The Grand Paris Department Stores – Beautiful Adventures In Shopping

The grand Paris department stores (les grands magasins) were built in the period called the Belle Épôque and are each a testament to the wealth and workmanship that existed in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, one of these stores, Printemps Paris, has been designated a historic landmark for its soaring dome, stained glass, and mosaic tiles.

You'll undoubtedly want to pay a visit to one or two of the best Paris department stores — there's Printemps Paris, Galeries Lafayette, BHV and the Left Bank luxury store, Le Bon Marché. Plan to spend a couple of hours navigating your way through the multi-level stores, saving time for lunch or a petit pause.

Printemps Paris

Since 1865, Printemps Paris has been the place to shop for men and women's fashion, cosmetics and fineries. The graceful Art Nouveau architecture alone is worth a visit. There are six restaurants and a spectacular rooftop terrace with a unbeatable 360 degree view of Paris.

Discover your Paris chic at Printemps. You can arrange your own makeover with a personal shopper to help find the best fashions for you. This free service includes a brigade of multilingual private shoppers to guide you through the store or pre-select pieces for you to try on when you arrive. You must book an appointment for this service.

• 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
• Metro: Havre Caumartin
• Website…

Galeries Lafayette

Printemps' main rival, Galeries Lafayette, is found right next door on Boulevard Haussmann. We visit Galeries Lafayette for their fantastic selection of Paris souvenirs. Then we cross the street to visit Lafayette Maison at 35 Boulevard Haussmann. There you'll find two or three floors of home decor — appliances, accessories, bedding and kitchen equipment

Galeries Lafayette's gourmet food floor has also moved to the lower floor of the Lafayette Maison building. This is home to several famous food boutiques, all in one basement level, which to us is an unwelcome change from when the food floor was in the main building and easier to maneuver. Yet, still we return every time we're in the 9th!

• 40, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
• Metro: Havre Caumartin
• Website…

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

This is our favorite of the city's grands magasins, and if you want to see Paris chic in action this Left Bank luxury landmark is the place to visit.

You won't see as many tourists in this sleek Paris department store.You're more likely to be surrounded by stylish Parisiennes as they shop for designer fashions, cosmetics, and amazing groceries at the sister store, La Grande Epicerie de Paris, just across the street. Tranquil and well appointed, Le Bon Marche's building design was the brainchild of Gustave Eiffel himself and it is now owned by the luxury group LVMH.

• 24 Rue de Sevres, 75007
• Metro: Sevres Babylone
• Website…

La Grande Epicerie de Paris

A Paris Insiders Guide Favourite

This is our favorite food store… anywhere ! Do not miss this spectacular emporium dedicated to the art of food. This is where we go to pick up gourmet food gifts. You will be dazzled by their large selection of French and international gourmet food.

But La Grande Epicerie is about everyday food shopping as well. The in-house bakery is superb and we love the produce section. Did we mention the wine boutique in the basement? Or the oyster bar in the fish section?

• 38 Rue de Sevres, 75007
• Metro: Sevres Babylone, Vaneau
• Website…

BHV (Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville)

This expansive store, spanning several buildings, is found right across Rue de Rivoli from Hotel de Ville and is an anchor in the Marais. It's where Parisians go to find the things they really need — and you can buy everything at this bustling department store, from hammers and nails and plumbing equipment to wedding dresses and fashion and kitchenware and toys.

• 52-56 Rue de Rivoli, 75004
• Metro: Hotel de Ville
• Website…