5 Famous Department Stores In Paris Not To Miss

Looking for the most famous department stores in Paris to either go shopping or admire their beauty? This article has a list of the 5 must-visit.

Paris is famous for many things but fashion and shopping come at the top and the city’s department stores are a testament to that.

Parisian department stores can pretty much be considered tourist attractions on their own.

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Besides housing French luxury brands and international ones where you can shop to your heart’s content, they have much more to offer, from beautiful architecture to rich history.

Whether you want to take in their extravagant beauty and architecture, pick up a Parisian souvenir, or shop some of the fancy brands from French watches, luxury French shoe brands, and French lingerie to French perfumes, here are the 5 most famous department stores in Paris to add to your bucket list!

However, even if you don’t have the budget to buy any of the items sold in these Paris department stores, even going window shopping is pretty satisfactory.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church: A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10)
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Famous Department Stores in Paris

Whether you have a weekend or 3 days in Paris, add at least one of these Parisian department stores to your itinerary.

1. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

First on this list of the best department stores in Paris is nonother than Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.

This store has made its name as the biggest upmarket French department store chain in Europe, and its flagship store is right here in the heart of Paris.

Located close to the Opera Garnier in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is definitely not your average department store.

Sporting an iconic Art Nouveau dome, rooftop views, and a total of three buildings spread across an area of 70,000 m² (750,000 sq ft), that are dedicated to different demographics (Galeries Lafayette Homme for men’s fashion, Coupole dedicated to women’s fashion, kids’ fashion, souvenirs, and more, and Maison and Gourment store dedicated to various home supplies), Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a shopaholic’s dream come true.

Besides plenty of stores dedicated to fashion, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann also houses a great selection of dining establishments and cultural spaces.

The favorite hangout spot here is the rooftop area on the 8th floor where you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the majestic Opera Garnier.

There’s also Créatures restaurant if you’d like to wind down and dine with sky-high views.

On top of this, the department store also runs fashion shows every Friday at 3 PM for those who want to see the latest fashion trends on the ramps. You can make a reservation here in advance if you’d like to catch it while you’re in Paris.

If you’re keen on learning how to bake Macarons while in Paris, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann also organizes a baking workshop that is dedicated to teaching you how to make one of France’s most beloved delicacies. You can book the Macaron baking class here.

While this famous department store in Paris is worth visiting all year round, it becomes a must-visit during the Christmas season in Paris as it puts on stunning Christmas window displays that both adults and kids appreciate, but the highlight is the gigantic and beautiful Christmas tree under its dome.

Whether you go for the Eiffel tower views it offers from its rooftop, its well-decorated interior, and architectural beauty, or to shop till you drop, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is one of the best Paris department stores not to miss.

Location of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: 40, Boulevard Haussmann 75009, Paris.

How to get to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: You can take Metro lines 7 and 9 and stop at Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette or Metro lines 3,7, and 8 and stop at Opéra station.

2. Printemps Haussmann

While not as huge or even as famous as Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Printemps Haussmann is an easy favorite amongst high-end consumers looking to shop for fashion, luxury, and beauty products.

The department store doesn’t just house an impressive selection of international luxury brands and top local brands from French jewelry brands, French handbag brands, French makeup brands, to French skincare products, and clothing brands, it even has boutique sections dedicated to providing support for up-and-coming names, including a fashion incubator that showcases trendy labels started by influencers.

The Printemps flagship store is also located in the 9th arrondissement just next to the Galeries Lafeyette, and much effort was channeled into decorating it.

Popular artists of the era were involved in its design and construction, and many elements of the building are works of art that can elevate your shopping experience, so before going into a shopping frenzy, take some time to admire its beautiful domes, sculptures, and other architectural details.

Like the previous Paris department store, this store especially comes to life during Christmas by putting on stunning displays of Christmas lights and decorations that attract throngs of excited locals and tourists who flock here to catch a glimpse of its beautiful animated Christmas window displays that go up as early as November every year!

Another drawcard that makes Printemps Haussmann one of the best departmental stores in Paris is that it’s home to Perruche Restaurant, a Parisian rooftop restaurant that not only whips up delicious meals but also offers stunning views for those who want to dine at a restaurant with Eiffel tower views.

Location of Printemps Haussmann: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris.

How to get to Printemps Haussmann: You can take Metro lines 7, and 9 and stop at Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette or Metro lines, 3,7, and 8 and stop at Opéra station.

3. Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

Founded in 1852, Le Bon Maché is known for being the first department store to open in Paris.

