrille and slipper manufacturers. Located in the South-West of France, each boutique is a showcase for the creation and choice of traditional or fancy espadrilles (300,000 made every year...), felted and comfortable slippers and also with new materials. They are hand- or machine-stitched and durable.

The Au Vide Grenier franchise has set up shop in the village Loisirs Poitiers Sud (in Fontaine-le-Comte). In this large hangar, you'll find lots of everyday and unusual objects, as well as some furniture and clothes.

The concept is ideal: a permanent, covered garage sale where you can come and bargain-hunt at any time. If you'd like to sort out your home, or clear out a house, become an exhibitor. You can rent a hybrid stand or a closet for your clothes, for one or more weeks, and add to it whenever you like. The (reasonable) rates are up to you. The boutique will take 35% of sales. Chineurs, come regularly, as new stalls appear every day.

Also at Ikos on the Promenade Sainte-Catherine, the Recyclerie Sportive has opened its own store in the new Belvédère district (right bank). Specializing in the reuse and redistribution of sports equipment and materials, the eponymous association collects products from professionals and private individuals, putting them back into being and upgrading them. And prices never exceed 50% of new! The repair workshop is open on Wednesdays from 12pm to 2pm and from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, on Fridays from 4:30pm to 7:30pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

You don't just come in to buy the press. Catherine Faure's smile and sound advice are an invitation to take the time to stroll through the well-stocked bookshelf. Looking for a sweet note or vacation souvenir to send? The stationery section is brimming with new items. And for gift ideas, beautiful books for yourself or to give as a present, games, pretty stationery and local craftspeople who regularly display their creations. A quality local shop.

Behind Sergent Tobogo is Isabelle in the store, and Olivier, her brother, in design. Their niche: organic, fair-trade cotton t-shirts with original designs. In their store, you'll find a multitude of offbeat and parodied designs. Even the Deux-Sèvres have their own. Your favorite isn't on the shelves? From the catalog, choose your model (men's, women's, children's), size (from 3 years to 5 XL) and color, and your T-shirt will be printed on demand. We love the humor of the designs and the durability of the fabrics.

A second-hand (and new) bookshop, yes, but "Des livres et vous" is a little more than that. A book club, a bookshop-café and a variety of activities extend the reading experience, enabling everyone to embody it in their own way. How do you do it? With art therapy workshops, meetings and book signings (often by local authors, but not only), exhibitions and more. And don't forget the coffee and tea area, where you can immerse yourself in your reading (and take the risk of falling for even more).

Eric and Laurence's boutique is a treasure trove of new finds. You'll often leave with something for yourself or to give as a gift: kitchen objects, wooden frames, linen, model gabares, vases, cosmetics, wooden furniture, recycled sail handbags... Anything to do with the sea can be found here. The store is home to works by several artists from the Arcachon Basin. We love the digigraphy at the entrance. This superimposition of photos gives us the impression of a shack in front of Manhattan.

The storyteller, located on one of the city's most lively streets, is one of the 150 outlets of a brand created in 1995. Darjeeling clearly shows his ambitions: make women every day prettier and more radiant. To convince yourself, just push the doors of the shop. The staff were very helpful and helpful. The staff were very helpful and helpful. Darjeeling is one of seven brands of the Chantelle Group, leader in the world market of lingerie.

Culture Vélo Pau in Lescar, specializing in the sale of bicycles of all kinds (road, mountain, gravel, urban, VAE, children's...), offers a wide range of equipment and accessories for cycling enthusiasts. With a workshop dedicated to the maintenance and repair of bikes of all makes, and advice on postural studies for cyclists on their bikes, the team offers a complete range of services. Click & collect makes it easy to pick up purchases in-store after having made them online. Representing renowned brands, Culture Vélo Pau in Lescar is made up of a dynamic, smiling and competent team, certified multi-brand, to meet the varied needs of cyclists.

A fine team of volunteers run this ecologically-minded facility. Here, objects are given a second chance, even a second life, thanks to recycling workshops where all talents are welcome. Eco-ludic workshops on recycling and "Do It Yourself" are also offered for all ages, including bicycle workshops. The boutique offers a wide choice of objects at reduced prices, from books to furniture, not forgetting clothing. Last but not least, clearance services are available for large-scale home clear-outs.

Isabelle Cosseron has been running her bookshop in the center of Casteljaloux for almost 40 years! That's how expertly she can advise you, and how she calls most of her customers by their first names. This bookshop, brimming with books and favorites, is so inspiring that it's hard not to take a book home with you. There's also a newspaper section, some stationery and postcards. Small business in the noblest sense. One of the nuggets of downtown.

In her studio, Myriam Chesseboeuf creates illuminations and calligraphy. After 13 years in Quebec, she returned in 2022 to the city of her childhood. Artisan d'art, Best Craftswoman of France in 2019, observe her technique. She composes her color palette using pure pigments, mixed with egg white, honey... recipes from the Middle Ages! She also uses gilding to sublimate family trees and copies of old manuscripts...

