Great Pen Stores - Stores of Note - PARIS, France
Paris, France
Plume & Bille38, rue de l'Arcade
75008 Paris
Tel: 01.42.65.57.92
Here is a pen store I recommend based on the the careful pairing of writing instruments and accessories to support the experience of written communication. Plume & Bille is located just off Boulevard Haussmann (Metro: Havre-Caumartin) on rue de l'Arcade. Once you turn off Boulevard Haussmann, it is located in the second block.
On my 2011 stay in Paris I had the pleasure to visit with store owner Brigitte Courson. She had just taken over the store in March 2011.
Brigitte Courson of Plume & Bille, Paris
The store has a smart, clean, stylish look. Brigitte has picked a select line of pens (fountain pens, roller ball, ball point and pencils) that include: Caran D'Ache, Montblanc, Namiki, Sailor, Faber-Castell and Dupont.
She also has accessories that support the experience of written correspondence. The store has agendas by Mignon or pen cases, she will work with customers on the design of a business card or provide an embosser - she will help with the ordering of the plates with the individual's initials or monogram. I found Brigitte's approach to supporting the experience of written correspondence to be thoughtful. Her back ground in stationery comes through.
As my wife and I waited to talk to Brigitte, she was serving a customer who had come in to select a pen that would be a gift. I got a good vibe about Plume & Bille with the patience, product knowledge and attention to detail that Brigitte provided the customer to help him arrive at the decision of the best pen.
The customer asked me what I thought of his selection, but it was clear he was comfortable that he had arrived at the selecting the right pen.
When I asked Brigitte about the selection of lines she indicate she selects the lines looking for good design and quality of production.
The store has tasteful display of the lines of pens.
I enjoyed her enthusiasm to the experience of writing with a quality pen. She asked me if I have a Namiki fountain pen. When I indicated I did not, she went to her desk and allowed me to write with her pen to experience the smoothness of the Namiki nib. I must say, I was very impressed with the Namiki nib.
Plume & Bille has a website, however, most customers come into the store to hold and try various pens before making a decision on the best pen for their need. Brigitte feels the experience of holding the pen and writing with it are so important to the final selection.
So on your next visit to Paris, this is a store worth a visit. Located not far from the department stores of Printemps or Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann, it will be easy to find.
Mora Stylo
7, rue de Tournon
Paris 75006
(Metro: Odéon)
Tel: (33 )01.43.54.99.19
I have had e-mails from many advising me to visit the Mora Stylo and I was very glad that I did. Mora is truly a specialty pen store that stocks current product, limited edition and vintage pens.
On my 2011 stay in Paris I met owner André Mora and Christine Regnault. For the past twenty years, André Mora has operated the store, previously started by his father, Boris Mora. His father created his own line of pens, Oldwin. With 80 years of service, this is a store that stands the test of time. To mark the 80th anniversary, a limited edition of eight pieces were created.
André Mora has an in depth knowledge of pens. He can complete repairs in the store, and is regularly relied on by auction houses as an expert to assess and value pens.
Vintage Montblanc ink bottles from André's collect at Mora Stylo.
When he can from the back area of the store wearing his white smock I knew I had the opportunity to meet a true pen specialist.
In fact, magazine articles describe André as "... un grand spécialiste", and indeed he is. For those who attend the major pen shows, André regular travels to the large shows in North America and Europe.
Christine has a real passion for pens and she has worked with Mr. Mora for just over 15 years. I knew I was in good hands when I asked to see some fountain pens with a broad nib, and she immediately selected a range of pens to consider.
Glenn Marcus with Christine Regnault of Mora Stylo in Paris.
The store has a web site, however Christine told me that customers come to the store to personally select the write. They serve a wide range of customers and the store is internationally know for its products and the product knowledge of André and Christine.
When I asked Christine what lines of pens sell the best, her response was pens that have good nibs, good looks and are well made. In talking about the particular brands and her knowledge of the pens, she told me that André and her look at how the pens are made, they test the pens, the pens have to be perfect to be included in their offerings.
Mora Stylo has many well stocked pen display cases.
The store carries the full range of pen lines: new, vintage and previously owned - occasions. Mr. Mora brings in various nib options as part of their stock and also assists customers with special orders. The limited edition pens were very impressive. To hold pens there are rolls, cases and leather briefcases or boxes.
With the excellent assistance of Christine, I selected a Stipula Etruria Fiesole. A limited edition pen, 124 of 193 pieces, with a special broad nib. It is one of my Pens of Note.
The store is easy to find. Take the Metro to Odéon and walk down Boulevard Saint-Germain turning at Rue de Seine. After a block or so, Rue to Seine becomes Rue de Tournon.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 6:00; Saturday, 1 - 6:00
Metro:
Odéon
Art du Bureau
rue des Francs Bourgeois, 47; Paris
For a number of years we have stayed in the Marais district of Paris. I must admit, when we visited the Marais I was taken back with the crowd of tourists. It certain is a popular area,.
