Doursoux

Lovers of khaki will already have this address bookmarked. Doursoux, which deals in army surplus clothing and equipment, has been around since forever behind the Gare Montparnasse. Its USP: that its parkas and army boots are the real toe-pinching deal. If you’re looking for some serious gear, regiment-style, then this is the shop for you.

The prices are hardly bargain-bucket, but there's no doubting the quality of the material: where else can you find a military coat that would withstand Hurricane Katrina, a stripy Breton jumper that won’t go bobbly after the first wash, and indeed functional gas masks? Cameo gear, hiking backpacks and leather jackets hang alongside nostalgic collectors' items (think military insignia, compasses and Second World War equipment).

Military enthusiasts will have found their Aladdin's cave, but others will expend a lot of blood, toil, tears and sweat in trying to make sense of the chaotic layout. If you are looking for something in particular, it’s best to ask the staff for help. But even if you’re not planning on buying anything, the shop can also be experienced as a sort of military museum-cum-gift shop – a highly absorbing one, to (trench) boot.