Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps
Boulevard Haussmann’s department stores – the golden triangle very near the hotel
It is only a 10-minute walk from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra to one of the busiest shopping areas in Europe. There are two historic department stores: Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
Department stores are a French invention. If you want to understand their fabulous history, read Emile Zola’s “Au Bonheur des Dames”. Zola tells the story of the department store “Le Bon Marché”, which was founded in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut. Le Printemps was founded in 1865 by Jules Jaluzot, former director of Le Bon Marché, but Galeries Lafayette did not see the light of day until 1894.
With a total sales floor of 116,000 m², Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps offer all the major brands and luxury goods imaginable.
Visiting these two famous department stores is also very interesting as a tourist. Both beautiful architecture and magnificent views of Paris!
If you have the chance to visit Paris in December, don’t miss going to see the animated Christmas windows, which are a true delight for young and old alike.
The most beautiful Art Nouveau dome in Paris just 8 minutes from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opera
Galeries Lafayette, made up of three buildings and a 66000m² sales floor, is the largest store in Paris in terms of both size and the number of visitors.
Admire the large Art Nouveau dome in the main store, which is undoubtedly one of the finest department stores in the world. If you have the chance to visit Paris in December, don’t miss the magnificent Christmas tree under the dome.
The Lafayette Gourmet should not be missed either – a superb delicatessen that has fine wines, foie gras and other delicacies found in French cuisine. You can also eat at any time of the day. The quality of the products is undeniable, but your wallet will need to be well stocked!
Galeries Lafayette – 40, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lafayette Gourmet is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Art Nouveau architecture of the main Galeries Lafayette store
One of the most beautiful views of Paris from the rooftop of Le Printemps
In recent years, Le Printemps has been repositioning its product range towards a clear focus on luxury goods. Of course visiting the shop floors will be interesting, but whatever you do don’t miss the panoramic view over the rooftops from Le Printemps. The rooftop terrace is accessible from the store’s 9th floor, “Beauty and Home”. Take the opportunity for a break to get your strength back in Décli’cieux, the rooftop terrace café.
A break in the Déli’cieux coffee break you will do you the world of good
Le Printemps rotundas
Le Printemps is a beautiful Art Nouveau building that holds many surprises. The rotundas have been beautifully restored one by one. If you need a trim and you want an unforgettable moment, don’t miss hairdressing salon Le Coiffeur. This beautiful space is accessible from the 6th floor of Le Printemps de la Mode.
“Le Coiffeur” on the 6th floor of Le Printemps de la Mode with or without an appointment.
Printemps – 64, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:35 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.