For vintage or thrifty fashion fans there’s nothing quite like the thrill of the second-hand hunt. Especially when that hunt leads to a one-of-a-kind Paris find. With everything from high-end consignment stores, to shop-by-the-kilo boutiques, vintage shopping in Paris is l’embarras du choix (choices galore). Skip the inflated prices of touristy flea market hotspots and shop like a local with these top-rated vintage, thrift and second-hand sources.

Concept-cool at Thanx God I’m a VIP

12 Rue de Lancry, 10e

Infinitely chicer than Ali Baba’s cave, but a fashion treasure trove nonetheless, for a highly curated experience, look no further than Thanx God I’m a VIP. Located in the 10^th arrondissement near Place de la République, this concept store has become a fashion institution offering up men’s and women’s pieces within a surprisingly unpretentious atmosphere. Complete with small café for coffee and cake, and DJ sets, go for the distinctly dust-free vintage vibe. While Thanx God features plenty of pricier designer labels to lust over, it also offers a huge range of carefully chosen budget-friendly pieces, making this the ideal one-stop shop. Ask about their alteration services.

Curated, cheap, and chic at Le Coffre

20 Rue des Dames, 17e; 29 Boulevard des Batignolles, 8e; 26 Rue de Ménilmontant, 20e

Packed with cool, one-of-a-kind women’s and men’s items as well as a massive assortment of jeans, owner and stylist Jacky sources everything from sportswear and designer labels across Europe. Founded on the principle that quality can be found at a low price, you won’t find factory seconds with uneven seams or broken zippers here. Just an affordable slice of vintage heaven. Each garment is pre-washed, pressed and priced according to a simple color-coded system ranging between 2€ and 10€. Choose from their three boutique locations.

Pin-up prettiness at Mam’zelle Swing

35bis Rue du Roi de Sicile, 4e

If your idea of vintage is more retro chic than streetwear sleek then you’ll love Mam’zelle Swing in the 4th arrondissement. First opened in 1995, Mam’zelle Swing specializes in all things 1920’s to 1960’s. Shop for skirts and pants starting at 20€, or go all out on an event-ready 1950’s prom dress for that next formal invite. Step back in time and let owner Bérenice direct you towards a complete look, or take home one of Mam’zelle’s timeless purses or jewelry accessories.

No-frills things at Ding Fring

For the pure excitement of unearthing your own fashion find, head to a Ding Fring, France’s socially conscious secondhand chain of friperie thrift stores. Sure, you won’t find magazine-ready pulled together looks or fashiony merchandise displays, but you’ll still find rack upon rack of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes ripe for your discovery. Better yet, with 73 locations dotted across the country, you can guarantee choice. Pick up a customer loyalty card to get the very best deals.

Fashion-goes-flea market at Violette Sauvage

When it comes to selection, there is no competing with Violette Sauvage whose pop-up fashion events regularly feature 400 vendors. Taking inspiration from the fashion flea markets of Brooklyn and London’s Portobello Road, Violette Sauvage hosts resale pros and individual sellers alike, meaning you’ll find everything from old pieces, to designer labels and recent picks from French favorites like Maje, Sandro, and Claudie Pierlot. There’s something for every budget and because you pay the vendor directly, plenty of opportunity to negotiate on price. While you’re there, enjoy other features including food trucks and beauty treatments. Entry costs 2€ at the door. Check the Violette Sauvage web page for dates and locations.