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The Galeries Lafayette Paris is an absolute establishment within the coronary heart of France’s capital. This colossal luxurious division retailer within the ninth Arrondissement is famend worldwide, and also you’d be remiss to not embody it in your Paris itinerary. No matter whether or not procuring ranks excessive in your record of sights.
That’s as a result of the Galeries Lafayette has way more to supply than simply the newest designer items.
From its breathtaking Artwork Nouveau structure to a beautiful rooftop terrace with incredible views. To not point out an array of delectable treats, thrilling occasions, and Paris’s largest Christmas tree.
On this article, I’ll reveal the myriad of discoveries which are awaiting you throughout the huge division retailer, together with some precious suggestions for your go to and a few fascinating info. Let’s dive in!
From a Lingerie Store to a Luxurious Chain:
The Historical past of Galeries Lafayette
All of it started in 1894 with a small lingerie store at 1 Rue Lafayette. Enterprise thrived, resulting in the gradual acquisition of not solely all the constructing but in addition adjoining constructions.
In 1908, the Galeries Lafayette expanded to a staggering 10 flooring, protecting a complete retail area of 18,000 sq. meters. Throughout that very same 12 months, building commenced on the exceptional 33-meter-tall Artwork Nouveau gallery corridor in addition to the spectacular 40-meter-high glass dome.
Each of those stay the undisputed highlights of Galeries Lafayette, their attract undiminished. Right here’s excellent news for procuring fanatics: the gross sales space in Galeries Lafayette now spans a powerful 68,000 sq. meters.
Paris is now not the only real location of Galeries Lafayette. Actually, you’ll now uncover branches of the Parisian luxurious division retailer in main cities throughout France and in lots of cities worldwide, together with Berlin, Beijing and Dubai.
In complete, the Galeries Lafayette has a whopping 290 shops all around the world, and extra are deliberate.
The Grand Division Shops
“Les Grands Magasins” refers back to the luxurious department shops, and Paris boasts a number of of them. Amongst these are Printemps, Le Bon Marché, BHV Marais, and the lately reopened Samaritaine.
Along with trend, you’ll uncover a big selection of products in these department shops: house necessities, toys, purses, gourmand delicacies, electronics, make-up, and decor, in addition to eating places and cafés.
Amongst them, Galeries Lafayette is probably the most budget-friendly, because it affords not solely luxurious manufacturers.
CHECKLIST on your Paris Journey
An Overview of the Galeries Lafayette Paris
If you seek for Galeries Lafayette on Google Maps, you’ll discover a number of outcomes. It is because there are certainly numerous Galeries Lafayette shops in Paris. But in addition as a result of the division retailer spans throughout a number of buildings, making navigation not that intuitive.
After I seek advice from Galeries Lafayette Paris, I imply Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, positioned within the ninth Arrondissement. The others are smaller branches and nowhere close to as splendid as the primary flagship retailer.
However this being mentioned, even the primary flagship retailer includes three buildings.
Galeries Lafayette Paris: Magasin Coupole
When you plan to go to Galeries Lafayette in Paris, you’re most definitely looking for the Magasin Coupole.
That is the place you’ll discover the gorgeous gallery, the glass dome, and the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace.
Galeries Lafayette Paris: L’Homme Retailer
The boys’s part at Galeries Lafayette, that includes clothes, equipment, and footwear, is conveniently located reverse Magasin Coupole. What’s noteworthy is that you just gained’t have to step outdoors the constructing to get from one to the opposite.
A glass passageway on the primary ground facilitates seamless switch between the 2 departments.
Galeries Lafayette Gourmand
My absolute favourite a part of Galeries Lafayette as a result of it’s a haven of delectable treats. I assure you that selecting only one shall be a pleasant problem.
Lafayette Gourmand is located throughout the road from the opposite two buildings, and there’s no hidden passageway right here.
To achieve Galeries Lafayette Gourmand, you’ll should step out of the primary division retailer and do it the old style method – by crossing the road.
