There’s no doubt that Paris can provide the shopping experience of a lifetime; whether it’s buying cheese in a local market, second-hand treasures in a flea market or fashion in the big name boutique. The city’s department stores (or grands magasins) are a destination in themselves, where you can source pretty much everything the city of light has to offer under one roof.
Galeries Lafayette, 40 boulevard Haussmann – The Queen of Parisian department stores is housed under a glittering art nouveau dome, where top fashion labels such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel and Lacroix can be perused. The store’s menswear
Lafayette Paris
section is the largest retail space in Europe, and for gourmands wishing to pick up goodies such as handmade chocolates and macaroons, the food hall here is heavenly.
Printemps Haussmann, 64 boulevard Haussmann – Almost next door and dating from 1865, Printemps is another glorious art nouveau retail therapy Mecca. More cutting edge fashion labels such as Isabel Marant and Marc Jacobs can be found here, and in between you can rest up in one of the eight restaurant areas.
Le Bon Marché au Rive Gauche, 24, rue de Sèvres – Situated on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché and dating from 1838 is another elegant and traditional retail experience. Everything from fashion to sporting goods and antiques can be bought here, and there is a huge supermarket at 38, rue de Sèvres.
Frank et Fils, 80, rue de Passy – This department store was founded in 1897 by an entrepreneurial 18-year old, and over a century later a youthful vibe still reigns. Fashion is it raison d’ être, and its stock reflects the most cutting edge trends.
