Olympic fans are not only enjoying the excitement of competitions in Paris, but also feeling the cultural glamor of the city from local stores.
Paris is not only famous for magnificent museums and splendid palaces, but also interspersed with century-old stores, which like a living landmark of the city.
Nestled in the heart of Paris, a kitchenware brand has a history spanning more than two centuries with its current owner still form the founding family.
"When we chatted with customers, they emphasized that nothing should change. This store has a soul," said store owner Eric de Hilleran.
When it comes to art, the notes that flow from the corner stores end up in the symphony of the entire capital.
The guitars made by Jerome Casanova have accompanied many music masters on important stages. With a lot of strange tools invented by himself, his exquisite craftsmanship and high concentration have brought wide popularity to his guitar shop.
"Because the restoration is about the date, the (different kind of ) wood that guitar are produced of, materials and techniques. It's quite important to have many documentations to start the restoration work," said Casanova, the principal of a guitar store in Paris.
Picking a unique umbrella or a suitable cane was gentlemen's pleasure more than 200 years ago. Today, visitors can also share this pleasure in the same store 400 meters away from the Louvre.
"The Louvre and the Paris Opera [are nearby]. We have gotten different monuments that people come [to visit] year after year. [Our store] evolved with time with different products," said accessory store owner Sophie Lecarpentier.
Sophie personally selects all the items for sale. Although the price of each umbrella and cane is very different, they all have a unique style and it's hard to find a same one from other places in the world.
"It's a real snake, this one can really be put into use. (Only) two pieces in the world, like this," Sophie introduced a cane to a reporter.
From buttons for 5 euros a piece to colored threads for 6 euros a bundle, Parisians' definition of fashion is never influenced by money. The casual appearance of a small tailor shop at street corner may subtly arouse people's pursuit of beauty.
E-commerce and mobile phones may have changed the lifestyle of locals, but can never erase their persistence in refinement and elegance.
Century-old stores promote culture of Paris to Olympic fans
