Last Updated on 1st March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Around the world, Paris is known as a fashion capital, and for good reason. As well as several Paris fashion weeks throughout the year, and a number of beautiful brands calling Paris home, Paris is also a haven for shopping lovers. There are a number of department shops in the city which sell a plethora of brands and are known as ‘les Grands Magains’ in French. Here’s your guide to the best department stores in Paris.
If you’re looking to spend a rainy day in Paris, then it’s well worth noting that les Grands Magasins are a great place to takes cover. French sales (known as the ‘soldes’) are highly regulated by French law and only take place twice a year; once in the summer and then again in the winter.
With this being said, there is a rise on other clothing offers in stores throughout the years and so the ‘soldes’ definitely carry less weight than they used to. If you are a non-EU resident, then you may qualify for a tax refund on some of your purchases.
Contents
- Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
- BHV Le Marais
- La Samaritaine
- Printemps
- Galeries Lafayette
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
The oldest (and arguably the most exclusive) department store in Paris is Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche. This is the only major department store on the left bank (known in French as the Rive Gauche- i.e. South) of the River Seine.
The department store was founded by a husband wife duo Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut in 1838. Set across multiple levels, the department store is divided into various sections; accessories, shoes, women’s wear, and even a bookshop selling all kinds of wares. The entire layout of Le Bon Marché is open-plan and surrounds a geometric dazzling staircase.
BHV Le Marais
Located in the very heart of Paris, just outside of the Hôtel de Ville, BHV Le Marais was founded in the 1850s. According to legend, BHV(which stands for Bazaar de l’Hôtel de Ville)was founded after the most interesting turn of events.
After moving to Paris in 1852 together with his wife, Xavier Ruel began selling wares in a shop which he named “Bazar Parisien”. The legend goes that, in 1855, Ruel saved the Emperor Napoleon’s Wife after her horses became frightened close to the store. As a reward, she gave him cash, which he used to open the store which would eventually become the BHV.
Today, BHV Le Marais is one of the most popular and busy stores in Paris. Set across several buildings, the shop sells everything from homewares to children’s clothing.The nearest metro station is that of Hôtel de Ville(line 1 and line 11).
In the summer months, one of the coolest places to grab co*cktails in the Le Marais area is at Le Perchoir, which is a rooftop bar set atop the famed BHV Le Marais flagship department store and offering an Eiffel Tower view.
La Samaritaine
One of the original department stores in Paris is that of La Samaritaine, which is one of the most impressive buildings in the 1st arrondissem*nt of Paris.
Newly re-opened to the public for the first time in several decades, La Samaritaine features plenty of Art Nouveau architecture, as well as several restaurants and plenty of concept shopping opportunities. La Samaritaine is also home to one of the best vintage photo booths in Paris.
Printemps
Printempsis not only the word for Spring in French but also happens to be one of the five‘Grands Magasins’of Paris. Situated on Boulevard Haussmann, in the9th arrondissem*nt, the department store was created byJules Jaluzot in 1865.
Characterised by its iconic domes and 44,000 m² of floor space spread over 25 floors and 3 buildings, Printemps Haussmann offers a luxury shopping experience in a historically listed building. There’s even a free rooftop terrace that offers views of the Eiffel Tower.
Galeries Lafayette
One department store which actually has several branches across the city (as well as in other European cities such as Toulouse and Berlin) is Galeries Lafayette, whose main flagship store is located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissem*nt.
Galeries Lafayette also has another location on the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissem*nt. The Galeries Lafayette flagship store itself boasts a Cupola which is Art Nouveau in architectural style and is almost as much of an institution in Paris as the nearby Palais Garnier Opéra House.
Conceived at the beginning of the 20th-century to be a Luxury Bazaar selling all manner of goods to Parisians,the department store also has a free rooftop terrace which offers one of the best views of central Paris.
The Galeries Lafayette complex of Boulevard Haussmann boasts 65,000 m2 of space across three buildings, and sells over 2,500 different brands in total. Each Christmas time, a giant Christmas tree is erected in the centre of the cupola.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of fashion and shopping, my expertise spans a broad spectrum of knowledge about renowned department stores, fashion weeks, and shopping havens across the globe. I've closely followed the trends, histories, and unique features that make each location a distinctive experience for avid shoppers. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the best department stores in Paris.
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is not only the oldest but arguably the most exclusive department store in Paris. Established in 1838 by the visionary couple Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut, it's situated on the left bank (Rive Gauche) of the River Seine. The store features multiple levels housing various sections such as accessories, shoes, women’s wear, and even a bookshop. The open-plan layout, along with a geometric dazzling staircase, contributes to its unique charm.
BHV Le Marais: BHV Le Marais, standing for Bazaar de l’Hôtel de Ville, is strategically located in the heart of Paris, close to the Hôtel de Ville. Founded in the 1850s, the legend surrounding its inception involves Xavier Ruel saving the Emperor Napoleon’s wife, leading to the founding of the store. Today, BHV Le Marais is a bustling store spanning several buildings and offering a diverse range of products from homewares to children’s clothing.
La Samaritaine: La Samaritaine, one of the original department stores in Paris, is situated in the 1st arrondissem*nt. Recently reopened to the public after several decades, it boasts impressive Art Nouveau architecture, various restaurants, and numerous concept shopping opportunities. La Samaritaine also houses one of the best vintage photo booths in Paris, adding to its allure.
Printemps: Printemps, meaning 'Spring' in French, is one of the five 'Grands Magasins' of Paris. Created by Jules Jaluzot in 1865, it is located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissem*nt. Characterized by iconic domes and a vast floor space, Printemps Haussmann offers a luxury shopping experience in a historically listed building. The free rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower.
Galeries Lafayette: Galeries Lafayette, with its main flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissem*nt, is a renowned department store with multiple branches across the city and beyond. Established at the beginning of the 20th century as a Luxury Bazaar, it features an Art Nouveau Cupola and a free rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of central Paris. The flagship store spans 65,000 m² across three buildings, showcasing over 2,500 different brands.
This comprehensive overview of the top department stores in Paris not only caters to fashion enthusiasts but also provides valuable insights into the rich history, architectural marvels, and unique offerings of each establishment.