On the bottom ground, you’ll encounter a gourmand meals corridor of the very best caliber. From Iberico ham to Parisian tea blends, bakeries, pâtisseries, and goodies, you’ll discover an array of epicurean delights.
Essentially the most famend Parisian manufacturers have their presence right here:
- Pierre Hermé (Macarons)
- Mariages Frères (extremely good tea)
- Babka Zana (a private favourite of mine)
- Chez Meunier (I like to recommend the Ache au Chocolat)
- Maison Philippe Conticini (for those who’re right here for New Yr, don’t miss the Galette des Rois)
- Maison Verot (when you’ve got a longing for meat pies)
- …
The basement homes a luxurious grocery store, and considerably counterintuitively, the wine cellar is positioned on the primary ground.
Galeries Lafayette Paris Rooftop: The Most Spectacular Free View
Most guests to Paris’s Galeries Lafayette are drawn to the highest ground of the division retailer, the place you’ll discover the Galerie’s rooftop terrace, providing a splendid metropolis view of Paris.
The trail to this scenic spot is kind of simple: simply hold heading upwards, and you’ll’t miss it. Both method, the rooftop terrace on the eighth ground can also be well-marked.
You possibly can merely experience the escalator to ascend, or go for the elevator, which, nevertheless, solely goes as much as the sixth ground.
If getting up 8 flights of stairs will not be what you’re up for, simply plan in a little bit of time. Since you’re not the one one in line for the elevator.
I, for one, have given up after a couple of minutes and opted for the escalator. The benefit of taking the escalator is that it means that you can discover all the degrees of Galeries Lafayette Paris and admire its stunning galleries.
From the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette, you’ll be handled to a fabulous view of Paris. Within the foreground, you may have the gorgeous Opéra Garnier, proper by the gallery. Within the background, a picturesque Paris panorama unfolds, that includes the town’s rooftops and the Eiffel Tower.
The rooftop terrace additionally options the well-known “Paris je t’aime” signal, good for capturing memorable photographs.
Eating places & Cafés
Purchasing can work up fairly an urge for food, and at Galeries Lafayette, you’re nicely taken care of in that division. You’ll discover a number of eating places right here to maintain starvation at bay.
Eating places and Cafés in Magasin Coupole, the flagship retailer
Within the constructing with the magnificent glass dome, you’ll discover a handful of eating places, together with one on the rooftop with a view of Paris’s rooftops. On the Creatures Restaurant, you possibly can take pleasure in 100% vegetarian gourmand delicacies. Make sure you make a reservation upfront.
On the sixth ground, additionally providing a splendid view, you’ll discover the Lafayette Café. It’s a self-service restaurant, making it a handy alternative for a fast espresso break with out the necessity for a reservation.
Alternatively, with a novel view of the colourful exercise within the division retailer, in addition to the spectacular dome and gilded galleries, you possibly can take pleasure in a seat at Coutume.
This café-bar affords a tremendous collection of coffees from around the globe, making it an ideal alternative for espresso fanatics.
Eating places and Cafés in Lafayette Gourmand
For a broader choice, albeit with out a view, you possibly can eat immediately at Lafayette Gourmand. Some outlets present little seating areas, or you possibly can head as much as the first ground, the place you’ll encounter quite a few small eating places and upscale avenue meals stalls.
Amongst them is Pierre Sang, a famend Korean-French chef, whom I can extremely advocate.
Occasions at Galeries Lafayette Paris
Past procuring, eating, and savoring the view, there’s extra to do at Galeries Lafayette. The shop frequently hosts incredible and intriguing occasions.
Vogue Present at Galeries Lafayette
You possibly can shortly reserve your tickets for the present right here.
What would the house of high-end trend in Paris be with out common trend reveals? You don’t even have to coincide with Paris Vogue Week, because the Galeries Lafayette hosts weekly trend reveals.
On the catwalk, fashions showcase the newest traits from high designers, providing an genuine trend expertise. Make certain to order your tickets right here nicely upfront, because the reveals are extremely sought-after.
