✨ The Ultimate Guide to Paris Department Stores (2025) ✨
Plan your Parisian luxury shopping adventure in the high end department stores (FrenchGrands Magasins) like a pro!
🌟 Key Takeaways
- Top Stores: Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, Printemps Haussmann, BHV Marais
- Insider Perks: Rooftop terraces, tax-free shopping, hidden sales seasons
- Pro Tip: Combine department store visits with guided tours of nearby landmarks
🌍 Why Parisian Department Stores Are Unmissable
Paris isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower and croissants—it’s a shopping paradise where history and haute couture collide. The city’s grands magasins (grand department stores) are architectural marvels offering everything from €10,000 handbags to €10 macarons. Whether you’re a luxury lover, a budget traveler, or a design geek, this guide will help you navigate Paris’ retail gems while boosting your itinerary with local secrets.
🛍️ The 5 Best Paris Department Stores to Visit in 2025
1. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
📍 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
Beyond its iconic dome, Galeries Lafayette hosts free fashion workshops (on Thursdays in the summer) and partners with emerging French designers for pop-up boutiques. Sustainability-conscious? Visit their “Go for Good” floor (Level 3) for eco-luxury brands like Patagonia and Veja. With a dedicated tourist concierge (Level 0), it’s ideal for non-French speakers seeking personalized service.
Why Visit: A stained-glass-domed Art Nouveau icon with 10 floors of luxury brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton) and Paris’ most Insta-famous rooftop.
- Don’t Miss: Free fashion shows (Tuesdays at 3 PM), winter Christmas tree under the dome.
- Guided Tour Pairing: Walk 2 minutes to Opéra Garnier, an iconic 19th-century Napoleon III Haussmannian Paris building. If you’re a fan of the period, also consider the stunning Napoleon III apartments in the Louvre.
Metro: Chaussée-d’Antin (Lines 7 & 9)
2. Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
📍 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007
The only department store on Paris’ Left Bank, Le Bon Marché appeals to intellectuals with its curated bookshop (Level 2) and rotating art installations. Foodies adore La Grande Épicerie’s truffle section and €65 caviar tastings. Insider tip: Their private shopping service (by appointment) includes champagne and a personal stylist—perfect for honeymooners.
Why Visit: Paris’ oldest luxury store (1852) with Gustave Eiffel-designed ironwork and a gourmet food hall, La Grande Épicerie.
- Don’t Miss: Limited-edition collaborations with designers like Jacquemus
- Guided Tour Pairing: Stroll 15 minutes to Musée d’Orsay
More Luxury around Bon Marché: Beside Bon Marché is the charming Bucicaut Square, a typical Parisian small public garden. On the other side of the garden, you will find one of the Hermes Boutiques of Paris and the iconic Hôtel Lutetia, the only luxury Palace hotel on the Left Bank!
- Guided Tour Pairing: Stroll 10 minutes to Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Luxembourg Garden. 15 minutes to Musée d’Orsay
Metro: Sèvres-Babylone (Lines 10 & 12)
Iconic Lutetia in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. the only Palace hotel in Paris Left Bank.
3. La Samaritaine
📍 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001
Following its renovation, La Samaritaine blends 19th-century frescoes with futuristic escalators overlooking the Seine. Luxury shoppers appreciate by-appointment access to Louis Vuitton’s leather atelier. Unique perk: Hotel guests at Cheval Blanc get after-hours shopping access. Architectural buffs shouldn’t miss the free history tour (Saturdays at 11 AM).
Why Visit: A €750-million LVMH revival of this Art Deco icon beside the Seine River, featuring Dior, Fendi, and a rooftop with Louvre views.
- Don’t Miss: The Cheval Blanc Hotel’s spa for a post-shopping massage – and the Cheval rooftop bar and restaurant Le Tout-Paris.
- Guided Tour Pairing: Ile de la Cité tour (the island with the historical center of Paris and Notre Dame Cathedral) ends minutes away from Samaritaine. An ideal first day in Paris can be: (1) Ile de la Cité tour, (2) Lunch Break (with Cheval Blanc rooftop “Le Tout-Paris” option) and La Samaritaine, (3) ending the day with a Louvre tour (10 minutes away), ideally a Louvre Evening tour.
