Galeries Lafayette Paris
The intermingled scent of Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Guerlain and Dior wafts around like a spring breeze as you work your way passed an orderly line of restrained elegant ladies waiting for their moment to enter the cordoned off Chanel store.
Pouting faces are reflected onto hand held mirrors while beauticians pamper and prod rosy cheeks in the vast perfume and make-up section and above, a Moet et Chandon Champagne bar, Piere Hermé Macarons and floors of fashion await.
Welcome to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Paris.
From the moment you enter through the main doors be prepared for your senses to be heightened in more ways than one and a heady mix of anticipation and excitement as you fumble for your phone, craning your neck back to capture a shot of the sun streaming through the magnificent stained glass cupola surrounded by golden balconies rising as far as the eye can see.
If you wish for a truly seductive shopping experience, Paris style, explore this wonderland of fashion and luxury goods all under one glorious stained glass roof.
There is more clothes, shoes, handbags and jewellery than a girl could possibly need. And yes, I said girl, if it is men’s clothing you are after, that is a whole different story and a separate but adjoining building, as is their five floors of home wares.
Dating back to 1895, initially only a small fashion store, established by cousins, Théopile Bader and Alphonse Kahn but by 1912, it had grown into the popular and fashionable Art Nouveau store you see today.
Today you will find brands such as: Sandro, The Kooples, Agnès B, Dolce & Gabbana, G.Star, Hermés and their very own, Lafayette Collection. The collections are extensive and too many to list but owning a Galeries Lafayette cashmere jumper is a must.
Galeries Lafayette’s sales arrive with much anticipation where prices are slashed down to 50% off and their exotic and sumptuous windows will entice you in.
At Christmas time their windows excite young and old as they jostle shoulder to shoulder to catch a glimpse of the mechanical, musical displays.
If you find yourself in need of a break, you can re-charge your batteries in the host of restaurants and cafés on offer, or maybe a glass of champagne at the Moet & Chandon champagne bar Rendez Vous, if that is what you would prefer.
Perch yourself up on a stool, give your feet a rest and admire the view of the grand ceiling while eating a sandwich and sipping on a glass of champagne.
Which ever you choose you will find something to suit your taste and budget.
Lafayette Homme, the adjoining men’s building is also home to the delicious food hall, Lafayette Gourmet.
This is something to be savoured. Food, glorious food, boasting brands like; – Fauchon, Ritz, Maxim’s, Comtesse du Barry, Costes and chocolates by; Valrhona, Cluizel, Pralus, Chapon, JP Hévin, Bonnat and this list goes on.
It is a great spot to find French food souvenirs like chocolate, mustard, tea and biscuits for friends and family.
Maybe you fancy the idea of treating yourself to a free fashion show? They offer that too!
Each Friday afternoon at 3pm on the 4th floor of the main building with the cupola, you can catch up on the new Parisian trends watching a 30 minute fashion parade.
Reservation is required by filling out their registration form, you can find the details below.
You can also make use of their new free app to help you find your way around the store and find your favourite brands using their free in-store wi-fi. Details and links below.
Otherwise pick up a free directory when you enter at the information desk, where multi-lingual staff will be more than happy to assist and don’t forget to ask where you can find the tax office to claim your duty free goods.
After all that shopping and champagne, a breath of fresh air is in order.
At the very top, you will find Le Terrace, a cafe and magnificent views of Paris, including the Palais Garnier, Paris’ Opera House and the Eiffel Tower!
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Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
40, boulevard Haussmann
75009 PARIS
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