Summer has settled into Paris, and as every year, I make my way to Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (not without first leafing through the printed catalogue – one of my little pleasures) to see what this new edition has in store.
This year, the summer exhibition, cheerfully titled All Bright and Sun-Kissed, transforms the iconic department store into a true holiday destination, a season-long celebration of colour, lightness, sunshine, and escape.
As soon as you approach the store’s legendary escalators, the tone is set: colourful balloons floating overhead, life-size sandcastles, charming beach-style stands, and little pockets of paradise scattered throughout the space. You step into a joyful, carefree bubble – a sun-drenched world where Paris suddenly takes on tropical notes (especially on the upper floors), complete with seaside-inspired scenery.
This summer pop-up is a full-on sensory invitation to slow down, soak up the season, and dream of golden shores. Even though the beach isn’t exactly my idea of a perfect holiday, it’s impossible not to be swept away by this bright and playful atmosphere. The flashy mini-stalls punctuating the route offer plenty of little gems just waiting to be tucked into a summer suitcase.
So what can you find here?
Everything you need to step stylishly into sunnier days. Breezy dresses in seasonal hues, perfect for market mornings or sipping a cold lemonade on a terrace to the sound of cicadas. There are also raffia bags and totes – some simple, others with bold patterns – ideal for a chic dinner or just for looking effortlessly elegant at the local market. You’ll find a rainbow of costume jewellery too: stackable bracelets, layered necklaces… and of course, summer hats, espadrilles, hair accessories – all part of the perfect wardrobe for a laid-back yet refined summer.
But it’s not just about fashion – lifestyle is also given pride of place in this summer showcase. Homeware includes vibrant dishware, linens for your table, and ceramic serving pieces that call for long, al fresco dinners. You’ll also spot a few inspiring books (though I’d recommend heading up to the bookshop if you’re after more variety and choice).
Just like I did, you can choose a bracelet at the stand — each one features delicate coloured ribbons, all equally pretty — and then select a few charms from a thoughtfully curated collection, which are added to your bracelet on the spot.
Perfect for treating yourself, it also makes a sweet little gift for your female friends or family members!
Here’s a delightful little discovery I’d love to share with you. I picked up a few charming pieces from the Monsens stand – a French brand founded by the lovely Victoria, a young designer from the South-West of France and a graduate of the Institut Français de la Mode. I hadn’t heard of the brand before, but I can tell you it drew plenty of attention (including from a number of American visitors), all drawn in by the irresistible rainbow of candy-coloured jewels!
At the very top of this summer edition is a completely different world: La Plaza Rive Gauche, a Colombian market pop-up imagined in collaboration with designer Johanna Ortiz. This elegant, sun-kissed space transports you to South America in a refined yet exotic atmosphere. You’ll find traditional Colombian craftsmanship, Ortiz’s signature tropical prints, natural materials, warm tones, and the unmistakable charm of Caribbean beaches. A bright interlude beneath the palm trees – quite the contrast to the floors below.
Each year, Le Bon Marché brings a fresh perspective to summer. Last year, it was a Provençal village created with Vanessa Bruno and the house of Souleiado – a tribute to Provence markets and an ode to linen, printed cotton, and the art of living. This year, we’ve crossed hemispheres, but not standards: the same focus on quality, noble materials, and flawless tailoring remains. Johanna Ortiz’s dresses are undeniably stunning, with elegant draping and beautiful movement (although – let’s be honest – you might need to be 5’10” to do them full justice). And for those of us whose legs are a little closer to the ground, be aware: some fabrics are tricky to alter. Add to that the price tags, which often flirt with the sky… but hey, this is Le Bon Marché – it’s all part of the game. And it doesn’t take away from the creativity or craftsmanship on show.
This seasonal pop-up remains a welcome pause — a breath of fresh air in a Paris that’s about to swelter under summer heat. It’s a place you return to for the pleasure of it, to be inspired, and occasionally to discover a new designer or two.
It’s also a chance to enjoy a seaside escape without leaving the city — a little taste of holidays, a gentle summer interlude for those of us who, like me, seldom travel far during the warmer months.
Tout beau et tout bronzé, at Le Bon Marché in Paris until August 24, 2025.