Last Updated on September 9, 2023 by April | Dreaming in French
Finding the most panoramic view of Paris has to offer is one of my all-time favorite activities to do here. After all, what better perspective from which to see a city’s layout? The Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Paris is the ideal location if, like me, you’re looking for a vantage point from which to watch Paris from above (with a view of the Eiffel Tower, of course!).
If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of Galeries Lafayette rooftop:
Galeries Lafayette Department Store
The Galeries Lafayette Flagship Store may be found next to the Paris Opera House on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th district of Paris. This department store, one of Paris’ “Grands Magasins,” aka main storeis situated next to the similarly sizable “Printemps” shop.
The Galeries Lafayette store itself has a floor area of over 70,000 m2, and it features a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and home products in addition to other upscale and luxury items.
Théophile Bader and his cousin, who were both from the Alsace region of eastern France, created the renowned department store in 1895. Initially launched as a fashion-only shop, the establishment quickly expanded and extra floor space was bought (the initial haberdashery shop was only about 70m2).
A major extension ushered in a new look for the storefront, giving rise to the notion of Galeries Lafayette as a “luxury bazaar.” A beautiful art-nouveau glass dome was added, and the entire floor area received opulent art-nouveau fixtures.
Even for the shortest amount of time, the store is worth exploring because so much of the early 1900s décor is still present. Every year around the holidays, a massive Christmas tree is put up in the middle of the shop. Its dazzling lights instantly put you in the holiday spirit, even if you’re not quite in the “Christmas Cheer” mindset.
How to visit the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
Galeries lafayette rooftop opening hours: Monday – Saturday 10AM – 8:30PM, Sunday 11AM – 8PM
The terrace at Galeries Lafayette on the 7th level of the flagship shop, which also houses the striking art nouveau cupola, is open every day, weather permitting, and is free to enter. It provides one of the best breathtaking view over Paris.
The terrace shuts too early in the summer months to take advantage of the golden hour, but if you’re lucky enough to visit in the autumn, spring, or winter, you could even be lucky enough to view the sunset over the roofs of Paris and beyond.
Many of the city’s most notable attractions are seen from here. The ‘Terrasse’ after all boasts 180-degree views of the Tour Eiffel, the Ópera, and the roofs. Unfortunately, a wall prevents you from seeing the Sacré-Coeur from the Haussmann position. Nevertheless, the view of the city’s southern side more than makes up for it.
You might be surprised to discover that there are several other Galeries Lafayette outlets spread around France. Along with the Haussmann Flagship store, La Ville Rose, often known as Toulouse, is home to one of the most famous locations. One of Toulouse’s best kept secrets, it also has a rooftop deck.
What you’ll see at the Rooftop
You can get a close-up view of the Ópera Garnier from the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette. A lot of cupolas and Hausmannesque building facades line the streetscape, which is also visually appealing.
The Butte of Montmartre and the Basilica of Sacré Coeur tower over the surrounding area to the north.
The Eiffel Tower can be seen when you cast your gaze off to the southwest.
If you have the time and are in Paris during the early-dark months, I advise visiting the Galeries Lafayette roof deck twice: once during the day and once after sunset.
Pro tip: The best time to visit in the evening is on the hour, when the Eiffel Tower’s strobe lights put on a show for five minutes at the top of the hour after sundown.
Restaurants to Enjoy
Since 2020, the Paris rooftop has undergone a significant refurbishment that included the installation of infinity-pool-style windows into the rooftop terrace, greatly enhancing the view that can be enjoyed there. The rooftop is still accessible for free, but it is now also home to two restaurants.
The restaurant Créatures Galeries Lafayette Haussmann ran by Chef Julien Sebbag, is located on the left as you enter the rooftop area. This 100% vegetarian restaurant in Paris menu serves refreshing Mediterranean gourmet cuisine and beverages to go with it.
Another one of Julien Sebbag restaurants, the Tortuga Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann rooftop restaurant provides shared tapas-style cuisine and is the other rooftop dining option. Season 2 of Emily in Paris included one of the eateries on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace.
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FAQs about Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
How do I get to Galeries Lafayette?
On Metro Lines 7 and 9, Galeries Lafayette is directly outside the Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette station. From the Trinité station on Metro Line 12 or the Opéra station on Metro Lines 3, 7, or 8, it is very conveniently accessible.
If you’re driving, parking is accessible 24/7. The entrance is situated at the intersection of Rue de Mogador and Boulevard Haussmann.
How do you get to the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette?
On the additional floors, there are escalators and elevators. However, you must take the stairs from the sixth story in order to reach the rooftop. A Short flight of stairs, but worth it right away.
When is the best time to visit?
Depending on what you’re looking for, a certain time of day is preferable. When it first opens at roughly 11 a.m., try to arrive as soon as possible to avoid congestion. But if you want to see the sunset, go in the early evening, have a drink on the roof, and then go to the Opéra Garnier to see a show.
What is the Galeries Lafayette rooftop dress code?
There is no dress code to visit the Galeries Lafayette rooftop.
How Much for Galeries Lafayette rooftop tickets?
The Galeries Lafayette Rooftop is free to visit and you do not need to make a purchase in the store in order to visit!
Are you planning a visit to Galeries Lafayette Paris rooftop?
If you have visited Paris Galeries Lafayette terrace, we’d love to hear your personal experiences and tips.
