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Savvy Travel Advice

Guide to Visiting Galeries Lafayette in Paris

Last updated: March 7, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 20 Comments

Galeries Lafayette is a grand department store in Paris that is known for its upscale fashion, gourmet food, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, and in-store activities. It has long been a popular tourist attraction in Paris, welcoming thousands of Parisians and visitors each day. So we wanted to share our guide to visiting Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann.

We’re going to cover all the things you can do at Galeries Lafayette in Paris. You may be wondering what else there is to do at a department store other than shop. There are actually a lot of other things you can do here including learning how to bake macarons, joining a guided history and architecture tour, having lunch, attending a fashion show, taking French cooking classes, and admiring sweeping views over Paris.

My first visit to Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann was in 2012 and we’ve visited several times since then. We’ve shopped, ate, explored, and taken part in many of the offered activities at the department store over the years. So we’ll share our tips and experiences so you can plan your own visit here.

In this article, we’ll share a brief history of Galeries Lafayette, tips on getting to the store, the top things to do and see in Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, and advice on how to book the various activities and tours.

Table of Contents:

Brief History of Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is an upscale Parisian department store chain that sells clothing, accessories, cosmetics, home decor, gourmet foods, and much more. The store’s beginnings date back to 1893 when two cousins from the Alsace, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, decided to open a small haberdashery shop in Paris on rue Lafayette.

In the mid-nineteenth century, department stores were popular and were spreading across the big cities of Europe and the United States. Instead of shopping at lots of small shops, consumers could now go to one large department store and get all the things they needed.

In the early 20th century, Bader and Kahn would greatly expand their store and it would eventually become a department store. Architectural renovations would lead to the addition of a number of Art Nouveau features, including a grand staircase and its famous central glass dome. Galeries Lafayette would soon become a premier shopping destination in the city, joining the ranks of the other great department stores in Paris, including Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and La Samaritaine.

Galeries Lafayette continues to be a popular shopping destination in Paris today. The store has also become a tourist attraction due to its architecture and offered in-store activities such as macaron baking classes and weekly Paris fashion shows .

Today the original flagship store is now spread over 3 buildings along Boulevard Haussmann. There are also two other store locations in Paris (one on Champs-Elysées and one in Beaugrenelle) and over 50 Galeries Lafayette locations across France. There are also several international locations of the store.

Although there are three Galeries Lafayette stores in Paris, this article just focuses on things to do at the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann store. Some of these things apply to the other stores as well, but many are unique to the large flagship store.

How to Get to Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann?

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris (Opéra District). The department store is easy to reach by public transit or taxi from central Paris. There is also an on-site parking garage if you are driving yourself.

For assistance in using public transit, you can check the RATP website which covers the Meto, RER, buses, and tramways. We also find that having a laminated street map that includes a metro map helpful when navigating Paris.

The main store’s address is: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, 40 Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris.

The other two store buildings, Galeries Lafayette Homme (Men’s store; 48 Boulevard Haussmann) and Galeries Lafayette Maison (Home & Food store; 35 Boulevard Haussmann), are located next to the main store.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann by Paris Metro:

There are several Metro stations within a short walk of the store. The closest station to Galeries Lafayette is Chaussée d’Antin (Line 7 and 9), but Opéra (Line 3, 7 and 8) and Havre – Caumartin (Line 3 and 9) are also located about a 3 minute walk away. Trinité (Line 12) is about an 8 minute walk away.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann by RER

The closest RER line station is Auber on RER A which is about a 2-minute walk away from the store. Another close station is Haussmann St. Lazare along RER E which is about a 5 minute walk away.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann by Bus

There are a number of bus stops within a short walking distance of the store. Bus lines you could take include lines 20, 21, 22, 26, 32, 42, 53, 68, and 98. Bus stops located within a 5 minute walk include Gluck-Haussmann, Opéra – Scribe, Auber, Paris – Opéra, Opéra – Rue Halevy, and Opéra.

Most of the Paris sightseeing buses also make stops nearby, normally in front of the Palais Garnier (Paris Opera). These include both the Big Bus and Tootbus hop-on hop-off buses. It is about a 5 minute walk from the Palais Garnier opera house to the department store.

