Paris trip for Hermes

[papertiger]

Please try to stay on topic. I realise because of the complexity of some of the posts members may veer off but in answer do not 'go there'.

For info and questions on US customs please post on the thread below: post https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/us-customs-discussion-airports-importing.905560/

Detaxing (to US from Europe) https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/best-way-to-detax-after-h-in-europe.178302/

or non-US destinations: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/does-h-store-paris-wants-to-ship.605014/page-3

For questions relating to prices https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/reference-hermes-current-prices.102567/page-357

For traveling with boxes https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...me-hermes-boxes-when-traveling.1044553/page-5



I will leave this reminder as a sticky because tthis is often a thread that new members (or new Hermès lovers) post on - hopefully temporarily.

 

[Kuma_Lisa]

I’m afraid I can’t answer your questions re FSH as I am definitely not a VIP though I will say it was VERY crowded when we visited briefly in May just to admire all the displays.
I love the Sevres store which I think of as my local as we always stay nearby. I have visited many many times and have only seen a line at opening (presumably people with appointments or hoping for appointments!) As for the cafe, I have often seen vacant tables but I’ve only visited in the spring and fall and have no idea what it might be like in the summer particularly given the Olympics.

Thank you for your insight! It will be lovely to be able to visit Sevres boutique and sit at their cafe and take it all in ❤️

 

[periogirl28]

My DH and I will be visiting Paris in July, and I am really excited! This is only my second time in Paris, and my first time ever was last year. We went to FSH the last time, but I was so overwhelmed and nervous at the time and felt like I was an imposter and not really worthy of being there (all made up in my head, I know). I managed to ask to purchase a belt and that was it! Haha! So I would love to go back to FSH in more relaxed mindset this year and really enjoy their beautiful displays and look through a large variety of items they have there. Regarding the workshops and their rooftop garden, unless you are fortunate enough to have a prior arrangement made, we cannot be a walk-in customer and ask to tour.. correct? I also would love to go to Sèvres boutique for their library and cafe, and I am wondering 1) how difficult it is to get in to the boutique (how bad is the line/queue to enter?) and 2) how difficult is it to get a table at the cafe nowadays? And lastly, between all three boutiques, which boutique has the most furniture pieces for sale on display? Thank you in advance for all the Hermes Paris veterans here for sharing any insight🙏

I'll try to help. I am hoping you do get to enjoy FSH despite the normal frenetic energy and crowds which will be at its peak in July due to the summer season and the Olympics. My advice is to try to visit around 11.30am, after the online appointments have been assigned their SAs and before the afternoon picks up.
Unfortunately all visits to workshops and the garden are arranged mostly by local SAs, directly for their clients, so by invitation only.
Hope you pick up something nice, other than leather the service is quite different and they have exceptional silks and some unique items.
I am quite sure the pool table was no longer at FSH when I visited in early June.

I do not remember having to ever queue to go into Sevres at least to browse or for petit h. The bookstore is a jewel and the cafe is tiny. There can be a long wait at lunch or tea for a table and for service, so again my advice is to go for morning coffee (the lobster salad is good though) and then plenty of great options around that area for a meal, la Grande Epicerie is just a hop away!
Sevres is actually the store in Paris for Maison but frankly there's a lot more outside Paris, can think of the Shanghai and Tokyo Ginza flagship for furniture.
Safe travels and enjoy Paris!

 

[Kuma_Lisa]

Hello! I was in Paris last week with DH and a friend, all three of us tried to apply for lottery and on my 3rd try I was given an appointment at FSH 🥳 I’ve been to Paris many times before, but never applied for appointment and also I don’t have a big purchase history in my hometown, just a scarf and some beauty items, I never wanted to play the H game, so imagine my surprise when I got the lottery appointment at FSH

The day of the appointment I went there with my DH. The SA pulled up my profile and asked to confirm my address and email. So he must have seen my purchase history as well.