Metro: Pont-Neuf (Line 7)
Photo by Kévin Autin
Continuing the Samaritain building is the amazing Cheval Blanc Paris Luxury hôtel with its four first-class restaurants: Le tout Paris, roof-top bar and Restaurant (awarded one MICHELIN star), Hakuba (Japanese restaurant awarded one MICHELIN star), Langosteria, Plenitude (awarded three MICHELIN stars).
Bespoke premium shopping with Samaritaine
Elite Concierge Services & Premium Client Care
La Samaritaine elevates the shopping journey through its exceptional concierge team, transforming luxury from an abstract concept into a tangible, personalized adventure. Their dedicated staff excels at crafting bespoke experiences tailored precisely to your preferences and desires. What truly distinguishes La Samaritaine is their remarkable capability to acquire merchandise from every LVMH brand throughout their Parisian locations. This extraordinary reach ensures your luxury exploration extends far beyond La Samaritaine’s impressive in-house collection, offering an unmatched breadth of prestigious options.
The Exclusive Sanctuary: “L’Appartement”
Discover the pinnacle of retail refinement within “L’Appartement,” La Samaritaine’s invitation-only shopping sanctuary dedicated to their most distinguished clientele. This private haven offers intimate shopping consultations, first access to new collections, and a tranquil environment that elevates your purchasing experience to extraordinary heights. La Samaritaine beckons you to immerse yourself in a realm of sophistication that surpasses conventional expectations, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable luxury shopping expedition in Paris’s historic center.
4. Printemps Haussmann
📍 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
Printemps’ Beauty Market (Level 1) offers exclusive launches, such as Hermès makeup, months before its global release. Their “VIP International” service includes free skincare consultations in English. For Instagrammers, the 360-degree rooftop terrace offers unparalleled views of Sacré-Cœur. Fun fact: The store’s 1865 founding revolutionized Parisian retail with fixed pricing—no haggling required!
Why Visit: A rival to Galeries Lafayette with a dazzling Art Deco dome and Paris’ largest beauty department.
- Don’t Miss: The 9th-floor café for hot chocolate with Eiffel Tower views.
Metro: Havre-Caumartin (Lines 3 & 9)
5. BHV Marais
📍 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004
A favorite of Parisian creatives, BHV’s DIY workshops (paint-mixing, jewelry-making) make it uniquely hands-on. The basement hardware store sells Eiffel Tower-replica lamp parts—perfect for quirky souvenirs. Night owls love Le Perchoir’s late-night cocktails (open until 2 AM Fridays). Budget hack: Check their “Dégriffé” section for last-season designer items at 50% off.
Why Visit: The Marais’ trendy spot for fashion, DIY supplies, and sunset cocktails at Le Perchoir rooftop.
- Don’t Miss: Pop-up vintage markets in the basement
- Other Marais shopping experience: 10 minutes away is rue des Francs Bourgeois, the best one to experience trendy Marais shopping
- Guided Tour Pairing: Explore Centre Pompidou, also called Beaubourg (close from summer 2025 to 2030 for renovation work), the Picasso Museum, Place des Vosges or Notre Dame Cathedral. all of them are 10 minutes away. Follow a Marais Walking Tour. to discover the most famous historical and trendy district of Paris.
Metro: Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 & 11)
Photo by Andrei Ianovskii.
🏷️ Quick Comparison of the 5 Most Famous Paris Department Stores
| Store | Best For | Price Range | Unique Feature | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galeries Lafayette | Luxury Brands | €€€€ | Art Nouveau Dome | Mon-Sat: 10AM–8PM Sun: 11AM–7PM |
| Le Bon Marché | Curated Fashion | €€€–€€€€ | Gourmet Food Hall | Mon-Sat: 10AM–8PM |
| La Samaritaine | Architecture | €€€€ | Seine Views | Daily: 10AM–8PM |
| Printemps | Beauty Products | €€€–€€€€ | Art Deco Dome | Mon-Sat: 9:35AM–8PM Sun: 11AM–7PM |
| BHV Marais | Budget Shopping | €–€€€ | Rooftop Bar | Mon-Sat: 9:30AM–8PM Sun: 11AM–7PM |
Note: Hours may vary during holidays or for other reasons. Always confirm on store websites before visiting.
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées: The New Challenger
📍 60 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008
Opened in 2019, this sleek reboot reimagines the iconic brand for Gen Z shoppers. Think neon-lit fitting rooms, a 100% digital beauty counter, and a focus on streetwear brands like Off-White and Marine Serre. The store doubles as an art space, with rotating installations curated by the Pompidou Center.
