Galeries Lafayette
When visiting Galeries Lafayette, you will be impressed by both the department store’s Belle Epoque architecture and selection of high-class shops. Established in 1893, Galeries Lafayette was initially a small haberdashery shop, opened by cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn. This small start-up business developed into one of the finest shopping establishments in Paris, after the purchase of further buildings on rue La Fayette, boulevard Haussmann and rue de la Chaussée d'Antin.
This magnificent department store now occupies 10 stories of luxury fashion, jewellery, cosmetics and home furnishings. Lafayette Gourmet – the department store’s mouth-watering gourmet food market – offers everything, from alcohol to coffee and chocolates to top of the range food appliances. It is recommended to explore the collection of Bordeaux wines in the Lafayette Gourmet wine cellar.
The 150 brands won’t be the only feature to overwhelm you on your shopping trip to Galeries Lafayette – the building itself is something of a work of art, with its striking glass and wrought iron dome, and Art Nouveau staircase. After the company expanded across multiple buildings, Galeries Lafayette’s held its grand opening in 1912. The department store was quickly nicknamed 'Magasin Coupole' meaning ‘domed store’ due to the beautiful Belle Epoque dome.
Those staying in a Paris holiday apartment may be interested to know that Galeries Lafayette houses Paris’ largest souvenir shop for memorable Parisian trinkets and culinary delights. The latest trends in prêt à porter and haute couture fashion are exhibited at the department store’s weekly fashion show, held at 3pm every Friday. Non-EU members shopping at Galeries Lafayette are entitled to a tax rebate for purchases over €175.1, so remember to take your passport for identification.
Galeries Lafayette is open Monday through Saturday from 9.30am – 7.30pm with a late night opening on Thursday until 9pm. The store is situated in the IXe arrondissement at 40 boulevard Haussmann and can be reached from your Paris apartment rental by taking the Metro to Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette.