When he asked what he could help me with, I was sincere and told him that’s our first time at FSH store and the first time I got the leather appointment and that I understand that’s might be difficult to get B or K, so I don’t expect anything and just happy to be there at all. We then went into specifics, like size and color preferences, and which other non-quota bags I might be interested in. He then come back with a giant box, saying “we have low stock, but I was able to find smth I think you might like, but it’s a bit bigger than the size you requested (I can’t recall now which size aside B30 and K in 25-28 I asked for), anyway he opens up the box and it was B35 in Togo in Blue Nuit (which was one of the colors I requested) with GHW… The bag is perfect for my wardrobe as I wear mostly navy… so I accepted it… I couldn’t believe he got me the exact color I really wanted. I also didn’t expect for B35 to be so lightweight when empty, it fits my AirMacbook 13” in Midnight Blue perfectly 💙

Aww now I connected the dots, this was you!! I love love love the deep blue with GHW. So pretty! Congratulations!

When SA pulled up your profile, did they see your purchase history in Paris or in the US? It sounded to me you didn’t have any purchase history in Paris prior to this bag offer from this post but I can definitely be wrong to think that! I thought and also heard Paris couldn’t see your US profile unless they really tried/wanted to.

 

[Kuma_Lisa]

I'll try to help. I am hoping you do get to enjoy FSH despite the normal frenetic energy and crowds which will be at its peak in July due to the summer season and the Olympics. My advice is to try to visit around 11.30am, after the online appointments have been assigned their SAs and before the afternoon picks up.
Unfortunately all visits to workshops and the garden are arranged mostly by local SAs, directly for their clients, so by invitation only.
Hope you pick up something nice, other than leather the service is quite different and they have exceptional silks and some unique items.
I am quite sure the pool table was no longer at FSH when I visited in early June.

I do not remember having to ever queue to go into Sevres at least to browse or for petit h. The bookstore is a jewel and the cafe is tiny. There can be a long wait at lunch or tea fir a table and for service, so again my advice is to go for morning coffee (the lobster salad is good though) and then plenty of great options around that area for a meal, la Grande Epicerie is just a hop away!
Sevres is actually the store in Paris for Maison but frankly there's a lot more outside Paris, can think of the Shanghai and Tokyo Ginza flagship for furniture.
Safe travels and enjoy Paris!

Thank you for your insights @periogirl28!!! Deeply appreciated! We will definitely take your advice and visit FSH late morning to admire their displays in and out, and I will add Sevres’ lobster salad to the list of “MUST EAT” in Paris😋 I know my DH will appreciate visiting their bookstore. I am really excited!

 

[coffee2go]

Aww now I connected the dots, this was you!! I love love love the deep blue with GHW. So pretty! Congratulations!

When SA pulled up your profile, did they see your purchase history in Paris or in the US? It sounded to me you didn’t have any purchase history in Paris prior to this bag offer from this post but I can definitely be wrong to think that! I thought and also heard Paris couldn’t see your US profile unless they really tried/wanted to.

I didn’t have any prior purchase history in Paris and Hermes in general, aside a few minor purchases for a total <1000€ in Italy (silk, beauty and a book about Leïla Menchari, who used to do visual merchandising for Hermes, a lovely book actually, I love reading biographies), the SA saw my Italian profile and even double checked my address and email. I’m not sure if being EU resident helped somehow in this case, even though it’s not like they checked my visa 😅 Another detail, I’m not sure how well-versed Hermes SAs are in other brands, but for my FSH appointment I brought my Akris Ai bag, it’s very IYKYK, no visible branding, not sure if this helped somehow, but it’s a really lovely Swiss brand.

In Italy, just like in Europe in general, they have a wishlist system, but I’ve never understood how to start the conversation to get that appointment. I might try my luck there now, since I already have my dream bag and don’t feel any pressure to play their games, it’s either SA wants to help me or I’d rather wait for another trip to Paris and try my luck there. Also Hermes stores get crowded in summer season with tourists both in France and Italy and I usually prefer to avoid queueing if any. Time well spent is the ultimate luxury after all 😃

Also I must admit I enjoy the thrill of hunting for vintage items more than shopping for novelty… I wish Hermes brought Trim bag back as it’s a really beautiful and functional design, that’s the bag I’d love to express my wish for 😃

 

[coffee2go]

Forgot to share, some eye candy from FSH from early June

For some reason my DH doesn’t like the look of Constance (must be the big H branding 😂), while we were waiting for SA at the store I asked him which of the bags he sees is a total no-no for my appointment, he pointed to Constance 🤣

Also looking through the pics made me realize now Kelly Elan is the inspiration behind YSL Manhattan shoulder version.