Why Visit: A futuristic twist on Parisian retail, targeting trendsetters who crave exclusives like limited-edition sneaker drops and AI-powered style recommendations.
- Don’t Miss: The “Beauty Hub” with augmented reality makeup trials. The Champs-Élysées with all its Luxury boutiques.
- Guided Tour Pairing: Combine with an Arc de Triomphe Night Tour (8-minute walk)
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1 & 9)
Elevate Your Parisian Luxury Experience at Place Vendôme
While Parisian department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché dazzle with their curated selections, Place Vendôme offers an unparalleled immersion into haute couture and heritage craftsmanship.
Nestled in the heart of Paris, this iconic square is the epicenter of bespoke jewelry (think Cartier, Chaumet, Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels) and high-end watchmaker stores (en French haute horlogerie) with Rolex, Piaget, Hublot, Léon Hatot, Patek Philippe, Breguet. There is also the prestigious Louis Vuitton Maison Vendôme.
Unlike bustling department stores, here you’ll find intimate, by-appointment-only salons and flagship boutiques where exclusivity meets personalized service. For travelers seeking a truly elite shopping moment—paired with architectural grandeur and Parisian savoir-faire—Place Vendôme is the crown jewel.
- Guided Tour Pairing: The building at Place Vendôme number 1, was, from 1842 to 1843, the embassy of the independent Republic of Texas before joining the USA. A commemorative plaque reminds us of it.
Rue de la Paix
Continuing place Vendôme in the north is the prestigious rue de la Paix, which houses Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Baume & Mercier, Fred, Mauboussin, Baume & Mercier Harrison, Tiffany & Co, etc.
Rue Saint-Honoré
Continuing place Vendôme in the south is the no less prestigious rue Saint-Honoré full of flagship boutiques, and which houses Chanel, Hermès, Lanvin, LOEWE, Cartier, Alaïa, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Balmin, Burberry, Korloff, etc.
- Guided Tour Pairing: just beside the famous Christian Louboutin shop at 400 rue Saint-Honoré is a plaque reminding that famous French Revolution Leader Maximilien de Robespierre was living there from July 17th, 1791, to his death on July 28th, 1794 (Thermidor 10 year II).
💡 Insider Tips for Smart Shoppers
- VAT Refunds: Non-EU tourists can claim 12% back on purchases over €100. Ask for a détaxe form!
- Sales Seasons: January 10–February 20 and June 25–August 6 for up to 70% off luxury items
- Avoid Crowds: Shop on weekday mornings or during lunch hours (1–3 PM)
🛂 Step-by-Step VAT Refund Process
- Spend €100+ at a single store (same day, same receipt).
- Ask for a VAT Form at checkout (provide passport copy).
- Get It Stamped at Paris airport customs before checking luggage.
- Choose Refund Method:
- Instant cash (10.8% fee) at airport kiosks
- Credit card (12% refund in 3 weeks)
Required Documents: Passport, original receipts, unopened purchases.
🎉 Conclusion: Shop Like a Parisian
Paris department stores are more than shopping destinations—they’re gateways to the city’s soul. From sipping champagne on Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop to hunting vintage treasures at BHV Marais, every visit tells a story.
Ready to turn your shopping spree into a cultural adventure? Book a tailored Paris tour with tourist guide in Paris to unlock hidden gems, skip lines, and see the city through a local’s eyes! Explore our range of Paris private tours to make the most of your visit to the City of Light!
📖 Glossary of Paris Shopping Terms
- Grands Magasins
- Historic Parisian department stores
- VAT Refund (Détaxe)
- 12% tax rebate for non-EU tourists
- Arrondissement
- Paris’ neighborhood districts (e.g., 7th = Eiffel Tower area, 1st=Louvre area)
❓ FAQS: Your Paris Department Store Questions Answered
Q: What’s the best store for budget shoppers?
A: Even if clearly oriented to luxury shopping, the Parisian department stores can be, in some cases, a little more accessible. BHV Marais offers mid-range brands like Mango, while Galeries Lafayette’s 6th floor has sales racks.
Q: Can I visit multiple stores in one day?
A: Yes! Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are across the street from each other. Pair with a guided walking tour of Opera Garnier.
Q: Do these stores ship internationally?
A: Most offer global shipping, but VAT refunds only apply to in-store purchases.