An art deco icon is back. Founded in 1869, department store La Samaritaine will re-open its doors in April following a €750 million makeover that’s taken 15 years to complete. From the vast glass roof to the wrought-iron balconies to the sublime frescoes of peacocks and leopards, fashion conglomerate LVMH has restored every element of this 70,000-square-metre riverside landmark to its former glory. On the rails, you’ll find more than 600 luxury and mid-range brands across fashion, gastronomy and lifestyle, alongside a dozen or so cafés and restaurants. And because everything has to be ‘mixed use’ these days, the storied grand magasin will also host a nursery, offices, a handful of apartments and Cheval Blanc, a 72-room luxury hotel.
‘On trouve tout à la Samaritaine’ – so went their legendary ads. Time will tell if you can still find everything there today.
La Samaritaine re-opens in April 2020. For now, here are the best shops in Paris.