Don't know about the 90s, but generally, tobacco consumption here is well.. frowned upon. They implemented the plain packaging rule last year, so its becoming increasingly expensive to obtain decent baccy here.
The tobacconist I go to, Tabac101, has good selection of pipes (i.e. Castello, Radice, Northern Briars etc). The others located around the business district have the usual Peterson, Savenellis, Dunhills, etc. Nothing super artisanal.
Having said that, I do occasionally procure my pipes from overseas retailers (smoking pipes, etc) as they have a wider selection of artisanal pipes available.
