Passage du Désir

An address that's aged well

The Passage du Désir on rue Saint-Martin is the very first shop of the brand, opened in 2019. It's planted just steps from Beaubourg, rue de Rivoli and the entrance to the Marais, a neighborhood that's never short of life once evening falls.

The shop built its reputation on a positioning that's a bit different from classic sex shops: here they talk about a lovestore, with the idea of nurturing a couple's life over the long run rather than just selling an object.

What you'll find inside

The sex toy section takes up a good part of the space, but the shop also offers lingerie, naughty and romantic gift ideas, and a selection of books on sexuality and relationships.

The selection speaks to couples as much as to women or men who come alone, there's no vibe that would exclude either crowd. Everyone gets the same warm welcome, provided they're 18 or over, a condition for entry that's clearly posted.

Welcome and atmosphere

Feedback from visitors mostly highlights the quality of the welcome: a trained team, able to advise without judgment and without pushing a sale. The atmosphere aims to be relaxed and open, with a touch of humor that helps you walk through the door without embarrassment if you're not used to this kind of shop.

This caring approach comes up often in reviews, customers talk about a real conversation rather than just a trip to the register. One drawback sometimes surfaces around the chain's delivery service, with waits that go beyond what was announced, but that concerns online orders, not the in-store experience.

Practical info

The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday from 2pm to 8pm, which leaves plenty of room to stop by at the end of the day or on weekends. Payment is by cash or Visa card.

Note: the place isn't wheelchair accessible, a point to keep in mind before heading over. Access is reserved for adults, 18 and up.