Galeries Lafayette by Taxi, Minicab, or Rideshare

There are a number of taxi, minicab, and rideshare services available in Paris. In addition to just hailing a taxi, you can also arrange a taxi via an app or online via Uber, G7 , or Free Now .

If you need any assistance when leaving the store, the Concierge can help you arrange a taxi if needed.

Parking at Galeries Lafayette

There is a parking garage at Galeries Lafayette that is currently operated by Indigo. The entrance is off Boulevard Haussmann in front of the Lafayette Homme building (48 Boulevard Haussmann). The parking garage is normally open 24/7. There is a parking fee and the parking fee amount depends on the length of stay. You pay upon exiting the parking garage.

NOTE : There are three Galeries Lafayette store locations across Paris, so be sure you have the right one if looking up the address or using a GPS for directions. The main flagship store is Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann.

10 Things to Do at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

There are lots of things to do at Galeries Lafayette and we have included our top things to do at the store to help you plan your trip.

Shopping is of course the main reason why many visitors come to Galeries Lafayette. Galeries Lafayette mainly sells fashion items, fragrances and cosmetics, gourmet food, and home furnishings. But you can also find souvenirs, luggage, toys, books, and even small appliances at the store.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is a huge department store spread out across 3 multi-floor buildings offering over 3,000 brands.

The three buildings are:

• Galeries Lafayette / Magasin Coupole (Main Store Building) : Women’s fashion and accessories, dome, cosmetics, jewelry, children’s fashion and toys, souvenirs, main shopper services, books, luggage
• Galeries Lafayette Homme / Magasin L’Homme (Men’s Store): Men’s fashion, accessories, and shoes
• Galeries Lafayette Maison / Magasin Maison & Gourmet (Home & Gourmet Store ): Food, home decor, home furnishings, linen, cookware, small appliances

The main department store (women’s) and Men’s Store buildings are located next to one another and are connected by an enclosed bridge that you can walk across. The Home & Gourmet Store is located across the street. You can see a store map here .

Although the department store definitely carries more of the luxury and expensive brands (e.g. Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Cartier, Louis Vuitton), they do have some lines that fall into the moderate to even budget price levels. The store has even recently launched a second-hand section, called (Re)Store, where you can buy lightly used and vintage clothing and fashion accessories.

The store also regularly has pop-up shops and spaces in its store as a way of introducing newer and smaller fashion brands as well as highlighting new collections from established brands. They also do pop-up shops for food and drinks as well.

Just note that the flagship Haussmann store can be overwhelming as it can get very crowded, especially in the summer and around the holidays. Not only is it a store, but it’s also a popular tourist attraction. There are sometimes lines just to get into some of the luxury accessory shops for brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. So just be prepared for that.

When we really need to shop for something and want some peace, we tend to go to one of the other Galeries Lafayette locations. There are 2 other Galeries Lafayette store locations in Paris (one on Champs-Elysées and one in the Beaugrenelle Paris shopping mall) and over 50 store locations across France. Although the other stores tend to be less crowded than the flagship store, most are smaller and offer less selection.

If you are wanting some help finding some items for your wardrobe, the store offers a personal shopping service . There is also a virtual live video version of this service available for those who can’t travel to Paris. I believe that both basic personal shopper services are still offered for free, although you can pay more for private stylist services at the store if you are looking for a more VIP experience. You need to reserve an appointment in advance.

Remember if you spend over 100 euros at the store and live outside of the European Union, you may be eligible to get a 12% VAT refund on your purchases. There is a desk at Galeries Lafayette that can help you with tax refunds. You can also see this page for more information on VAT refunds and how to apply.

Admire the Dome

Today, the 43-meter (141 feet) high stained-glass dome is an icon of the Galeries Lafayette store. It is located in the center of the main building (Coupole Store). Many people come to the store just to look at the beautiful Art Nouveau dome.

The main store actually gets its building name, Magasin Coupole or Coupole Store, from its dome. The word coupole in French means cupola or dome in English.

