Paris has world-famous shopping and there’s no more practical place to shop than one of the city’s many famous Parisian department stores. These fabulous French department stores are where you can find the latest French clothing, shoes, accessories, and more. I love department store shopping in winter because you can spend hours inside the warmth and away from the cold air.
French Department Stores
I hope you’ll have time to visit at least one of these historic French department stores on your next trip to Paris!
Here are my picks for the best French department stores in Paris.
La Samaritaine
This historic store on the banks of the Seine is a must-visit for any fashionista. With its Belle Époque architecture and stunning art nouveau interior, La Samaritaine is a feast for the eyes as well as the wallet. Located centrally in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the store originally opened in 1869 and operated successfully for decades. In 2005, it closed down for renovations and didn’t reopen until June of 2021!
Needless to say, this is definitely a department store worth a visit. It’s home to some of the world’s top designers, and even got featured in season two of Emily in Paris.
Wander through the elegantly appointed halls, and you’ll find everything from clothes to cosmetics, homeware to haute cuisine. There’s even a pharmacy and a wine store on site!
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Opened in 1912, the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is one of Paris’s most iconic department stores. Located on the city’s most prestigious shopping street, Boulevard Haussmann, it’s a must-visit for luxury brand lovers.
The store is spread over five floors and boasts an impressive range of fashion houses, including Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and Valentino. With its Art Deco facade and stained glass dome roof, it’s a must-see for any visitor to the city.
Inside, you’ll find an endless array of brands, from high-end fashion houses to affordable chain stores. There’s also a great food hall on the top floor, with everything from freshly made sandwiches to gourmet cheese boards.
It’s a shopper’s paradise, and with over 350,000 square feet of space, there’s plenty to explore. Whether you’re out for a day of retail therapy or just want to take in the sights and sounds of one of Paris’s most famous department stores, the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a must-visit.
Le Bon Marché
Le Bon Marché is one of Paris’s most iconic stores, and it’s been around since 1838. Located in the city’s chic 7th arrondissement, it was the first department store in France. It remains a favorite of real Parisians who find the others too touristy. 24S is Le Bon Marché’s online e-commerce shop.
The Le Bon Marché store is spread over seven floors, and while it doesn’t have as many low-end brands as some of its competitors, it does have an excellent selection of luxury and high-end brands. It’s also home to some of the best food halls in Paris, with everything from fresh seafood to patisseries for sale in the nearby grocery store.
If you’re looking for something very upscale, Le Bon Marché is definitely worth a visit. With its focus on luxury and high-end brands, as well as its delicious food hall, Le Bon Marché is a great place to shop for French designer fashion.
Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées
The Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées is a recent addition to the Parisian department store scene, having opened its doors in 2019. Located on the world-famous Avenue des Champs Élysées, it’s one of the most prestigious stores in the city.
The store is spread over four floors and was created to showcase the world’s up-and-coming international fashion brands, including Rouje, Ganni, Paloma Wool, By Far, and Jacquemus. It also has a great range of affordable fashion, making it perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.
The ground floor offers a wide range of beauty products like makeup, skincare, and perfumes. The upper floors offer luxury goods by Givenchy, Dior, and Saint Laurent.
With its elegant Art Deco facade and stunning views over the Champs Élysées, the Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées is a must-visit for any fashion lover. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or the latest trends from abroad, you’ll find what you’re looking for at this iconic Parisian department store.
Le Printemps
Le Printemps is another of Paris’s oldest and most iconic department stores. It was founded in 1865, making it the second-oldest store in France after Le Bon Marché.
The store is spread over four floors, and you’ll find all the usual suspects when it comes to brands: Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Lancôme, etc.
What makes Printemps stand out, however, is the wonderful food hall on the top floor. Here you can indulge in a spot of lunch or afternoon tea while enjoying some of the best views over Paris. A place not to be missed!
BHV Marais
The BHV Marais is a lesser-known department store in Paris, but it’s definitely worth visiting. Located in the trendy Marais district, it’s home to some of the city’s best independent boutiques.
The department store houses over 250 brands, including a great range of fashion, beauty, and home goods. With its eclectic mix of brands and affordable prices, the BHV Marais is a great place to shop in Paris.
Les Halles Shopping Center
If you’re looking for a department store with everything under one roof, then the Les Halles Shopping Center is the place for you. Located in the heart of Paris, it’s home to over 300 brands, including high-end fashion boutiques, shoe shops, and affordable chain stores. There’s also a cinema, food court, and library within this shopping center.
What makes Les Halles unique is its affordable mix of French and international brands. You’ll find fashion stores like Mango, H&M, and Sephora alongside home goods brands like Maisons du Monde.
With its central location and great range of brands, Les Halles is the perfect place to shop in Paris. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion or affordable basics, you’ll find what you need at this huge city center shopping mall.
Paris is a shopper’s paradise, with department stores to rival the best in the world. If you’re looking for designer labels, high-end cosmetics, and perfumes, or simply want to browse the latest fashion trends, these French department stores have everything you need and more.
