The city's best toyshop, decorated like a circus tent, draws gasps of wonder from children. Wooden doll's houses, pirate ships and gorgeous dolls are made to last more than one...

Homeware heaven: there's even a Bricolage Café with internet access. Upper floors have a good range of men's outdoor wear, upmarket bed linen, toys, books, household appliances...

Fnac carries books, toys, DVDs, CDs and CD-Roms for the under-12s. Storytelling and other activities (Wed, Sat) take place for three-year-olds and up.

The Forum des Halles is Paris's biggest and least pleasant shopping mall, although a facelift due for completion in 2012 should improve matters. Extending three levels...

This is the only store in France devoted entirely to our friends electric, and as such it attracts gizmo-lovers of all ages. It's as much a showroom as a shop, with displays...

Village Joué Club, the largest toy store in Paris, is spread out on ground level in and around passage des Princes.