 

[Kuma_Lisa]

I didn’t have any prior purchase history in Paris and Hermes in general, aside a few minor purchases in Italy (silk, beauty and a book about Leïla Menchari, who used to do visual merchandising for Hermes, a lovely book actually, I love reading biographies), the SA saw my Italian profile and even double checked my address and email. I’m not sure if being EU resident helped somehow in this case, even though it’s not like they checked my visa 😅 Another detail, I’m not sure how well-versed Hermes SAs are in other brands, but for my FSH appointment I brought my Akris Ai bag, it’s very IYKYK, no visible branding, not sure if this helped somehow, but it’s a really lovely Swiss brand.

In Italy, just like in Europe in general, they have a wishlist system, but I’ve never understood how to start the conversation to get that appointment. I might try my luck there now, since I already have my dream bag and don’t feel any pressure to play their games, it’s either SA wants to help me or I’d rather wait for another trip to Paris and try my luck there. Also Hermes stores get crowded in summer season with tourists both in France and Italy and I usually prefer to avoid queueing if any. Time well spent is the ultimate luxury after all 😃

Also I must admit I enjoy the thrill of hunting for vintage items more than shopping for novelty… I wish Hermes brought Trim bag back as it’s a really beautiful and functional design, that’s the bag I’d love to express my wish for 😃

Oh got it! My apology for assuming you are from the US 😅 Thank you for elaborating on your Paris experience. My DH and I are actually interested in purchasing the book on Leila Menchari as well. It’s taking a bit longer to find one in English (currently sold on Canadian website). So happy for you for having had such a positive, magical experience in Paris!

 

[coffee2go]

I didn’t have any prior purchase history in Paris and Hermes in general, aside a few minor purchases for a total <1000€ in Italy (silk, beauty and a book about Leïla Menchari, who used to do visual merchandising for Hermes, a lovely book actually, I love reading biographies), the SA saw my Italian profile and even double checked my address and email. I’m not sure if being EU resident helped somehow in this case, even though it’s not like they checked my visa 😅 Another detail, I’m not sure how well-versed Hermes SAs are in other brands, but for my FSH appointment I brought my Akris Ai bag, it’s very IYKYK, no visible branding, not sure if this helped somehow, but it’s a really lovely Swiss brand.

In Italy, just like in Europe in general, they have a wishlist system, but I’ve never understood how to start the conversation to get that appointment. I might try my luck there now, since I already have my dream bag and don’t feel any pressure to play their games, it’s either SA wants to help me or I’d rather wait for another trip to Paris and try my luck there. Also Hermes stores get crowded in summer season with tourists both in France and Italy and I usually prefer to avoid queueing if any. Time well spent is the ultimate luxury after all 😃

Also I must admit I enjoy the thrill of hunting for vintage items more than shopping for novelty… I wish Hermes brought Trim bag back as it’s a really beautiful and functional design, that’s the bag I’d love to express my wish for 😃

To get to the full story of that day, it happened to be that US state visit was happening in Paris that weekend, the streets near FSH were occasionally blocked throughout the day 🙈 My appointment was supposed to be around 2pm in the afternoon, but while I was getting a late breakfast and enjoying the stroll with my DH I happened to notice it was moved to 13:30. At some point, when it was around 12:15 while we were still at the Ritz, I saw appointment moved to 12:30 🤯 We rushed to FSH store, it was a short walk away, but it happened so that the Rue Royale in front of Madeleine got blocked since they were waiting for politicians to arrive. I thought oh now I won’t ever make it to my appointment, since we can’t cross that street and they couldn’t let us know when the roads will open. Meanwhile I saw my appointment being moved up back to 13:30, then 12:45, then back to 13ish in a matter of a few minutes. Luckily, one French lady was really nice to us and suggested we use the subway passage to cross the road. So we went to FSH straight away and they welcomed us immediately. The store was packed despite half of Paris was blocked, I really hope other people were able to make it to their appointments or a few lucky people got their chance at walk-in, since it was really bizarre weekend. The SA at FSH later mentioned it will get ever worser during the Olympics and they’re still not sure how they will operate at FSH, he mentioned the staff will need to get some sort of security check/pass each morning just get to work 🤯

Tip: def check your appointment schedule throughout the morning 😃

 

[coffee2go]

Oh got it! My apology for assuming you are from the US 😅 Thank you for elaborating on your Paris experience. My DH and I are actually interested in purchasing the book on Leila Menchari as well. It’s taking a bit longer to find one in English (currently sold on Canadian website). So happy for you for having had such a positive, magical experience in Paris!

