Paris is one of the top shopping destinations in the world. So, it comes as no surprise that the iconic department store ‘Galeries Lafayette’, located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, attracts millions of visitors each year.
It all started in 1893 when two cousins, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, decided to open a store near the Opéra Garnier and the Grands Boulevards. Initially, the shop was only 70m2 but attracted a lot of customers. In 1896, the cousins bought the whole building, and in 1903, acquired the nearby buildings as well. In October 1912, the flagship store was officially inaugurated as a ‘luxury bazaar’. The massive dome with its Neo-byzantine stained-glass windows quickly became the symbol of the Galeries Lafayette. Now, the famous department store is one of the most visited places in Paris and covers an area of 70,000m2.
The Galeries Lafayette is, without doubt, the most beautiful shopping mall in Paris. The department store is globally famous for its jaw-dropping art nouveau architecture and stunning window displays during the Christmas season. Loved by both locals and tourists alike, the Galeries Lafayette is a fun place to visit. No Paris shopping trip is complete without at least a visit to the Galeries Lafayette. This is the ultimate Paris shopping experience.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a fashionista to enjoy what the Galleries have to offer. The 8-level luxurious department store is famous for its many renowned fashion brands of course, but there are also plenty of other things to do at the Galleries.
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What to see and what to do?
Even if you aren’t interested in shopping, the Galeries Lafayette is worth visiting, at least for the amazing views it offers (my favorite views over Paris).
A shopping paradise with many prestigious brands
With more than 2,000 brands, we can easily call the Galeries Lafayette a temple of shopping. From fashion to jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, accessories and so much more, the department store has it all!
The spectacular view from the rooftop
The rooftop terrace at the Galeries Lafayette displays a spectacular panoramic view over the City. You can enjoy the incredible panorama of the city skyline for free; it is accessible to everyone and open all year round.
The Glasswalk
Located on the 3rd floor, you can experience a short walk on the 9-meter long and 16-meter high glass walkway to enjoy the best views of the Galeries, right ‘under the dome’. The ideal spot for the best photo shoots!
Restaurants
There are more than 20 restaurants for you to choose from inside the Galeries Lafayette, and no kidding, (almost) all of them are awesome! We didn’t try them all but among the best, you will find: the (newly opened) restaurant ‘Tortuga’, located right on the rooftop and operated by Chef Julien Sebbag, the Mediterranean restaurant ‘Cru’, the Asian restaurant ‘Panasia’, the salad bar ‘Jour’, the Italian restaurant ‘Salumeria Rosi’ and the famous Tearoom ‘Angelina’.
Regular exhibitions
Located on the 1st floor, the ‘Galeries des Galeries’ is a cultural space that showcases international fashion, art & design, and hosts four exhibitions per year (and all for free).
Cooking classes
Cooking classes are regularly held at the Galeries Lafayette throughout the year. The Galeries Lafayette is particularly famous for their macaron cooking class.
Fashion shows
You can also attend a fashion show at the Galeries Lafayette. Fashion shows are usually on Fridays and (most of the time) last for 30-minutes.
VIP Parisian shopping experience
It is possible to book a ‘Parisian shopping experience’ at the Galeries Lafayette with their fashion and lifestyle experts. The experience offers a dedicated concierge service, a tax refund service, a delivery of your purchases to your hotel within 24h, a lunch or snack (including a glass of wine or champagne) at Angelina’s, a shopping bag, a nice break at one of their restaurants and other surprises; best of all, it is quite affordable!
Guided tour to discover the store’s history
You can book a 1-hour guided tour to discover the history of the Galeries Lafayette and its hidden secrets.
Essential Info
Where? 40, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris.
Access? Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette station (Metro Lines 7 and 9), Opéra (Metro Lines 3, 7 and 8).
When? Every day from 10am to 8pm – Sundays from 11am to 8pm.
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