Editions Padmakara is a pioneer in the translation of Tibetan philosophical and religious texts. It is one of the most renowned translators in the field, and has been sharing these works for many years. Their books range from introductions to Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness mediation, to more complex texts for further study. Many of Mathieu Ricard's books are published by this house.

Altermundi, initially based in Paris, opened in July 2022 in Bordeaux. A pioneer in the responsible products market, the store offers a wide selection of accessories and decorative objects for the home (jewelry, candles, cosmetics, etc.), for children, and also a men's and women's textile universe. The store intends to support local artisans and designers, such as Zèta and its recycled vegan sneakers. The store also wants to offer workshops to raise awareness of zero waste and responsible living.

What is Musique Machine and where is it? Above La Belle Lurette, accessible from Rue Carnot as if you were going to Face B, Musique Machine is like a big music box where you can find vinyl records to buy or listen to on the spot. In fact, there are always dozens of vinyls available outside opening hours. Choose a vinyl and listen to it on the turntable at Face B, which then becomes a very convivial lounge. Musique Machine is both a specialized retail outlet and a repair shop (hi-fi, instruments...).

After starting out in the markets, Carine and her husband recently sold their first boutique and set up shop in the center of Soulac. The concept remains the same: 100^m2 of men's and women's clothing and seaside accessories (oilskins, sailboats, boots, etc.). The welcome is as warm as ever: customers are called by their first name, and coffee is offered. No wonder they were awarded the certificate of excellence at the trophées de l'accueil. Coming soon: a coworking space in the boutique, themed evenings and afterworks.

BORDEAUX SHOP is an online shop where the local or tourist can find a variety of products, ranging from stationery to coffee, t-shirts and wine accessories, always BORDEAUX Ville de Coeur ©, BORDEAUX Skyline ©, trentetroismillebordeaux ©, Grappe de Thé ©, I love BORDEAUX ©, The ideal to offer an original souvenir gift, you will agree. But BORDEAUX SHOP is soon a gallery of art photographs made by professional photographers who offer visitors their views on the archtecture of Bordeaux and its surroundings. To discover at www.bordeaux-shop.fr

Studio photo CLIC16 is a professional photographer located in Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente, Charente. Since 2012, the studio has been offering a wide range of photographic services, such as wedding photos, fine art portraits, family photo shoots, pregnancy and baby photos, fashion shoots and passport photos. Photographer Gilles Barthez is renowned for his talent and ability to bring out the best in his subjects through light. Photos are delivered within a week of selection and professional retouching. The studio's website features the photographer's portfolio and additional information on the services he offers. Whether for a special event, a family photo shoot or simply to capture a precious moment, Studio photo CLIC16 is a reference for photography in the Charente region.

This new boutique, opened in 2012 and located in the heart of the city, features a vintage and colourful 1950s style front. There are pretty retro and/or glamorous kitchen aprons, a wide choice of products made in the region, in partnership with Tissages Moutet, Tissages de Luz, Terafeu Terafour... On the shelf: original shopping baskets and bags, cheerful and offbeat dishes. On the website: some recipe ideas. It is not quite a factory outlet, but still a specialized boutique that collaborates in disseminating and promoting local know-how.

CROMIGNON offers a haven of peace for your 4-legged friends in Bosset, Dordogne, just 15 minutes from Bergerac. Delphine has been running this small business since 2010. The establishment offers three types of care. The Hôtel Canin welcomes a small group of up to nine dogs, with heated rooms, a secure garden and a variety of activities. The Feline Hotel offers a cocooning VIP suite for one to three cats, overlooking the garden. You'll receive daily photos and videos during their stay. Delphine also offers home visits for all your pets.

Beychac-et-Caillau is a small town in the Gironde department. They offer a wide range of entertainment, including bouncy castles, sports games, creative workshops, entertainment for toddlers, quad bike and go-kart circuits, water games, wooden games, mascots, laser paintball, gourmet stands, magicians and balloon sculptors. You can request a personalized quote online and receive a reply within 48 hours.

When Sylvie talks about the designers and craftspeople carefully chosen for her boutique - some forty of them! -her eyes sparkle, and we soon discover that each has a remarkable universe. The chiselled jewels are creations in horsehair; the felted wool for the lighting fixtures is collected by an artist whose husband is a sheep farmer; the kokeshi dolls in terra sigillata were born in Pau. The boutique is small, but offers great gift ideas. The originality of these irresistibly charming pieces highlights the excellence of French craftsmanship.

A bookshop as we like them, open between noon and two. After lunch, you'll enjoy browsing the extremely well-stocked shelves of this independent shop. The comics section is perfect, as is the one dedicated to young people, which will make you want to warm up your bank card. Le Matoulu organises a number of events, book signings and readings led by the great names in literature. Of course, you are dealing with real booksellers in the flesh who will have only excellent advice...