Macaron Baking Class at Galeries Lafayette
You possibly can reserve your spot within the baking class right here.
Macarons are as synonymous with Paris as Galeries Lafayette, and on this baking class, you possibly can mix the 2. I took the category in early 2023, and it was a unimaginable expertise.
We have been a reasonably small group, and the pastry chef shared all her methods for making macarons with us.
After all, we obtained to bake our personal macarons and even take just a few house. Sadly, I didn’t get to take pleasure in any of them, as my household devoured them. Oh nicely 😉
Christmas at Galeries Lafayette
When you end up in Paris throughout the Christmas season, the Galeries Lafayette is an absolute must-visit. Beginning on the finish of November, beneath the majestic glass dome, you’ll uncover Paris’ most splendid Christmas tree.
It ranks amongst Europe’s largest, casting a spell that lures thousands and thousands of tourists annually. Many eagerly await the tree’s reveal, and opinions typically differ, however however, it’s an annual occasion.
However past the tree, there are additionally the Christmas shows which are happening within the vitrines. It’s one other Christmas season spotlight at Galeries Lafayette in Paris.
Kids, specifically, adore them. Every show is meticulously themed, that includes dancing dolls, animated installations, and many to find.
Right here’s a tip: Souvenirs Purchasing
When you’re in the hunt for Paris souvenirs that break away from the same old tackiness of memento outlets, then Galeries Lafayette is the place to be. On the sixth ground, you’ll uncover a considerable Paris division stocked with fashionable and high-quality Parisian objects.
From artwork prints to clothes by Parisian designers, magnificence merchandise, house decor, and even toys, there’s one thing for everybody right here. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that high quality comes at a worth.
Sensible Data: Opening Hours and Instructions
There’s not a lot want for overly intensive suggestions for a visit to Galeries Lafayette. It’s greatest to take the metro there and mix your exploration with a go to to the Palais Garnier. The spectacular constructing is simply subsequent doorways.
Nevertheless, I do have one tip to supply. Personally, I typically discover it unbearably heat contained in the Galeries Lafayette.
So, being the sensible individual I’m, I at all times carry a small bag in my pocket, the place I can stuff my jacket in if required.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris:
Opening Hours
Regardless of on which day you arrive in Paris, you possibly can ensure that Galeries Lafayette is open. This grand division retailer is without doubt one of the locations you possibly can simply go to on Sundays in Paris, due to its customer-friendly opening hours. It might be a bit crowded, although.
Opening Hours for Magasin Coupole, L’Homme, and Maison (above Lafayette Gourmand)
Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 8:30 pm
Sundays and holidays: 11 am – 8 pm
Lafayette Gourmand Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm
Sundays and holidays: 11 am – 8 pm
Attending to Galeries Lafayette Paris
Galeries Lafayette is conveniently located on the famend Boulevard Haussmann within the ninth Arrondissement. You’ll discover a metro station proper at its doorstep: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette, served by Line 7 and 9.
When you desire, you can too get out at Havre – Caumartin, accessible by way of Line 7, or Opèra, related by Strains 3, 7, and eight.
Moreover, the RER A is at your disposal, with the Auber station as your exit level. Getting there’s a breeze with these transit choices.
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PS: Try these posts, they may enable you to plan your journey to Paris
FAQ: Galeries Lafayette Paris
What number of Galeries Lafayette shops are there in Paris?
In Paris, there are 3 Galeries Lafayette shops. The well-known one with the spectacular glass dome and rooftop terrace is Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Moreover, there’s a Galeries Lafayette within the Beaugrenelle procuring heart close to the Eiffel Tower, and one other one on the Champs-Élysées.
What can you purchase at Galeries Lafayette?
In brief: The whole lot. Clothes, equipment, footwear, jewellery, make-up, magnificence merchandise, designer objects, baggage, bedding, towels, toys, furnishings, candles, decor objects, tablecloths, watches, gourmand objects, goodies, souvenirs… you’ll discover all of it at Galeries Lafayette.
