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Rue Montgallet, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, is commonly called “rue de l’informatique” because it has a large number of stores selling computer and electronic products. All the computer enthusiasts know it. This street is considered as a reference for those who buy and repair computers, smartphones and tablets.
Rue Montgallet, street of computer stores in Paris
The huge advantage of these stores is that you will find almost everything. And the items are available immediately if you have the possibility to move.
History of this computer district
Starting in the 1990s, a few small stores specializing in computers and electronics began to set up along this small street. Little by little, they multiplied. Today, there are dozens of stores dedicated to the purchase and repair of computer products.
What you can find there…
These stores are mainly run by Asians, and you will really find everything. In addition to computers, phones and tablets, you can also find cameras, video consoles, video games, alarm systems, drones, televisions and state-of-the-art hi-fi systems.
How do I buy?
Prepare the references of what you want
The prices are unbeatable and resist the newcomers like Amazon and CDiscount. But the street, however, is advised only to the real experts in computers. Indeed, it is necessary to know exactly what you want to buy in these very small stores. It is very crowded, and the salesmen do not really have time to advise you. So, it is better to have the exact and precise references in advance.
Take boxes and bags with you, because in order to break the prices, the retailers buy the components in very large quantities and without packaging. In other words, if you come to buy a Western Digital hard drive, expect to be handed a hard drive in its translucent anti-static bag, without a box or any visible logo of the brand. In short, you buy at the ‘manufacturer’ price, but you have the ‘manufacturer’ packaging. Same for memory, graphic cards, and other components…
Also be careful with the opening hours, the stores close quite early. After 19H, you may find closed doors.
The website to consult the direct stocks
For those who are interested, there is a comparison site on the Internet dedicated exclusively to rue Montgallet: https://www.rue-montgallet.com. This site allows you to check the quantities in stock and the prices. This will save you a trip for nothing.
Moreover, prices change every day, so always keep an eye on the offers and take advantage of them at the right time.
How to get there
The best way is to get off at the Montgallet metro station on line 8. Walk down rue Montgallet on the left side, towards rue de Charenton and avenue Daumesnil.