© Kassandre - Hôtel Drouot by Thomas O’Brien - Paul Bert Serpette by Stéphane Asseline
You don’t need to inherit a château or attend international art fairs to start building an art collection worthy of a place in your living room. In Paris, independent galleries are shaking up the rules, auction houses continue to spring delightful surprises, and the flea markets are brimming with treasures that have lived a thousand lives. From signed photography and contemporary paintings to original drawings and vintage objects that double as sculptures, here are five addresses to discover your next artistic obsession, with a budget that can stay below €1,500.
Kassandre: Where Art Meets Fashion
At 222 rue de Rivoli, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, Kassandre delightfully blurs the boundaries between fashion, art and design. The leather goods brand has created an exclusive residence inside the former Hôtel particulier de Noailles, conceived as a gallery apartment where objects interact with architecture and different eras. Visitors can discover furniture and art objects in a setting where 1920s heritage meets contemporary creativity. More than just a shop, this destination is a treat for lovers of beautiful objects and places that keep a little mystery about them. Visits are by appointment, offering an intimate experience that makes a welcome change from a marathon Zara shopping trip.
The style: Art Deco, collectible furniture and contemporary design, all presented in a sophisticated setting where every object seems to have been chosen as much for its presence as for its story.
How much does it cost? While Kassandre mainly offers bags starting at €380, vases, statues, decorative boxes and bookends start at €1,500.
Kassandre, 222 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st arrondissement. +33 6 25 34 34 60. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Sunday, noon to 7 pm.
Esther & Paul: An Art Gallery Without the Fuss
What if buying art felt like treating yourself to a beautiful designer piece? That’s the idea behind Esther & Paul, a gallery founded to make buying art simpler and less intimidating. Located on rue de l’Odéon since 2022, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it champions an eclectic selection of paintings, photography, drawings and collages, with a particular focus on distinctive artists and one-of-a-kind pieces. Prices are clearly displayed, so you can take your time and choose what you love instinctively, without feeling as though you’re sitting an art history exam. It’s the perfect stop for finding a work that gives an interior personality, without necessarily spending a month’s salary.
The style: From figurative painting to abstraction, floral compositions, collages and photography, the selection evolves with the inspirations of the artists represented.
How much does it cost? Some works are priced at €150, while other paintings and compositions cost around €750 to €900. Depending on availability, you can find an original piece for under €1,000.
Esther & Paul, 17 rue de l’Odéon, Paris 6th arrondissement. +33 6 63 96 79 07. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm.
Galerie Gallimard: A Haven for Book Lovers
At the historic headquarters of Éditions Gallimard, the gallery brings visual art into conversation with literature. Discover original illustrations, photographs, engravings, portraits of writers and limited editions, often inspired by a book or an author’s world. It’s a wonderfully cultured way to bring art into your home: a signed graphic work, an illustrator’s drawing or a print can be the starting point of a collection. The current immersive exhibition dedicated to the world of Minalima means some artworks are temporarily less visible, but they can be presented on request. Our tip? Browse the online collection beforehand to shortlist your favourites.
The style: Contemporary illustrations, graphic art and art editions, all connected by a literary thread. According to the gallery, original works come with a certificate of authenticity.
How much does it cost? Prices vary depending on the artist and format. The catalogue includes works at €150, an illustration by Owen Davey for €350, and a limited edition of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, illustrated by Aki Kuroda, for €900. We particularly like the numbered, signed prints by Riad Sattouf (€150), limited to 500 copies and taken from Terre des Hommes by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which Sattouf illustrated.
Galerie Gallimard, 30–32 rue de l’Université, Paris 7th arrondissement. +33 1 49 54 42 30. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm.
© François Schuiten - Davide Cerullo
Hôtel Drouot: The Thrill of the Auction
For a different way to buy art in Paris, head to Hôtel Drouot, a major institution in the art market where auctions by numerous auction houses take place throughout the year. Old master drawings, prints, photographs, modern paintings and collectible objects: the programme is constantly changing, with lots to suit a wide range of budgets. The fun starts even before the bidding, with public previews that let you see the works up close and train your eye. The best approach? Browse the online catalogues, identify lots within your budget, then view them in person before the sale. You can also bid remotely after registering. No registration is needed simply to attend an auction: just turn up, as entry is free. The only essentials? Bring your ID and a credit card, and you’re all set.
The style: Hôtel Drouot has 15 auction rooms spread over three floors. Room 9 on the ground floor is the most beautiful and iconic, hosting exceptional sales as well as exhibitions, of which there are three or four each year. Furniture, antiques, paintings, jewellery — you can find just about everything at Hôtel Drouot, including treasures at surprisingly accessible prices.
How much does it cost? Estimates vary from sale to sale. Some prints and graphic works are listed at prices ranging from a few dozen to a few hundred euros. For example, an October 2026 sale featured works on paper estimated at €50 to €300. Bear in mind that the hammer price is increased by a buyer’s premium, which varies by auction house, and online platform fees may also apply. Make sure you calculate the total cost before bidding.
Drouot, 9 rue Drouot, Paris 9th arrondissement. +33 1 48 00 20 00. Open Monday to Friday, 11 am to 6 pm, with late opening until 8 pm on Thursdays. Closed at weekends. Check the website for the auction calendar and exhibition times.
© Thomas O’Brien
Paul Bert Serpette: Vintage Hunting for Collectors
At the Saint-Ouen Flea Market, Paul Bert Serpette is a playground for lovers of antiques, design and objects with a story to tell. Spanning around 14,000 square metres, it brings together approximately 350 antique dealers selling furniture, lighting, decorative objects, works of art and vintage finds dating from Antiquity to the 1990s. Come here to find something truly unique: an old drawing, a small painting, a sculpture or an unusual object to display on a console table. The market is known for its beautiful pieces, and prices can quickly climb, so it’s best to arrive with a clear budget in mind and take the time to chat with the dealers.
The style: A mix of periods and signatures, from antiques and 20th-century design to curiosities and collectible home décor. Part of the pleasure lies in stumbling upon unexpected finds as you wander through the aisles.
How much does it cost? There’s no set price list: each dealer sets their own prices, and the most sought-after pieces can easily exceed €1,000. To stay within budget, focus on smaller pieces, graphic works and compact decorative objects, and always ask the price before making a decision. Haggling can be attempted tactfully, although a discount is never guaranteed.
Paul Bert Serpette, 96–110 rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine. +33 1 40 11 54 14. Open Friday, 8 am to noon; Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm; and Monday, 11 am to 5 pm.
© Stéphane Asseline
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