The Art due Bureau is located in this very trendy Marais district of Paris. Located in the 3rd arrondissement, not far from the Picasso Museum. I had not been to the store in a number of years and on my 2011 visit I found the range of pens had dropped and the store was not selling purses, which seemed out of place with the bureau theme.
Galleries Lafayette
40, Bld Haussmann
Galleries
Lafayette has a stunning pen counter on the main floor and another on the 6th floor. Representatives from the major pen companies work the counters so they know all about the various lines. As you would expect in Paris, very little English spoken. De-Tax forms available.
rue Rivoli
Paris
Located opposite Hotel du Ville.
This department store has a large pen department on the first floor (one floor up from ground floor).
Not only is there an impressive selection of pens, but paper, writings tablets etc., you can find just about anything you are thinking of. They carries all major lines including a number of limited edition pens.
1 rue Marché St. Honoré
75001 Paris
Tel: 01-42-60-43-39
Metro: Tuileries
Styl' Honoré
I have previously heard about Styl' Honoré thought comments others have sent to me, and because I had read that store owner Patrick Arabian had previously made his own ink.
When going to the store, don't be confused with the names of rue Saint-Honoré and rue Marché St. Honoré - they are different streets. It is just a short walk up from rue Saint-Honoré towards Place du Marché Saint-Honoré. The store is located in a good location, not that far from rue de Rivoli and the Tuileries, I recommend you make some time to visit the store.q1
By visiting the store I had the pleasure of meeting owners Patrick and Catherine Arabian.
Both have a passion towards pen and I could tell how much they enjoy their interactions with customer in try in and selecting a pen.
Patrick & Catherine Arabian
When I asked if the store had a web site, the response was quick. You have to try a pen before you can buy a pen.
In fact, Patrick is one of the few in Paris that will re-work a nib, but he does not do so with nibs that customers could send into the store. He told me how it is important to watch how a person holds and writes with their pen, and talk to the person about what they are trying to achieve in terms of a writing experience, before he would take on the work of re-styling a fountain pen nib.
In terms of ink, they carry a good selection of inks but he stopped making his own inks a number of years ago because of issues cost and market competition. It was with pride he showed me on of the bottles of his "Encres Cocktail".
In addition to his ability to re-style a fountain pen nib, they bring in different styles of nibs where they are available from the manufacturers. But as Patrick noted, the number of companies that offer a selection of nibs is limited. Some companies require speciality nibs to be ordered a separate and additional inventory.
In the store there are a number of counters that display the majority of the major lines. The store no longer carries Montblanc or OMAS lines.
This is a great store to visit, but plan your visit, the store is open Monday to Friday 10 to 7, but closed Saturday and Sunday.
Stylos Marbeuf40 rue Marbuef
Paris
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Here is a pen store that has been in operation at the same location for 62 years.
The store is located on rue Marbeuf, just off the avenue Champs de Elysées. Take the Franklin D. Roosevelt Metro stop.
I had the pleasure of visiting the store on my 2011 visit to Paris and talking with Syloie and Florence about the store, their merchandise and their customers.
They carry a good selection of the major pen lines. The main window display has a good representation of the major lines, and the store has counters well stocked with pens from the major lines. They bring in pens with a variety of nib widths, where they are available from the manufacturer. The store also has a good selection of ink.
Their customer base includes both those of Paris as well as tourists visiting Paris. They location, just a few blocks from the on the Champs de Elysées makes this am easy store store to find.
Stylos Wagram
13 Avenue de Wagram
75017 Paris
(Metro: Charles de Gaulle Étoile)
Tel 01 43 80 20 71
Fax 01 47 54 92 21
www.styloswagram.com
email: contact@styloswagram.com
On my 2011 stay in Paris, I had the pleasure of visiting with Stylos Wagram, located a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe. Avenue Wagram is one of the 11 main streets that radiate out from the Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Stylos Wagram is just a few blocks from the circle.
The display window of the store includes watches and pens, and the watch business is an important part of their retail sales.
Wagram has been in operation for over 50 years. They carry a good selection of pens in the store as well as having a web site, and even a Facebook Page. So while they have a good on-line presence, I was told the majority of their customers prefer to come into the store and have the experience of physically trying a pen before making their choice.
I met store own Mr. Fau and talked with Thomas Groll who is knowledgeable on pens and enjoyed talking with him about the lines they carry, customer preferences and their service. Some of their popular lines include Montblanc, Dupont and Faber-Castell, to name only a few. When nib options are available, they bring in a selection, however, Thomas noted only specific lines of pens now have a range of nib options.
Pointe Plume;
21 rue Quentin Bauchart
Paris
Located just off the Champs de Elysee, I am told that here is a store has a great selection of the top end of all major brands with an emphasis on the limited editions. The sales staff speak English and they are very helpful. Here you will see some of the limited editions that we would normally only read about. (Thanks: R.E. Morgan). Lots of good comments about this store. They will spend lots of time with you talking and showing you great pens.
Just off the avenue des Champs Elyéees, just before avenue George V.