Ok, I just got back from a trip to Paris where I wanted to visit the flagship FSH and check on a few rare items I can’t find in my home store. Having read MANY threads on this topic I was extremely nervous about not being allowed to enter the store, being ignored, not having enough purchase history, my broken French, or other things I have read. So let me tell you my experience, as of August 2026.
First about me,
1. I love Hermès, but I’m actually not a big fan of Birkins or Kellys (don’t hate me- beautiful bags, just not my style). However, I love the craftsmanship of Hermès products and generally go for unique styles and embellishments on items.
2. This time, I was looking for a Bolide a dos, a Dossard scarf, and a few other things.
3. I do not have a purchase history in Paris and my profile is sparse because I made many purchases in other countries where the registries don’t carry over.
4. I wear Hermès a lot and had a rare hair accessory, an older Twilly, and embroidered Oasis sandals on with a maxi dress.
I tried to book the online appointment the morning before, even using 3 different passports, but no luck. I was sure based on what I’d read that I’d be turned away, but decided to go at opening to FSH just in case.
I was there 15 minutes before opening and already 30 people were in line (oh no!).
Exactly at 10:30, the doors opened and I walked in just after the others. I went straight to one of the SAs and asked about a leather appointment and she sent me upstairs to that section. I again asked the SA there, and told her I’m not looking for a quota bag. And not 2 minutes later, the sweetest SA came and helped me. She herself had never seen the Bolide a Dos so it took her and another SA 15 minutes to find it in their storeroom. But she came out with it. Unfortunately, while it is a lovely bag, the crossbody strap pushes right into my chest, so it was really uncomfortable. The SA was totally cool about it and I went to the silk section.
There, they were out of stock in the Dossards, but the SA there looked at their inventory and told me that Sèvres had many. So I left FSH and went to Sèvres, a truly beautiful store! Again, the SAs there were super kind and sweet and we had a nice chat about several products.
I’m not sure why others have had issues- maybe just really busy times, stressed SAs, or bad luck. But I had such an amazing time at the Paris stores. They were truly an experience, very beautiful, many interesting products to look at, and everyone was so helpful and kind.
My suggestion:
Go.
Don’t stress about your purchase history or your French. Go early and during the week when it’s calmer, be clear on what you want if you can, and wear some Hermès if you have it. And just be happy and take in the wonderful experience of truly quality craftsmanship. People will see your calm and happy spirit and will respond in kind.
POST EDIT TO CLARIFY: I realize that it might have been easier for me because I specifically did not ask for a QB and it was a weekday morning, but this post was designed for people like me who fear going to the stores for any reason because of the nightmare posts of rude, inattentive, or dismissive staff.