Destination: shopping in France! Never enough! If you wish to shop from your favorite luxury boutiques without bouncing from one street to another, you might be interested in department stores. Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are all next to each other in the same place? Oui s’il vous plaît!
Galeries LaFayette Haussmann: La crème de la crème
Impossible not to know it. Even if you've never been there, I am sure you have seen it on Instagram, or you will remember it thanks to the amazing decorations that they install every year during the Christmas holidays: the window shops, the interiors, and the majestic Christmas tree in the middle of the mall: an unforgettable combination of luxury style with winter holidays spirit. Located next to the Opera, it features 7 floors, all divided by women, men, clothes, shoes, beauty, etc. Don't worry; there is an elevator and escalators. Here, you will find a wide variety of brands, from the most luxurious ones to the more affordable. Whether you want to buy makeup products, clothes, or interior decor for your apartment, you will inevitably leave the store with shopping bags. On the top, you have access to the legendary rooftop, where you will have a complete view of Paris (the Eiffel Tower included!). If you wish to take a snack or even have a proper meal, Galeries Lafayette offers multiple restaurants and bars.
Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées: The trendiest younger sister
The younger sister of the previous one. If you want to experience a more chill and youthful shopping day, you should opt for this department store. Galeries Lafayette is conveniently located next to some of the best Parisian luxury hotels of the 1st, 8th, and 9th arrondissement.
Situated on the world's most renowned boulevard, this store offers a modern interpretation of the traditional Lafayette flair. The ambiance is casually cool, and the design is sleek. It's almost like your favorite social media stepped out of your phone and took life into a shop. When I first visited this store, I was transported to a future fashion capsule. It's a little more intimate than its Haussmann sibling but just as remarkable with its carefully chosen selections and concept-store ambiance. You can try the newest high-end skincare and makeup products in this department's beauty section, which is highly recommended. Naturally, a trip wouldn't be complete without stopping by the gourmet food department to pick up a macaron or two (or three, even four).
Printemps Haussmann: Tradition meets trend
Another pillar of Parisian department shops, Printemps Haussmann, is located next to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Printemps has a more subdued elegance that is just as appealing as Lafayette's spectacular show. It's similar to discovering the ideal little black dress: it radiates sophistication and classic elegance even though it doesn't draw attention. Entering Printemps is like stepping into a realm where tradition and fashion collide. When you enter the store, you are met by a contemporary fusion of fashion, beauty, and home décor, all set against the stunning façade of the old Art Deco building.
If you feel hungry, I have a suggestion for you. On the rooftop is the restaurant Perruche, a real hidden gem in Paris. Eating with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Yes, please!
La Samaritaine: The comeback queen of Parisian fashion
This iconic department store reopened in 2021 with much excitement and a new look, having been closed for more than ten years. La Samaritaine, which is close to the Pont Neuf, combines modern flair with old-world elegance, and it soon became my new favorite place in the city.
Entering La Samaritaine is like entering Paris in two different eras. You will be in awe of the Art Nouveau building, which features glass ceilings and elaborate ironwork. However, it goes beyond appearances. Here, you can find everything, from luxury brands to beauty products. Words can't explain how much I love the department sneakers, where I may have bought a pair of limited edition sneakers or two... guilty!
Le Bon Marché: The ultimate comfort of luxury
The original department store in Paris, Le Bon Marché, wears its distinction with a modest confidence. Situated in the 7th arrondissement, this location offers more than simply retail therapy; it's a place to indulge. Le Bon Marché exudes a carefully considered and curated atmosphere, from the exquisitely arranged designer collections to the handcrafted gourmet dishes found in La Grande Épicerie.
The store offers a more laid-back shopping experience because it is less crowded than its more popular peers, ideal if you prefer to be more intimate and quieter.
Department stores in Paris offer something for everyone. Each one has its own unique charm and character, making it impossible to pick a favorite. My advice? Visit them all, and let the best win!
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