How did I forget this Paris idea?
/For those of you who, like Tom and me, enjoy cooking and kitchen accoutrements, consider visits to these kitchen/restaurant supply stores: E. Dehillerin (purportedly where Julia Child shopped) and A. Simon. Both are in Les Halles but are complete opposites in terms of feel.
E. Dehillerin feels marvelously ancient, while A. Simon feels shiny and new.
Always while shopping abroad, carry your passport or a picture of it (including your identification information inside) and many shops will complete VAT rebate forms for you, allowing you to recoup at the airport all taxes you’ve paid while in country!