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.
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 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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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