If you are one of those who can spend many happy hours gleefully succumbing to the myriad pleasures of retail therapy, then all roads lead to the Galeries Lafayette for you! Conveniently located in the heart of Paris, on the Boulevard Haussmann in the Opera area, many indulgent experiences are guaranteed for fashionistas and shopaholics alike.
What’s Trending at the Galeries Lafayette
Shopping is serious business and nobody knows this better than the Galeries Lafayette. Their main store, the Lafayette Coupole, promises an elegant wonderland spanning 7 floors replete with a regal Byzantine dome. If contemporary fashion is more your style, then keep an eye out for:
Aalto’s artistic masterpieces inspired by local culture.
Christelle Koche’s collection that tastefully blends couture and street wear.
Balsac’s literature inspired troika who showcase chic and exclusive prints, sweaters and retro dresses.
Closed’s tribute to all things denim.
Soeur’s authentic collection of classic and functional fashion.
Marc Jacob’s Shutter Bag that serves as a handy accomplice for your cameras while you go on a photography spree over Paris.
All Things Beautiful
If makeup, makeovers and accessories are what enhances your style quotient then the Galeries Lafayette doesn’t disappoint.
Its newly revamped Beauty Department brings together an exhaustive collection of classic and contemporary brands. Choose from classic M.A.C to the artistic product range of the very French Nars to the Korean label Too Cool for School that accentuates the “girly” look.
Epicurean Delights:
The Lafayette Gourmet proposes a delicious array of gourmet food, tasting bars and delectable eats for the discerning foodie. For truffle lovers, a stop at La Maison de la Truffe is a must. Appease your palate with truffle laden risottos, hamburgers, hot dogs, cheeses or the Black Truffle Madeleine.
Take back truffle infused products to whip up gourmet delicacies back home! Why not also take home some original Maille mustard available in different flavours or some delicious confectionery? Head over to the renowned Bordeauxthèque that houses the best wines from Bordeaux or the Wine Library that houses the finest wine and spirits from different regions of France.
Culture Alert
An encounter with art awaits at the Galeries des Galeries – an exclusive space dedicated to showcasing talented contemporary young artists. If you happen to visit the Galeries Lafayette before 21st January, include a visit to the Galeries des Galeries which is currently hosting the creations of talented German artist Hans-Peter Feldman. Having exhibited in London, New York, Madrid and Bristol, this talented artist’s most iconic creations will be under the spotlight at the Galeries Lafayette.
Celebrating Christmas… The Arctic Way!
Christmas festivities take on a different meaning at the Galeries Lafayette. Highlighting the environmental issue of shrinking polar fields, the Galeries Lafayette Christmas celebrations will be centered around a story of a family of fictional polar bears that have found a cosy home at this chic department store. The arctic experience starts with an artistic window display that recounts the journey of the polar bears with an underlying message of protecting the rapidly diminishing polar caps.
A first of its kind paper Christmas tree created by Lorenzo Papace finds its place of prominence beneath the elegant dome. The arctic rendezvous continues with many in-store activities based on this theme. Fashionistas are sure to enjoy a specially created collection of arctic handbags created by Galeries Lafayette. An inspiring range of apparel, accessories, toys and other products ensure that the Arctic experience continues long after your return from the Galeries Lafayette!
Tax Free Shopping
Purchases made over EURO 175 on the same day are eligible for a 12 % tax refund. The Galeries Lafayette makes it simple for you. Head over to their tourist tax refund (detaxe) office in the basement of the main building with your passport and sales receipts. Depending on the method of reimbursement chosen, a Tax Refund Form will be issued for you. When exiting the European Union, make sure the form is endorsed by the EU Customs and present the form and your purchases before luggage check in at either the airport, train station or border point and claim your refund.
