What is it – France’s reputation as a trendsetter for fashion, food, and stylish living goes back to the early 1900s. The city of Paris and its business community projected a spirit of romance and adventure. One example was a popular store near the train station and the opera house on Haussmann Boulevard called the Galeries Lafayette which expanded its operation in 1912 into a department store. Installing a domed roof and a wrought iron superstructure that illuminated the shopping floors below, the Art Nouveau building also included a grand staircase, stained glass windows, and gold trim. This design coupled with new amenities such as special displays, a tearoom, reading room, and a rooftop terrace created a shopping sensation for Parisians and tourists.

In this century, the Galeries Lafayette is one of the top tourist attractions in Paris and has expanded to more than fifty locations in France and around the world. The company’s central location remains at Boulevard Haussmann with a men’s store next door and a home and food store across the street. Some distinctive features of the store that make it an iconic symbol of the city are:

Luxury Merchandise – There are displays of luxury goods throughout the store including high fashion items, cosmetics and perfumes, gourmet foods, specialty gifts, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and clothing for men and children. These include products from well-known brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Channel, and Armani. In addition, Galeries Lafayette created its own private label collection decades ago which it sells under the names Jodhpur Collection for women, Comptoir GL for men and Galeries Lafayette for the whole family. 

Innovative Displays - Innovation has always been a major feature of the store’s reputation. The store routinely emphasizes up and coming designers and sets up special displays and pop-up shops for new products. Surprisingly, there is also a secondhand section of the store where used clothes and accessories are sold

Fashion Shows - One of the most popular features of the store is its weekly fashion show held on the fourth floor. This ticketed performance lasts about 30 minutes and usually displays thirty to forty of the latest designs from the collections of well-known clothiers. Professional models walk a small runway and photos are permitted.

Restaurants and Cafes - It would not be Paris if there was not food close by, so the Galeries Lafayette has a variety of restaurants and cafes on the premises. These eateries are quite popular and include both fine dining and casual stops serving French, American, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine along with coffees and specialty drinks. 

Rooftop Terrace - The top floor of main building has a large rooftop which is open to the public where special events are often held. The principal attraction of the roof is the excellent views of the city. In addition, the roof top restaurant has comfortable couches and shade umbrellas for seasonal drinks and dining. 

Interesting facts - Other unusual features of the store are the cooking and baking classes held regularly, guided tours of the store offered before it opens on most mornings, and a picnic service that prepares a basket of gourmet foods and beverages for a day in the park. 

How to get there - Once you are in Paris, it is easy to locate the store since it is just a two-minute walk from the center of the Opera District in the ninth arrondissement and the metro station located there. On a pleasant day, the store is only a twenty-minute walk from the Louvre or fifteen-minute walk from the batobus stop at Place de la Concorde on the Seine River.

When to go – There are special activities going on at the store throughout the year and the sales and decorations at Christmastime are excellent. So, while Paris weather can be dreary after October and the rooftop may be unpleasant during the winter, there is always something to see and do at Galeries Lafayette. 

Cost - There is no admission charge for entry to the store or browsing its aisles. Once you are inside you can set your own budget.