Paris | BHV | One Stop Shopping

Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville, more commonly known as BHV, is the store in Paris where you can buy everything.  Name anything, go ahead…they have it.  Not only do they have it, but they have it in large numbers, and it’s fabulous.

There are seven floors, including the lower level, in the c. 1856 building.  I went there for a metric tape measure…and I was there for several hours.

The arts and crafts department was so extensive, I could’ve spent all day there.  If you’re in need of a new hobby, they have every conceivable shape made of papier-mâché, just waiting to be decoupaged. 

Some wise guy apparently had fun arranging the letter display.  Wonder how long it took before the store personnel noticed.

They may be just plastic templates, but they’re so pretty I had to buy one. 

Rainbow colors of pencils, pens, paints, pastels, paper, beads, and buttons were on display.

If you want to make your own lampshade, there’s a variety of frames and all the supplies.

Of course, you can always just choose out of the hundreds of already-made lampshades.

There’s shades for your windows, too.  And curtains and drapes and drapery hardware.

I thought these embroidered cafe’ curtains were cute.

So many tie-backs, so many different ways to accessorize a window treatment.

Can’t you just see this oh-so-French striped cotton on wood sling beach chairs on the Riviera?

I’ve never seen such a great variety of unique cabinet and drawer pulls in one place before.

Friends of mine used these little leather drawer pulls on cupboards that were in a tight spot.  Brilliant.

I’m not suggesting that you actually decorate your house with these brass angels, but they’re here if you want to.

There’s a seemingly endless variety of pots and pans, dishes, and glasses, cutlery and kitchen tools…

These ceramic bowls looked like chipped enamelware.

This is an entire department devoted to accessories for drinking wine.

If you need paint,

or lumber,

or molding,

or plaster reliefs,

or bamboo stakes,

or slices of a tree…yes, it’s all here.

Down the aisle from the tree slices are the power tools, and tractors.

The mattresses have pretty stitching,

and these beds for kids look like they came from a ship.

Some of the furniture was quite colorful, like these tufted velvet chairs, and this terrace furniture.

Everything is more fashionable in Paris, even the “Lazy-Z-Boys.”

Speaking of fashion, let me just say that there were too many clothes and shoes and jewelry and handbags to photograph.  Take my word for it.  There’s also a gigantic cosmetics and toiletries department. 

Keep in mind we’re in the same store that sells lumber.  I’m just saying…

And, yes, in the same store with cosmetics and lumber, are toys.  I was particularly fascinated by the figurines department.

If I’ve missed anything, it’s just because I didn’t photograph it.  I stand by my statement that if you name something, it’s here.  The only downside is, there’s long lines at the cash register.

That’s okay, though…there’s a kind woman who walks up and down the queue passing out candy from a basket. 

What more can you ask for?

p.s. I did remember to get my tape measure…but just barely!

BHV
14, rue du Temple
Paris