Thank you! It’s funny that I usually prefer travel with just a carry on, but this time since we’ve been on a longer trip in Spain first and then stopping in Paris for a few days, I brought a check-in luggage… it must have been written in the stars ✨otherwise I don’t know how I would have transported that giant orange box 😂 probably would have to ship it

That’s true, the English version of the book seems to have a low stock, but this is why I wanted it in a first place aside reading, I love collecting rare fashion books

 

[Xthgirl]

Same! I’ve been to Paris many times and never wanted to waste time playing H game, this time I scored the lottery appointment by a pure luck on a first try, which was the cherry on top of this trip.

Also since I travel a lot, seeing all the same boutiques everywhere, doesn’t make me interested in going to the same stores in different countries, since most of the items can be found online anyway. But I like to window shop if there’re different concepts used for each country/market, like Hermes does


Please please don’t ever consider yourself “not enough” for Hermes! After all, even if you buy the cheapest thing at the store, you’re a Client, with capital C!, giving them your hard earned money. I can relate that seeing really crazy expensive items and the vibe in general can make one’s inner critic feel not “deserving” to be there, but you should remind yourself that it’s SA’s job to assist clients, so even if you’re not spending $$$ today, it doesn’t mean you’re any less than someone else. It’s all about the mindset!

Before my first leather appointment at FSH, what made me feel really good that day was going for a nice breakfast with my DH and then going to my favorite place in Paris, Place Vendôme, to admire all the beautiful architecture and then walk through the Ritz, I’d love to spend more time there that morning, but my appointment was constantly moved up in time, so at some point I got fed up and we just went straight to the store. Anyway, I think dressing comfortably and feeling your best is the best way to approach any SA, just be kind and gentle, and good luck with you Hermes plans and enjoy Paris!

I wish to chanel this

Forgot to share, some eye candy from FSH from early June

For some reason my DH doesn’t like the look of Constance (must be the big H branding 😂), while we were waiting for SA at the store I asked him which of the bags he sees is a total no-no for my appointment, he pointed to Constance 🤣

Also looking through the pics made me realize now Kelly Elan is the inspiration behind YSL Manhattan shoulder version.

drooling over the mini della in matte croco orange 😍

 

[Letter]

Heading home today after a week in Paris with my kids. Applied for an appointment every day but did not get one. We thought we would go to fsh and shop (my kids are older and all live Hermes) but honestly Paris is so much more. We never made it to the store. There is so much beauty here it’s hard to think about shopping (for me at least).

 

[coffee2go]

Heading home today after a week in Paris with my kids. Applied for an appointment every day but did not get one. We thought we would go to fsh and shop (my kids are older and all live Hermes) but honestly Paris is so much more. We never made it to the store. There is so much beauty here it’s hard to think about shopping (for me at least).

Making great memories with your family while on a trip is the ultimate luxury after all! No one can ever take that away from you and that’s smth you’ll cherish for years to come! ❤️ Have a safe trip back home!

 

[Xthgirl]

If you get to buy a non qb bag as a walk in then win a lottery leather appt on the following days, will H still offer you a BK?

 

[acrowcounted]

If you get to buy a non qb bag as a walk in then win a lottery leather appt on the following days, will H still offer you a BK?

We've read experiences where each answer has been true. I'm guessing it depends on how charming one is and what kind of day the SA has been having.

 

[coffee2go]

If you get to buy a non qb bag as a walk in then win a lottery leather appt on the following days, will H still offer you a BK?

Depends on how lucky you are, but I think it’s always worth trying to ask! Even if they say “not today Madame”, at least you’ve tried! It’s not like they can ban you from the store for asking for a quota bag😅