Galeries Lafayette Maison — Local services in Paris

It is one of the most impressive stores that I have visited. From the official description:

"Galleries Lafayette Haussmann is a Parisian department store located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement.

It is the largest department store in Europe and the second largest in the world after Macy's Herald Square 1.

In 2014, it achieved 1.8 billion euros in turnover, ahead of Harrods in London, Bloomingdale's in New York and Isetan in Tokyo 3, thus once again becoming the leading department store in the world in terms of turnover.

It belongs to the “Department Stores” branch of the Galleries Lafayette Group.

Galleries Lafayette receives an average of 37 million visitors per year, or more than 100,000 customers daily, to the store's four interconnected sites (Coupole, L'Homme, Maison and Gourmet).

The site is served by the Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette and Havre - Caumartin metro stations and by the Auber RER A station. Saint-Lazare train station is also nearby.

In 1893, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, two Alsatian cousins, joined forces and took over a New Products business.

In 1894 they opened the Les Galleries Lafayette store at the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée-d'Antin, more than forty years after Le Bon Marché. The store is ideally located near the Opéra Garnier, the Grands Boulevards and the Gare Saint-Lazare. Very quickly, he attracted office workers and the lower and middle class.

In 1896, the company bought the entire building at 1, rue La Fayette and, in 1903, the buildings at 38, 40 and 42, boulevard Haussmann as well as 15, rue de la Chaussée-d'Antin. Georges Chedanne then Ferdinand Chanut oversee the layout of these new acquisitions. On October 8, 1912, the immense Art Nouveau dome was inaugurated: circular in architecture, its highest point is located 43 meters above the ground, this glass dome is crowned by ten concrete pillars. Théophile Bader liked to use very modern materials for the time, as well as reinforced cement on the upper floors. The decorations are made by masters of the school of Nancy: Édouard Schenck (metal beams sculpted with floral motifs), Jacques Grüber (neo-Byzantine-stained glass windows) and Louis Majorelle (ironwork on the balconies and triple flight staircases).

In 1900, the Aux Galleries Lafayette brand was registered.

In 1908, the first store located on Boulevard Haussmann was opened.

In October 1912, the new store is inaugurated. It is made up of 96 departments, a tearoom, a library and a hairdressing salon. It has five floors, balconies, and a large dome. This one, inspired by the Byzantine style, is 33 meters high, is made up of ten bundles of painted stained glass, enclosed in a metal frame richly carved with floral motifs. The balusters on the lower floors, decorated with foliage, are signed Louis Majorelle, to whom we also owe the banister. According to the wishes of Théophile Bader, a golden light, coming from the dome, floods the great hall, with its main staircase, and makes the merchandise sparkle. At the top of the building, a terrace allows you to discover Paris and its new Eiffel Tower. The windows play an important role in this staging: they must awaken all desires and all desires. Everything is done to make the customer feel good and want to buy.

The store is entirely devoted to novelty and fashion. The democratization of fashion is underway, and success is there. Then the store diversifies its offer: to the traditional departments are added clothing for men, furniture,...

Whenever I visit, it’s always crowded, but it seems there are more people browsing than actually buying — so it feels a bit hectic. However, if you go down to the basement grocery section, it’s much quieter and you can shop for food at your own pace.

I only found out recently that they sell the famous jellies and sweets said to be favourites of President Macron when he was growing up. On the last day of my trip, I’m planning to buy some gifts like oils and truffle products.

There’s quite a wide selection, so it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re looking to shop. I’m not sure if the prices are higher than other shops or about the same, but I’d still recommend it. As for the food section at La Grande Épicerie de Paris, which is much larger, I’ll post a review of that...

Visiting Galeries Lafayette in Paris was like stepping into a fashion dream. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the iconic glass dome, the luxurious ambiance, and the endless selection of designer and contemporary brands.

I also loved the rooftop view ..! truly one of the best panoramic scenes of Paris!

What made it even more special was how the space felt like more than just a department store. Between the art installations, the beauty counters, and the cozy corners to pause and breathe, it’s a place that invites you to feel inspired and feminine.

A must-visit when in...