High end shops are hardly lacking in the centre of Paris, but not all of them are born equal. It’s a question of rank and prestige, here. Take Galeries Lafayette, for example. It goes without saying that the flagship store, stretching along Boulevard Haussmann, has a handful of strong suits - frankly, a list too long to mention, so we’ll resume. In addition to its century-old history, deeply ingrained in Paris’ makeup, it is the décor that first impresses: and it’s hard to not be bowled over by the magnificent gilding, its frequently Instagrammed domes, or the bejeweled windows, regularly gawped at by passersby.
And if the shop - one of the largest in Europe - is so successful, it’s down to the shopping experience. Imagine, if you will, 70,000m2 dedicated to a universe of luxury, fashion, and the art of French lifestyle. You’re sure to find a reason to stay amongst the 3,600 brands on the stands, a large part dedicated to clothes (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Céline, Chloé, APC…), gastronomy (Alain Ducasse, Pierre Hermé, Angelina…) and spirits (a shop of more than 2,500 bottles).
Finally, to make the experience even better, the store offers a special shopping package (49€). Over the course of a day, you will get a dedicated concierge service, with special collection service, wifi, delivery direct to your hotel or home, drinks and snacks during the day, plus an indulgent break in the Galeries restaurant (we recommend the Angelina pastries) or a drink on the rooftop with a gobsmacking view overlooking Paris. Basically, it’s a nice offer for a modest sum. Oh and you’ll get a signed Galeries Lafayette shopping tote, a great souvenir for the trip. Or perhaps you’ll already be planning to stop by the following day…