Where do Parisians (and tourists) shop or windowshop? There are a plethora of independent and corporate owned shopping places in Paris but there are a few that attract more visitors than any other shops. Below is a list of department stores in Paris that shows why they shop differently from the rest of the world.
 |
| Galeries Lafayette |
 |
|
| Interior of GL |
Galeries Lafayette – a very grand department store (also super crowded and overstocked with shoes, cosmetics and clothes) that also has branches in Dubai, NYC and Germany. This Paris fashion institution has always been well stocked in cutting-edge fashion, jewelry, high end cosmetics and home furnishings. The Belle Epoque architecture of the store is always wildly decorated according to season. You may not be able to afford what they sell but their interior and window displays are enough to keep your curiosity satisfied. Galeries Lafayette is located on 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th Arrondisement – Metro: Chausee D’Antin, Trinite or Opera.
 |
| Printemps |
Printemps – Printemps is French for Spring. This beautiful “grand magasin” or department store is located on 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th Arrondisement. This amazing Belle Epoque structure (same architectural style as its neighbor Galeries Lafayette) has been in operation since 1865. Its grand cupola was built in the 1930’s as part of the World Exhibition.
 |
| Le Bon Marche |
Le Bon Marche – Le Bon Marche which literally translates to “the good market” (also means the good deal) is located in one of my favorite districts in Paris, 24 Rue de Sevres, St. Germain Des Pres/7th Arrondisement (Latin Quarter). It has a great selection of shoes and clothing from over 40 international designer and an outstanding cosmetics department. This is also one of my favorite department stores in Paris. It is not as crowded and is more organized than Galeries Lafayette. It also has a sister department store called La Grand Epicerie across the street that specializes in gourmet products from all over the world.
 |
| La Grande Epicerie |
La Grande Epicerie – This is probably the most gastronomical supermarket I have ever encountered. It has an entire aisle dedicated to chocolate and a wide selection of exotic food stuff. Its collection of mustards, jams, chutneys, pastries, bonbons and dairy, to name a few, is outstanding. If there is one specific food related item you have been looking for but cannot find, chances are, you will find it here. Its dairy department alone deserves an award for its meticulous assortment. If you really, really love butter, look for the famous Le Buerre Bordier here. It is the most perfect and delicious butter one could ever taste. I will feature this butter later on in one of my posts as well.
There is also Bazar del’Hotel de Ville or locally knows as BHV. It is famous for its hardware department with 365 vendors and over a hundred salesmen.
So there you have it, department stores elevated to ridiculous yet awe-inspiring Parisian standard.
Happy shopping 🙂