Last Updated on September 10, 2023 by April | Dreaming in French
Are you looking for the best department stores in Paris? This guide has you covered!
It’s no secret that Paris is the fashion capital of the world. Paris hosts several Paris fashion weeks each year, as well as a number of gorgeous brands that call it home. In Paris, there are several department stores that sell a variety of brands and are known as ‘les Grands Magasins’ in French. Here’s a list of the best department stores in Paris.
They provide much more than just French and foreign luxury labels where you can shop to your heart’s delight, including stunning architecture and a rich history.
If you’re looking to spend a rainy day in Paris, then Les Grands Magasins is an excellent place to take shelter. French sales (known as the ‘soldes’) are heavily regulated by French law and only take place twice a year; once in the summer and once in the winter.
Here are the top 6 famous department stores in Paris to add to your bucket list, whether you want to admire their extravagant beauty and architecture, purchase a souvenir from Paris, or shop for some upscale brands like French watches, luxury French shoe brands, French lingerie, and French perfumes.
But even window shopping in one of these Paris department stores is quite pleasurable, even if you don’t have the money to purchase anything.
If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best department stores in Paris:
Best Department Stores in Paris
Add at least one of these Parisian department stores on your agenda whether you are staying in Paris for a weekend or three days.
Printemps
Creation date: 1865
Printemps Address: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Métro: Chaussée d’Antin – Lafayette (Lines 7,9), Opéra (Lines 3,7,8), or Havre Caumartin (Lines 3,9)
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: 10 AM – 830PM; Thursday, Friday: 10 AM – 8PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 8PM
Website: www.printemps.com
For the past 150 years, Printemps has been one of the leading places for shopping in Paris and continues to thrive today. Located on Boulevard Haussmann, in the 9th arrondissement, the Printemps department store in Paris is not only a French word for spring, but also one of the five ‘Grands Magasins’ of Paris.
Its three buildings (Fashion, Beauty & Men’s, Home & Children) show off luxury and homeware selections, fashionable finds, a beauty section beneath Binet’s remarkable dome that focuses on circular fashion, shoes galore on an entire floor, plus an array of exquisite food from famous names in gastronomy. A must-visit for any shopper!
On the ninth floor of the Beauty & Men’s building, accessible by escalator or lift, Printemps Haussmann offers one of Paris’s most beautiful viewpoints, offering a 360° view over the city!
Galeries Lafayette in Paris
Creation date: 1894
Galeries Lafayette Address: 40, Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris
Métro: Chaussée d’Antin – Lafayette (Lines 7,9), Opéra (Lines 3,7,8), or Havre Caumartin (Lines 3,9)
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10AM – 830PM; Sunday 11AM – 8PM
Website: www.galerieslafayette.com
Galeries Lafayette is one of the biggest department stores in Paris. It was founded in 1893 by Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn. Today, it is one of the largest department stores in the world, with eleven stores in France and two in Germany.
The store is located on the Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It covers an area of almost 60,000 square meters and has three floors. The ground floor is devoted to fashion and accessories, the first floor to beauty, and the second floor to home decor and lifestyle.
Galeries Lafayette has become more than a shopping destination. Galeries Lafayette launched 5 new activities, including fashion shows, events, cooking classes, and more! Don’t forget to check out the VIP Parisian Shopping Experience at Galeries Lafayette before you visit!
If you have a chance, make sure to head upstairs to Galeries Lafayette rooftop, which has one of the most incredible views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the magnificent Ópera Garnier.
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
Creation date: 1852
Le Bon Marché Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
Métro: Sevres-Babylone (Lines 10,12)
Hours: Mon to Sat: 10 am to 8:00 pm; Thur: Open until 8:45pm; Sundays 11am-7:45pm
Website: www.lebonmarche.com
Le Bon Marché, located in the 7th arrondissement and established in 1852, is renowned for being the first Paris department store to operate.
As one of the oldest (and arguably one of the most luxury department stores in Paris) is Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, the only major department store on the left bank (known in French as Rive Gauche, or South bank).
There are several sections in the department store, including accessories, shoes, women’s clothing, and even a bookshop that sells a variety of products. The entire layout of Le Bon Marché surrounds a geometric dazzling staircase that encircles the entire store.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris
Creation date: 1923
La Grande Épicerie de Paris Address: 38 rue de Sévers, 75007, Paris France
Métro: Sévres-Babylone (Lines 10,12)
Hours: Mon to Sat: 8:30 am to 9:00 pm; Sundays 10am to 8pm
Website: www.lagrandeepicerie.com
Le Grand Épicerie is one of the most popular department stores in Paris. It is known for its wide selection of high-quality food items, as well as its elegant interior design. The store also has a reputation for excellent customer service, and its employees are always willing to help shoppers find what they need.
Some of the notable features of Le Grand Épicerie include its large selection of wines, cheeses, and other gourmet food items. The store also has a wide variety of kitchenware and tableware, as well as a section devoted to home décor. In addition, Le Grand Épicerie also offers a range of services, such as personal shopping and gift wrapping.
BHV – Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville
Creation date: 1856
BHV Address: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
Métro: Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1, 11)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10AM – 8PM; Saturday: 10AM – 8:30PM; Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
Website: www.bhv.fr
Parisians love the BHV Marais bazaar because it’s located across from the Hôtel de Ville in the historic Marais district. With its pop-up stores, exclusive fashion brands, home improvement classes, and gourmet treats, the BHV never seems to stop reinventing the concept of retail, as well as the department store itself.
One of the coolest places to grab cocktails in the Le Marais area during the summer months is Le Perchoir, which is a rooftop bar on top of the famed BHV Le Marais flagship department store.
Foreign visitors living within or outside the EU receive a 10% discount at BHV Marais. Foreign visitors who come from outside of the EU also receive a 12% tax refund at BHV Marais. A free Internet connection is available everywhere in the store, which is open 7 days a week – even on Sundays – for an even better shopping experience. Express delivery, hands-free shopping, and a tax refund service are also available.
La Samaritaine
Creation date: 1870
Samaritaine Address: 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris, France
Métro: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Lines 7, 9) Opéra (Lines 3,7, and 8)
Hours: 10AM – 8PM
Website: www.dfs.com/en/samaritaine.com
The famous department store La Samaritaine, is one of the most impressive buildings in Paris’ 1st arrondissement and is one of the first department stores in the city. To return it to its revered status and make it a reference in the world of luxury European department stores, this iconic Parisian building has been carefully renovated and given a contemporary touch in the art nouveau style.
It is impossible to run out of culinary experiences at La Samaritaine! A multitude of flavors at the restaurant Voyage, a sensory experience at Krug Studio, or a personalised sablé biscuit at Sweet Corner. During your shopping, you can take a gourmet break on each floor.
Final Thoughts on Best Department Stores in Paris
If you’re planning to visit one of these department stores in Paris, I strongly advise you to arrive early to avoid the lines. Which department store in Paris is your favorite? I’d love to know in the comments!
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