4 Iconic Department Stores In Paris To Shop ‘Til You Drop

Go on the Parisian shopping spree of your dreams in these world-famous French department stores.

Department stores are known to have a bit of everything – perfect for when you need several different things but don’t feel like traipsing all over town to find them. They’re also a great place to observe local culture (and pick up some souvenirs) while traveling! Take a trip to the city where department stores were born and experience shopping like you never have before with the top 4 department stores in Paris.

 

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Galeries Lafayette

What began as a small clothing store in 1895 has since become one of the most famous department stores in France. Galeries Lafayette is a sprawling complex of name brands and Parisian charm. There are multiple store locations but the flagship on Haussmann decorates elaborately during the holidays, making it well worth a stop even if you don’t plan on shopping. With impressive architecture and a roof terrace highlighting views of the Eiffel Tower, it’s no surprise Galeries Lafayette is such a popular tourist destination. The store also hosts a fashion show every Friday, letting tourists and locals alike live like celebrities during fashion week. If you work up an appetite after all that shopping, rest assured there are plenty of restaurants and cafés within the store. The sheer size of the place might be overwhelming, but the Galeries Lafayette app makes it easy to find brands, restaurants, and other services while you’re there. Don’t forget to check out the various workshops offered before you go, including macaron baking classes and cooking classes with the renowned Ferrandi Paris culinary school to round out a successful shopping trip.

Printemps

Founded in 1865, Printemps, pioneered many concepts integral to department stores today such as having set prices, discounting old stock, and using mannequins in windows to present latest trends. It was even the first store to use electric lighting in 1888. History and elegance have made Printemps a historical monument of the city. There are several locations, but the original on Haussmann has subway access so you can come straight from the metro. Printemps mainly carries luxury brands, but the rooftop terrace with spectacular views of Paris makes the store worth a visit even if you don’t want to shop till you drop.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

The world’s first department store, Le Bon Marché, opened in 1852 and was designed by the same man who constructed the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel. It started out with only four departments, selling various merchandise like sheets and mattresses, and has managed to expand to see an estimated 15,000 customers per day. Le Bon Marché self-identifies as “the most selective department store in Paris,” as high fashion makes up most of the inventory. The store also has an impressive collection of contemporary art to rival any museum. Of course, Le Bon Marché wouldn’t be complete without its excellent restaurants, from Rose Bakery Tea Room where you can enjoy afternoon tea and pastries, to Primo Piano where you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine straight from Tuscany. There’s also a Grand Épicerie, always stocked with gourmet ingredients fit for a Michelin restaurant. No matter what your shopping needs are, there’s something for everyone at Le Bon Marché.

Le BHV Marais

Le BHV Marais was founded in 1856 and has become a hotspot for locals, who make up most of the customers there. The store can be set apart from others of its kind with 5 floors of men’s products and an impressive 40 pop-up shops per year. In addition, Le BHV Marais is more affordable than some other department stores, due to its wide range of over 2,000 brands to choose from. For the full store experience, go on an official tour with one of the many tour guides available upon request. There are also several restaurants and cafés to choose from and fuel up while you shop. Once you’re done, make sure to stop by the Perchoir Marais rooftop, open every night after the store closes for a close up look at the Notre Dame located nearby.