6 Famous Department Stores In Paris

Are you looking for the best and popular department stores to shop in Paris?

Among the numerous things Paris is known for, its fashion and shopping scene are among the most prominent. This is evident in the city’s abundance of department stores.

The grand magasins de Paris is practically in a class by themselves as far as tourism in the city is concerned.

There is much more to offer apart from  French luxury shopping since most Paris department stores have stunning architecture and fascinating history.

Once you step into any famous department store in Paris, you’re in for a treat. These department stores have anything you want, whether a modest gift or souvenir, a brand-new outfit or something attractive to freshen up your home. Makeup, and even macaroons.

Here are the top department shops in Paris to visit, whether it’s to take in the stunning architecture, buy a Parisian memento, or indulge in a little retail therapy with high-end French brands ranging from watches and shoes to lingerie and perfume.

6 Famous Department Stores In Paris

RELATED READ:

• Is Paris expensive?
• Where To Shop In Paris    
• Top Art Classes And Workshops In Paris
• Best Romantic Hotels To Stay At In Paris

1. Le Bon Marche

Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

The department store Le Bon Marché may have been the first of its kind. This historic establishment in the 6th arrondissement dates back to 1838 but has undergone numerous restorations. High-end clothing, food, and home goods are now all available here.

Le Bon Marché is undeniably one of the most magnificent shopping destinations in Paris. Its glass ceilings and Art Deco escalators connect its many stores and public areas, all thanks to Gustave Eiffel‘s extension. La Grande Épicerie de Paris, the department store’s gourmet food section, is just across the street.

You can see the Eiffel Tower from the windows of this Parisian department store. The Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, Napoleon’s mausoleum, the French Parliament, and the UNESCO offices can all be found in this area. Paris’ finest dining establishments and lively weekend markets are also in this area, attracting locals, visitors, and everyone in between.

2. Le BHV Marais

Address: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris

BHV, an abbreviation for Bazar de l’Hotel de Ville, is a grand magasins de Paris in the Marais region of the city. It is also close to the renowned Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). BHV is the place of origin for many different brands and attracts a diverse crowd of people, including both locals and tourists. Although BHV does sell certain luxury brands, the majority of its inventory consists of more reasonably priced Parisian labels.

In 1865, BHV began selling haberdashery to the public and experienced rapid growth in its customer base. Today, BHV has more than five floors and stocks over 900 brands. The BHV went through a remodel in the year 2012. This makeover improved the quality of the shopping experience, making it more enjoyable overall and providing a more contemporary appearance for the building.

Le Perchoir Marais is a well-known and must-visit rooftop bar on top of the Le BHV Maris building. This bar offers breathtaking views of Paris and the Seine. There is typically a lengthy line, but if you can hold out, you will undoubtedly be rewarded for your patience.

RELATED READ:

• Amazing English Bookstores in Paris
• Must-See Hidden Gems In Paris
• Fun Things To Do In Paris At Night
• 28 Best Things To Do In Paris

3. Galeries Lafayette

Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009, Paris

In 1895, Galleries Lafayette opened as a modest clothes shop. It has since grown to become one of the most prestigious department stores in all of France. The Galeries Lafayette is a massive shopping center filled with high-end stores and classic French style. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, you should swing by the flagship storefront.

It’s little wonder that Galeries Lafayette is a hotspot for tourists—the building itself is a work of art, and the terrace on top offers stunning panoramas of the Eiffel Tower. In addition, every Friday, the store throws a fashion show, giving visitors and residents a taste of the high life during fashion week.

After walking around the store, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, the mall is home to a wide variety of dining options. You should also complete your shopping trip here by taking advantage of the many available workshops, such as macaron-making sessions and cooking classes with the renowned Ferrandi Paris culinary school.

• Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées

Indulge in the one-of-a-kind ambiance that can only be found at Galeries Lafayette. This one is located on the most picturesque boulevard in the world and just a few steps away from the Arc de Triomphe.

The Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées is ready to introduce you to a new shopping experience.  This shopping center welcomes you with its selection of very specialized brands. You’ll find here a mix of big names, tiny houses, emerging designers, and new capsule collections.

After shopping, stop by the trendy food court before you leave. Foodies will be delighted by the chocolates of Alain Ducasse, the pastries of the Stohrer patisserie, and the fish products of the Kaspia house, to name just a few examples of what awaits you here.

4. Printemps Haussmann

Address: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

The Printemps Haussmann was built in 1865 and is now a significant historical landmark. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious department stores in all of Paris. Printemps Haussmann specializes in high-end goods, fashion, and books, among other things.

While the architecture and decoration of Galeries Lafayette are stunning, the atmosphere at the more sophisticated and upscale Printemps is entirely different.  The crowds at Printemps are rarely as dense as those at Galeries Lafayette.

The products and brands carried in the two stores are pretty comparable. However, the second floor of Printemps is dedicated to ultra-luxury goods and features some of the most prestigious fashion labels from France and throughout the world.

This department store has more space between the sections of each brand, and its dressing rooms are larger and brighter than those at Galeries Lafayette.

Even if most shoppers do not consider the gourmet space to be on par with the competitor, Printemps still offers many more and better eateries. Inside you’ll find a Ladurée, a Café Pushkin, and a bakery with Alain Ducasse’s signature on the door.

RELATED READ:

• Is Paris Safe?
• 12 Best Covered Passages In Paris
• 15 Instagrammable Spots In Paris
• 10 Best Boulangeries And Bakeries In Paris 

5. La Samaritaine

Address: 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris

La Samartaine initially welcomed customers in 1870, when it opened its doors in a prestigious location in the first arrondissement of Paris. Millions of people in the surrounding area were left in utter disarray when, in 2005, Samartaine finally gave up and shuttered its doors.

The great thing is that in 2021, Samaritaine was given a second opportunity. This time, the company was placed under the direction of new management from the LVMH Group, the same company that owns Louis Vuitton.

This establishment, which dates back to the 1920s and features an Art Deco front, has been updated through renovations while still maintaining the building’s legacy and history.

After all, people regard this structure as a significant historical landmark.

Today, the La Samaritaine building has a total floor space of 20,000 square meters on its seven floors. You can’t miss its Art Deco facade on the side of the building that faces the Seine, with decorations in the Art Nouveau style.

There is also a luxurious Cheval Blanc hotel and a restaurant named Ernest, where you can take a gourmet break.

Inside, you’ll find a diverse selection of women’s clothing, as La Samartaine is home to over 600 different brands, 50 of which are exclusive to the store.

RELATED READ:

• 16 Things To Do In Paris With Teenagers
• 13 Most Romantic Weekend Trips From Paris
• 10 Best 4-Star Hotels In Paris
• Best 5-Star Hotels In Paris

6. La Grande Epicerie de Paris

Address: 38 Rue de Sevres, 75007 Paris

Just to the west of the main Le Bon Marché building is a fantastic gourmet food store.  Grande Epicurie de Paris is where you can easily spend hours perusing an excellent selection of foods, which range from French specialties to exotic dishes from all over the world. You can also find deliciously surprising presents for foodies back home right here.

Do not pass up the chance to visit this magnificent marketplace devoted to the culinary arts. This is the place to go if you want to buy foodie presents for someone. Their extensive array of French and international gourmet fare is sure to impress.

However, La Grande Epicerie also covers regular grocery stores. Check out the fresh fruit selection and the excellent bread. There is also a fantastic  wine shop in the basement as well as an oyster bar in the fish section.