A department store is not merely a space for selling goods. The department stores of Paris, in particular, are grand 'stages' that encapsulate the city's style, desires, and history. The 'Grands Magasins' lined up on Paris's Boulevard Haussmann are the most perfect example.

In this magazine, we will talk about how these massive spaces have become not just shopping malls, but essential tourist destinations and cultural icons of Paris.


A Jewel of Art Nouveau: Galeries Lafayette

The heart of Galeries Lafayette lies in its 'Coupole,' a massive neo-Byzantine style stained-glass dome completed in 1912. The experience of standing in the central hall and looking up at this overwhelming glass dome offers a more intense architectural感動 than most museums or art galleries.

Pause your shopping for a moment and go up to the rooftop terrace. This is a secret spot where you can view the Paris Opéra Garnier from the most beautiful angle, for free.


The Elegance of the Left Bank: Le Bon Marché

If you wish to escape the bustling crowds and enjoy a more elegant and artistic shopping experience, you must head to Le Bon Marché on the Left Bank of the Seine. Known as the world's first department store, opened in 1852, this place is more than just a shopping space; it is a cultural haven loved by the artists and intellectuals of Paris.

Its food hall, La Grande Épicerie de Paris, is a mecca for gourmands, gathering the finest ingredients and wines from around the world, so a visit is highly recommended.


The Magic of Winter: The Christmas Windows

Every November, the Grands Magasins of Paris begin to cast the world's most spectacular magic: the Christmas window displays (vitrines de Noël).

The windows of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores become small stages filled with animated puppets and fairytale-like stories. Parisians, as well as travelers from all over the world, gather to see these works of art. During this time in Paris, you can experience the best sights just by walking down Boulevard Haussmann.

Visiting the Grands Magasins of Paris is an intellectual journey that goes beyond shopping to experience the cultural phenomenon of 'consumption' invented in 19th-century Paris, and the art and architecture contained within it. We hope you will add this splendid moment to your Paris trip.