Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

The Galeries Lafayette is an iconic department store in Paris, located in the 9th arrondissement on Boulevard Haussmann. With over 70,000 square meters of retail space, it is one of the largest fashion and luxury department stores in Europe. Founded in 1893 by Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, the Galeries Lafayette quickly became a favorite destination for fashion lovers, tourists, and Parisians alike.

History of the Galeries Lafayette

The Galeries Lafayette were founded in 1893 by Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn. Originally, the store was a small lingerie business located on the first floor of a building on Rue La Fayette. Over the years, the store saw immense success and expanded to become one of the largest fashion and luxury department stores in Europe.

In the early 1900s, the Galeries Lafayette began to rapidly expand. The store moved several times before finally settling on Boulevard Haussmann in 1912. Since then, the Galeries Lafayette have continued to grow and innovate. In 1927, the Galeries Lafayette created the world’s first personal shopping service. The 1930s saw the opening of a rooftop restaurant, offering a panoramic view of Paris.

The Building of the Galeries Lafayette

The Galeries Lafayette building is an architectural masterpiece, with its famous 43-meter high glass and steel dome becoming an icon of the city of Paris. The building was designed by architect Ferdinand Chanut, with the participation of Georges Chedanne and Jean-Camille Formigé.

The glass and steel dome is the highlight of the building, providing a spectacular view of the store’s different floors. It is surrounded by galleries made of marble and bronze, and topped by a glass dome that allows natural light to enter the building. The Galeries Lafayette have been renovated and expanded several times over the years, but the dome has remained an iconic symbol of Parisian architecture.

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette

The Galeries Lafayette department store offers an impressive selection of fashion and luxury products, ranging from clothing to footwear, fashion accessories, beauty products, jewelry, watches, and much more. The most prestigious international brands are present, as well as emerging brands and local fashion designers. The Galeries Lafayette are also known for their exceptional customer service. Salespeople fluently speak multiple languages and are trained to provide personalized and attentive service to each customer. The Galeries Lafayette also offer exclusive services such as personal shopping sessions, tax refunds for foreign tourists, concierge services, hotel delivery services, beauty and wellness services, as well as high-quality dining services.

The Galeries Lafayette are an ideal destination for fashion and design enthusiasts. The store offers a wide range of luxury products, from haute couture to luxury brands, sports clothing, footwear, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. The store also houses high-quality cosmetic and perfume boutiques, as well as sections dedicated to home and decoration.

For gastronomy enthusiasts, the Galeries Lafayette offer a unique culinary experience with their gourmet dining space, Lafayette Gourmet. It offers a selection of high-quality food products, including cheese, meat, seafood, pastries, and wine. Lafayette Gourmet also offers wine bars, tasting counters, and dining spaces where customers can enjoy French and international cuisine prepared by renowned chefs.

Finally, the Galeries Lafayette regularly host exclusive events and collaborations with renowned fashion and design brands, making it a must-visit destination for fashion enthusiasts, tourists, and gastronomy enthusiasts in Paris.