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November 2005

Investment Center


Munich's right bank shopping district


Up the street from the French haute couture boutiques on the chic Maximilianstrasse, you’ll find Munich’s own French Quarter. The Franzosenviertel comprises a large portion, though not all, of Haidhausen. This former working-class neighborhood has emerged as one of the most desirable arrondissements in the city. In response, charming shops offering objects to dangle either from the ceiling or your ears are constantly springing up. Besides street names, beautiful architecture and a few divine restaurants, there is not much else typically French about this district. But, as for the shopping…ooh la la!

For a day of retail therapy, enter Wörthstrasse from Orleansplatz, in front of the Ostbahnhof, and enjoy a stroll through the tree-lined Bordeauxplatz. On the right, you’ll be drawn to the Moulin Rouge-reminiscent se Paree (Wörthstrasse 17, Tel. 55 05 86 67)—a boudoir stocked full of feminine getups and accessories for day and night. For those with a footwear fetish, just a few steps further is Venus Schuhe (Wörthstrasse 13, Tel. 44 14 14 53). With a small but funky selection of women’s shoes, it’s hard to settle on just one pair. On the other side of the street, at Venus Mode (Wörthstrasse 1, Tel. 48 56 87), you’ll find the perfect outfit to complement your purchase. The look is hip with labels from Guru, Only and Fornarina. Another place you won’t be able to leave empty handed is Janik & Janik (Wörthstrasse 8, Tel. 448 32 51), which stocks paper goods.

For an enlightening experience, head up the adjacent Milchstrasse to a true Frenchman, the proprietor of Andriot Lampen (Milchstrasse 10, Tel. 448 77 38). You’ll have to duck through his shop, but whatever your style, the lively Bernard will help find the perfect lamp amongst his collection. Turn back and take a left onto Metzgerstrasse. Around the next corner you’ll find Bindewerk (Johannisplatz 12, Tel. 448 27 08). This bookbinder, which began producing for special orders, has evolved and now designs high-quality stationery—notebooks, calendars, diaries and the like—in leather, canvas, paper and felt. Worth a browse through is the eclectic Ali Baba Antikes & Interieur (Johannisplatz 13, Tel. 489 11 68) on the corner. More finds from around the globe are in Spaddeline Antikes (Johannisplatz 14, Tel. 48 99 73 00). Parisian jewelry and romantic attire are to be found at Anke Naumann Couture (Schiltbergerstrasse 1, Tel. 0163 370 91 28) and in neighboring Brigitte Mommert’s atelier (Schiltbergerstrasse 1, Tel. 49 00 18 80).

Now that you’ve reached Steinstrasse, a left turn will have you peering into the grand windows of Kehayoff Verlagsbuchhandlung (Steinstrasse 11, Tel. 44 47 96 32)—a cozy bookstore in which readings regularly take place. Step into the Susanne Bommer shop (Steinstrasse 19, Tel. 489 22 68) and see this Munich fashion designer’s works, which are sold throughout Europe and Japan. More modern design pieces can be found hanging across the street, at Lichtgalerie (Steinstrasse 24, Tel. 448 75 11). Interested in adding a personal touch to your kitchen? Visit La Belle Cuisine (Steinstrasse 24, Tel. 44 11 92 11).

Continue ahead until you reach Innere Wiener Strasse, where taking a left will bring you to HORST-Galerie (Innere Wiener Strasse 46, Tel. 448 20 76). This small showroom of upscale modern collectables for home and garden is a sample of what you’ll find in the shops further down, at number 11. Antique Möbel (Innere Wiener Strasse 24, Tel. 48 25 12) has restored furniture recovered from several countries. Back to Wiener Platz, check out the furniture in the shop and backyard warehouse of Curtis & Curtis (Wiener Platz 8, Tel. 448 10 15). Pick up a few colorful accents for your home at a tavola (Wiener Platz 2, Tel. 88 98 23 02). Speaking of color, brighten up your soul at Lapis Mineralibus (Wiener Platz 6, Tel. 44 40 97 92), where you can learn about the powers of stones and create your own piece of jewelry. Next door, at Gabriele Wenzel (Wiener Platz 7, Tel. 448 60 49), you’ll also find an interesting mix of both vintage and new adornments. Looking for a present for a little one? Engel & Bengel’s pastel shop (Innere Wiener Str. 61, Tel. 44 21 85 36) is inviting not only for mothers. For more of nature’s wonders, order a gorgeous bouquet from Blumen, die Leben (Max-Weber-Platz 9, Tel. 470 59 74), where the garden magazine-like décor is a feast for the senses. More treats are just around the corner in Galerie & Tee (Schlossstrasse 9)—a sweet shop for tea junkies. A tea party is made easy at Kochgut (Schloss-strasse 7, Tel. 470 28 06) with its distinctive table settings and kitchen articles. Perfect for revelling in Haidhausen’s joie de vivre.


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