In fact, its history traces back to as early as 1838, when it started off as a charming novelty shop by a husband-wife duo that sells niche home and living items such as lace, sheets, mattresses, buttons, and ribbons.

Today, Le Bon Marché is another famous department store in Paris dedicated to the best of fashion, designer goods, and fine gastronomy.

If you’re traveling with kids in tow or are looking to shop for your little ones, you’ll be delighted to know that Le Bon Marché ranks high when it comes to being a family-friendly department store!

There’s a section dedicated to children (inclusive of a play zone with workshops and games) and stores where you can shop for iconic Parisian toys that your little ones will love.

Le Bon Marché also organizes events from art exhibitions and guided visits to workshops and cooking demonstrations from time to time.

And for foodies, this Paris department store has not forgotten you! It has an annex store just next door called La Grande Epicerie de Paris, a large grocery store where you can find various pastries, cooking workshops, a wine cellar, restaurants, and more.

Location of Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris.

How to get to Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: You can take Metro line 12 and stop at Sèvres Babylone.

4. La Samaritaine

Next up on our list of best Paris department stores is another long-time classic shopping haven.

Located in the first arrondissement, La Samaritaine started as a small apparel shop and is now owned by LVMH, the same luxury-goods company that also owns Le Bon Marché.

La Samaritaine had become a popular department store in Paris before closing down for years for prolonged renovation works.

After a long wait, the store reopened in 2021 with a stunning redesign. Modern touches were added to the building, including the incorporation of Art Nouveau architecture, as well as the installation of a glass roof and a wrap-around glass facade with a wave-like design.

Along with the reopening, the department store also pulled the curtains to many new features, facilities, and establishments including elegant tearooms, glass-domed courtyards, a brand-new pedestrian plaza (that allows patrons to cross over to the Pont Neuf), a sparkling 5-star palace hotel, a Cinq Mondes spa, a beauty studio, and more.

You can still see bits and pieces of the original building incorporated into the redesigned space, so if you haven’t been here since its reopening, it’s time to plan a visit soon.

You can also admire its various art exhibits or join one of their guided visits to learn more history about this Parisian department store while taking in its architectural beauty.

Whether you go to enjoy an afternoon tea in Paris, admire its redesigned space, or shop all the luxuries your wallet can afford, La Samaritaine is one of the Paris France department stores not to miss.

Location of La Samaritaine: 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris.

How to get to La Samaritaine: You can take Metro lines 1 and 14 and stop at Chatelet station or Metro line 7 and stop at Pont Neuf.

5. Le BHV Marais

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris and Hotel de Ville in the charming and historical Marais district, Le BHV Marais is a lively department store in Paris that’s perfect for some lifestyle shopping.

With over 600 brands under its roof, Le BHV Marais has something in store for every type of shopper.

In fact, unlike other Parisian department stores that mostly receive foreign patrons, Le BHV Marais is one of the most popular department stores amongst the locals!

Besides high-end and designer labels like Chanel, Dior, Valentino, and Fendi, you can also get your daily lifestyle essentials from the likes of Aésop, L’oreal, Kiehl’s, Dyson, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, and Nike.

The department store also has sections dedicated to lighting, decorations, arts and crafts, stationery, kitchen utensils, and more. I am not kidding when I say you can literally find anything you need here.

On top of that, it also houses Le Perchoir Marais, a popular rooftop bar in Paris if you want to end your day with a drink in hand while taking in spectacular views of the city.

Location of Le BHV Marais: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris.

How to get to Le BHV Marais: You can take Metro line 14 and stop at Chatelet station or Metro line 1 and stop at Hotel de Ville.

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Final Thoughts on the Famous Department Stores in Paris

Ready to go on a shopping spree at the best department stores in Paris France? I hope this list gives you a good overview of what to expect at each store.

Most of these Paris department stores have both luxury and affordable goods, so if you’re all about shopping, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for at any of these stores.

But don’t just go shopping! Spend some time admiring the intricate designs, architecture, and interior decor that make them stand out from other Parisian buildings.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Famous Churches to visit in Paris
• Fun Free things to do in Paris
• Best Neighborhoods in Paris
• Beautiful Covered Passages of Paris
• Fun non-touristy things to do in Paris
• Fun facts about Paris
• Interesting facts about the Arc de Triomphe
• Fun things to do in Paris on a Rainy day
• Famous Paintings in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Macarons in Paris
• Famous Paintings at the Louvre Museum

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