Mélodies Graphiques

Verba volant – Scripta manent: “Memory is lost, but writing remains.”

While Mélodies Graphiques first opened in 1986, the store has since changed ownership. When Giacomo and Hitomi first visited, they fell in love with the little Marais stationery shop.

"I told the previous owner that one day, I would love to take over the store so I could continue this great business."

A Place for Lovers of Paper and Beautiful Writing

A secret haven steps from the river Seine, this paper shop is like stepping back in time, a calm and creative haven in the middle of Paris.

Lose yourself amongst rows of stunning paper, ink wells of unimaginable colors, and the lost art of letter writing.

PASSION

"My wife and I are very passionate about classical painting and calligraphy and all handmade crafts. I have a degree in XIV-XV century art history and my wife in Japanese calligraphy. All the work of bookbinding and paper making and all the work of ancient calligraphy are of the masters of the King (Rossignol- Van de Velde-Barbedor...)"

AND PURPOSE

Giacomo and Hitomi's store draws visitors from around the world. Be sure to puruse their visitor book, where some test out the latest calligraphy pen offerings and artists scribble beautiful sketches. All guest books are carefully numbered and stored on a shelf in the back of the store.

Be inspired by Paris.

Two stores in one, Mélodies Graphiques spans two spaces, side by side, along the famous Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe.

Giacomo manages one side, taking custom orders for leather and paper-bound notebooks. I watched an eager couple gingerly pick out their favorite papers and notebook size. Giacomo smiled and told them to come back in fifteen minutes, and their Parisian token would be ready when they returned. He gently turns to me and takes a few more moments to show his handmade glass pens crafted in Paris and his leather stamping tools before returning to his projects.

Meanwhile, Hitomi is tucked into the other side of the shop, amongst stunning handcrafted notecards and gift sets. A visitor attempts to pick out a gift card, and Hitomi patiently translates each French phrase for their English-speaking customer. The husband and wife team are gracious hosts, full of charm, talent, and kindness.