Paris: Ooh La La Lafayette

Its fabulous Belle Epoque stained glass and steel dome is only the beginning of the treasures offered at Galeries Lafayette, Paris’ oldest and largest department store.

photo by Stacia Friedman

If I could live (and die) in a department store, it would be Galeries Lafayette in Paris. The terrace offers a 360 view of the City of Lights– see my photo, left. The store’s three buildings– for les femmes, les hommes, and la maison (home decor)– each feature cafes, patisseries and wine bars. A beauty salon and a full service spa further tantalize.

You can walk in naked (with a credit card) and walk out in the height of fashion.

The first time I visited Paris’ oldest and largest department store I was nineteen years old and determined to trade in my t-shirt and jeans for some instant Parisian chic. I bought a filmy, yellow chiffon, A-line dress and had my hair cut and styled in the salon. (I swear that dress would still be in style today!)

These days, I’m not looking for “chic” as much as for unique brands not readily available in the states, like Reny Durhy. Very Bo-Ho. No matter what your age or size, check out Galeries Lafayette’s junior department in the basement. Fun stuff at rock-around-the-clock prices. This time I also took advantage of the free Friday fashion show. This is a hot ticket, so make reservations in advance online.

When you hit that wall of shopping fatigue, head to the food court- which, needless to say, is nothing like the local mall. Its selection of gourmet cuisine is as seductive as the store’s eye-popping lingerie department. Only here, you get plenty of ooo-la-la without melting your wallet.

Best time to go? When everything in Galeries Lafayette– and “tout Paris”– is on sale at 70% off, from January 15th through February. Hotels and airfares are also at their lowest. No lines at museums. Show your passport and receive a 12% tax refund when you spend over 175 Euros — don’t worry, you will! Information: www.galerieslafayette.com

For a look at another Parisian shopping experience, join Caroline Tiger on a tour of the City of Light’s “puces,” or flea markets.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 8:53 pm and is filed under Just Back From. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.