Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: The Most Famous Department Store in the World

Defining the Galeries Lafayette department stores is an understatement. Spread over multiple floors crowned by a large dome, the Galeries Lafayette is the temple of Parisian shopping where you'll find the most famous fashion, cosmetics, and gourmet brands. But even those not interested in shopping will find a good reason to visit the Galeries Lafayette: they can savor delicious foods, attend a fashion show, or admire the view of Paris from the terrace.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is the largest department store in Europe in terms of sales, welcoming 37 million visitors each year! What is now the colossus on Boulevard Haussmann was founded by two cousins, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, who in 1893 decided to open a new shop in a small haberdashery at the corner of Rue La Fayette and Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin. Strategically located between the fashion district and Gare Saint-Lazare, the new store named "Aux Galeries Lafayette" charmed everyone from bourgeois workers to young women of the time.

The little shop that initially sold clothing and hats then expanded and in 1908 opened its doors on Boulevard Haussmann, shortly after inaugurating the grand hall and dome. Théophile Bader, a great enthusiast of Oriental art, conceived the Galeries Lafayette as a luxury "bazaar" meant to impress customers from around the globe. Additionally, Théophile Bader wanted to make his department store even more exclusive by creating the Galeries Lafayette brand, which has been found among countless shelves since 1900.

The Galeries Lafayette, therefore, have survived wars and financial crises while remaining a family-owned business that continues to be a Parisian institution.

In October 1912, the grand hall and the famous dome were inaugurated, giving the Galeries Lafayette the appearance of the department store we know today.

The best French and international brands are welcomed in a refined Belle Époque-style environment that spans five floors. From the balustrades decorated with Art Nouveau-style leaves, signed by Louis Majorelle, you can admire the magnificence of clothing and jewelry in a cascade of shapes and colors.

Then look up and hold on tight; you may lose your balance admiring the Art Nouveau dome that gave the building the nickname "magasin coupole."

The best of French fashion, luxury, and gastronomy: discover what to buy in the various sections of the Galeries Lafayette. The Lafayette department stores in Paris consist of three buildings: the main one with the dome, the men's department, and the design goods store for the home. Each has its own charm.

Under the dome of Galeries Lafayette, 70,000 m² are dedicated to fashion, beauty, and gastronomy, bringing together the best international brands, from the most accessible to the most luxurious.

Start on the ground floor to indulge in the latest fragrances and discover exceptional cosmetics. Go down to level -1 to browse women's shoes, but if you're not in the mood to buy your Louboutins, continue to the first floor to continue the olfactory journey among luxurious perfumes.

Dream while wearing Chanel No. 5 or embark on a journey with Hermès. If you love Louis Vuitton, don't miss the luxury accessories.

Finally, head to the second floor to wander among the brands loved by Parisians, as well as the most requested brands by women around the world. You'll find Zara or Topshop, but also Kenzo, Zadig & Voltaire, and Maje. The important thing is to "mix and match," right?

Continue your stroll through women's fashion on the third floor: you'll find Agnès B among the French brands, along with international names like Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Massimo Dutti. On the fourth floor, enjoy browsing luggage, lingerie, and sportswear.

If you're with your children, don't miss the Disney store. The fifth floor is entirely dedicated to children, from clothing to shoes, toys, and even maternity accessories. Souvenirs from Paris, gift ideas, and books can be found on the sixth floor.

Finally, we recommend heading to the top floor for a terrace panoramic tour. You'll see all of Paris at a glance! Don't worry if it's winter; the Ice Cube Bar will serve you a glass of champagne, even in the coldest temperatures.

Leave the women and venture into the world of Lafayette for men.

On the ground floor, you'll find watches, perfumes, sunglasses, leather goods, and all the accessories a man could need. Go up to the first floor to try on a pair of Prada, Tod's, or the must-have Church's. And take a look in the intimate apparel department; you might finally find those polka dot socks you were searching for.

If you need casual clothing, head directly to the second floor. Levi's, Lacoste, and The Kooples are all present. Instead, go to the third floor for an elegant suit: Prada, Gucci, the best of men's haute couture is here.

Finally, indulge in a moment of relaxation in the gourmet department or continue shopping for your home.

If you're hungry or want to do some grocery shopping, head to level -1. Even just for a look, it's nice to walk among the stalls of fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish or get lost in the various épiceries.

On the ground floor, you'll find the best products from around the world selected by Galeries Lafayette: Mariage Frères teas, 5 Jotas truffles, Parma ham at Rosi's deli, Alain Ducasse chocolate, Petrossian caviar, or the famous Pierre Hermé macarons. Head to the first floor if you're looking for wine and spirits or kitchen items. Immerse yourself in the world of wine. Finally, don't overlook the section dedicated to extra virgin olive oil.

On the second floor, you'll find everything you need to furnish your home for a luxurious dinner: Baccarat crystal, Rosenthal porcelain, and Hermès fragrances. Everything else you need for home décor can be found on the third floor.

At Galeries Lafayette, you don't just go shopping, but also, most importantly, to discover the latest trends in the French art of living. For example, you could participate in a one-and-a-half-hour macarons workshop with a French pastry chef. Or attend a fashion show every Friday in the Salon Opéra. At the Galerie des Galeries, you can also visit an exhibition usually dedicated to the relationship between fashion, the plastic arts, and design.

After a long day of shopping at Galeries Lafayette in Paris, it's impossible not to be hungry. You'll find 20 food outlets to satisfy every taste. Stop for tea or hot chocolate at Angelina, Starbucks, or the new YC Café by Yann Couvreur.

Otherwise, treat yourself to a nice plate of sushi at Panasia. If you prefer a snack with a view of the beautiful dome, stop by Kaspia on the first floor or Vue sur Coupole on the second. Don't miss the champagne bar on the terrace: the Ice Cube Bar offers views over all of Paris.

Exiting the Galeries Lafayette, you might head to the first arrondissement for a stroll among rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and the Louvre. Or you could continue shopping at the nearby Printemps department stores, visit a relaxing museum like the Musée de la Vie Romantique, or end your day with a show at the Opéra.

Coupole Building, Men's and Home: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Gourmet: Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

If we have helped prepare your visit to the Galeries Lafayette, please tell us about your experience when you return! If you fell in love with the Parisian department stores, you will have Printemps just a short walk away.

40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

Metro: Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette (lines 7, 9), Trinité (line 12), Opéra (lines 3, 7, 8).