Messy Nessy’s Paris Cabinet: Nostalgia and Offbeat Finds in the 5th Arrondissement

Paris has been a flurry of activity in advance of the Olympics. One of the most exciting new openings is Messy Nessy’s brick and mortar shop on a historic, picturesque street in the 5th arrondissement.

Blogger Vanessa Grall, aka Messy Nessy, has been telling the story of all things nostalgia and under-the-radar with her beloved and wildly popular website Messy Nessy Chic.

An abandoned chateau in France and Vanessa Grall in a white trench coat.
Messy Nessy Chic

Visitors to Paris can step into her iconic world and even possibly meet Nessy herself. Messy Nessy’s Cabinet opened this month in a former artist’s studio and gallery. As expected it is an ode to curiosity, travels back to another era and the off-beat.

The exterior of Messy Nessy's Paris shop in the historic 5th arrondissement.The exterior of Messy Nessy's Paris shop in the historic 5th arrondissement.

The compact store has been curated by Nessy and her small team. Books, antiques, travel essentials and other curiosities fill the space and capture the spirit of Vanessa Grall’s world. Also on offer, the Concierge desk for one-on-one consultations with Nessy herself, her expertise honed from her curious nature and years of research. Though her Don’t Be a Tourist series focuses on Paris, New York and her hometown of London, she told us on our recent visit that she can field your burning questions about other destinations too.

We stopped by recently and compiled some favorite items to put on your wish list:

Messy Nessy’s Cabinet: Our Favorite Finds

The small charming interior of Messy Nessy's Cabinet looking out onto a window and a small green square across the way.The small charming interior of Messy Nessy's Cabinet looking out onto a window and a small green square across the way.

Eau de Seine

The perfect souvenir for yourself or the Francophile back home when you’re looking for something more original than an Eiffel Tower magnet. Though be warned: do not drink!

A clear bottle of "Eau de Seine" with a red cap on a wooden shelf in Messy Nessy's Paris Cabinet.A clear bottle of "Eau de Seine" with a red cap on a wooden shelf in Messy Nessy's Paris Cabinet.

The Paris People Watching Club Paraphenelia

You would have to be particularly heartless to not crack a smile while watching the everyday moments from above captured on Messy Nessy’s Instagram account. We are particularly eyeing the The Art of People Watching limited edition print.

Two grey sweatshirts that say "Paris People Watching" Club in red, hung on a brick wall, with a poster in between and baseball caps hung above.Two grey sweatshirts that say

Museum Bums

A Cheeky Look at Butts in Art. Museum Bums is inspired by the eponymous X (Twitter) account. Explore the finest backsides in museums around the world.

A book with black and white typeface and imagery entitled "Museum Bums".A book with black and white typeface and imagery entitled

Very Troubled Child Travel Bag

For adventures of all kinds, whether venturing on an urban safari or an actual one. Channel your inner Wes Anderson with this stylish bag.

A tan leather duffel bag with colorful animals printed on it and the number 4 imprinted in white in the center. A tan leather duffel bag with colorful animals printed on it and the number 4 imprinted in white in the center.

Don’t be a Tourist Books

While the internet and social media are populated with an endless sea of seemingly identical travel recommendations, The Don’t be a Tourist series is takes you behind secret doors, and into the bohemian and hidden worlds in Paris, New York and London.

Address

Messy Nessy’s Cabinet

19 Rue de Bièvre, 75005 Paris

  • Monday – Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Saturday: 2 PM – 7 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

RELATED LINKS

Photos by Sammy Royal. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.

WRITTEN BY

Sammy Royal

Originally from New Zealand, Sammy is a Photographer and Content Creator living in Paris. She spent over 18 years in Television Production, including 16 years with top advertising agencies in Australia and New Zealand, where she earned recognition as an award-winning Lead Integrated Producer.

After relocating to Paris, Sammy fell in love with the city and rediscovered her passion for photography, prompting a career change.
She has a love for food, wine, gardening (albeit on a smaller scale than in NZ) and all things botanical.

When she isn’t exploring Paris and discovering it’s many charms, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children.

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