Paris’ 5 Most Iconic and Historic Department Stores You Must Visit
Paris’ department stores are not just shopping destinations, they’re real historic landmarks with a legacy that spans over a century. These stores were the first of their kind and revolutioned the way Parisians shop. They have become integral parts of the city’s culture, combining architecture, history, and high-end fashion.
Here are the 5 most iconic department stores in Paris that continue to attract millions of locals and tourists every year.
1. Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is in the 7th arrondissement on the Left Bank. While it began as a small shop in 1838, the store as we know it today emerged in 1852 after a transformation by Aristide Boucicaut who turned it into the first modern department store.
It’s a huge space with over 30,000 square meters of luxury fashion, beauty, and home goods. Its calm, refined atmosphere attracts well-heeled locals and tourists looking for high-end brands and exclusivity. The attached Grande Épicerie is also famous for gourmet food.
Émile Zola based his novel Au Bonheur des Dames on this very store, reflecting the spirit of 19th-century Paris.
2. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
The Galeries Lafayette is located on the majestic Boulevard Haussmann in the heart of the 9th arrondissement. This grand department store covers an impressive 70,000 square meters across multiple buildings. Opened in 1893, it’s famous for its fantastic Art Nouveau glass dome which adds a breathtaking touch to the shopping experience.
Galeries Lafayette attracts a mix of international tourists and locals who come for the latest in luxury fashion, beauty, and home decor. Historically, the store was a trailblazer in retail and introduced the concept of seasonal sales in France.
Today, it’s also known for its weekly fashion shows and fabulous rooftop terrace with a view of the Paris skyline.
3. Printemps Haussmann
Printemps, located next to the Galleries on Boulevard Haussmann, opened in 1865. It Spanning over 44,000 square meters, it’s a temple of luxury offering high-end fashion, accessories, and home goods across its beautifully designed floors.
While Galeries Lafayette attracts tourists with its large selection of global luxury brands and eye-catching displays, Printemps offers a more elegant, local shopping experience focused on fashion and personal service.
The building itself is another architectural marvel with an impressive stained-glass dome and intricate Art Deco details. Printemps was a pioneer in using electricity for lighting its windows in the late 1800s.
The panoramic terrace on the top floor is a hidden gem, with a sweeping view of the city’s landmarks.
4. La Samaritaine
La Samaritaine is nestled between the Louvre and the Seine in the 1st arrondissement. It first opened its doors in 1870 and recently reopened after years of renovation. La Samaritaine was once the largest department store in Paris, with the slogan “On trouve tout à la Samaritaine” (You can find everything at La Samaritaine).
Today, the 20,000 square meter store offers a mix of high-end fashion, beauty, and gourmet dining with a stylish shopping experience. Like the bigger competitors, its Art Nouveau façade and stunning glass ceiling make it a landmark in the heart of Paris.
The top floors house Le Cheval Blanc Paris, a luxury five-star hotel managed by the LVMH group offering fewer than 100 rooms, elegant dining options, a rooftop terrace, and a luxurious spa.
5. Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV)
Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville – aka by Parisians as “BHV” – sits in the Marais district right across from Paris’ City Hall in the 4th arrondissement. Opened in 1856, it has grown into a 50,000 square meter shopping destination. It offers everything from fashion and home goods to hardware and DIY supplies.
Historically, BHV has been the go-to spot for Parisians who need a little bit of everything under one roof. It has a more casual, everyday vibe compared to the luxury stores, which makes it a favorite among locals looking for practicality. It offers an extensive range of products including an ample basement dedicated to tools and home improvement.