However, the dome has not always been a part of the store. The store underwent a huge renovation in 1912 by Ferdinand Chanut to expand it and decorate it in the Paris Art Nouveau style. The dome was designed by master glassmaker Jacques Grüber and is made of stained glass and lead mountings. The pattern is meant to imitate a large flower and the stained glass panels are divided into 10 sections.

After renovations, the store was reopened in October 1912, and here is how the store website describes the opening day: “Golden light, filtered through the domed roof, would flood the grand hall and set the products aglow.”

The dome is still the architectural focal point today and lets light illuminate the central part of the store. Some of the glass has been lost over the years (some was hidden too well during World War 2) and many pieces have had to be replaced or restored over the years.

Each year during the holiday season, a Christmas tree is suspended from the dome. This is a tradition dating back to 1976. So the holidays are a popular time to come see the dome as the decorations change each year.

You can see the dome from any floor of the building, but you get the best overall views from the lower floors. However, from the upper floors, you can get a better peek at the details. If you want to savor a view, you can grab some coffee or a juice at Joe & the Juice on the 2nd floor as the tables there provide great views of the dome and over the store’s ground floor below.

In 2018, for the holiday season, Galeries Lafayette built a 9-meter long glass walkway that stretches out under the dome from the 3rd floor of the store. This walkway, known as the Glasswalk, allows one to get a lovely view beneath the Art Deco dome. Just note there are often lines here and the time you can spend on the walkway is limited by staff to allow everyone a chance to walk here and take photos.

Paris is full of wonderful architecture and art, but the dome remains one of our favorite architectural details you can see for free in the city. Even if you are just walking by the store, it’s worth taking 10 minutes to walk into the store to admire this beautiful dome.

Attend a Fashion Show

The Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann holds a weekly fashion show. Here models show off the latest ready-to-wear fashion collections available in their stores from brand names such as Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Kooples, Ralph Lauren, and Minelli.

While it’s not like attending a runway show during Paris Fashion Week, it is an entertaining 30-minute show that most fashion lovers will enjoy. They dim the lights, put on music, and have models show off a number of pieces. The clothes change with the seasons, and each show normally features 30 to 40 different looks.

If you want to know more about the experience, you can read our article about attending the Galeries Lafayette fashion show . We’ve been a few times over the years.

The show generally lasts for about 30 minutes and takes place every Friday afternoon (normally at 3pm) throughout the year. Sometimes in summer they hold it twice a week. But this obviously means that if you want to attend, you will need to make sure that the dates and times of your trip align with the show schedule.

You can check available dates and book tickets online here . You need to make a reservation and book your tickets in advance. The tickets often sell out, especially in the summer months.

The fashion show is currently held in the Salon Opéra on the 4th floor of the main building. You’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early to check-in and get in line before the show starts. Be sure to bring proof of your reservation (note phone reception can be sketchy inside the store so I’d recommend either printing it or saving it to your smartphone) and a photo ID.

Note that if you have a Paris Pass (or plan to purchase one), the Galeries Lafayette fashion show is included as part of your pass. But you do still need to book tickets in advance. Once you have the pass, you can read how to reserve your free tickets here .

Have a Meal or Coffee

Galeries Lafayette has several cafes and restaurants that you can stop at to have a meal. These range from fine dining and champagne and caviar sort of places to coffee shops and a cafeteria. There are also takeaway meal options available.

Cuisine types offered vary and include French, Mediterranean, American, and Asian. I don’t think any of the restaurants require reservations, but reservations can be made at some of the sit-down restaurants to ensure a table. The cafes and restaurants do change fairly regularly, and you can see the current options here .

If you are just looking for a drink there are places you can stop to have coffee, tea, juice, wine, alcoholic drinks, or a soft drink. In the summer months, they usually have pop-up restaurants and a cafe on the rooftop terrace so you can enjoy a drink or meal there.

There are food and drink options in all three of the buildings, but the main food options are in the main Coupole building and the Gourmet building.

Enjoy the Rooftop Terrace View

You can head up to the 8th floor of the Galeries Lafayette Coupole Store (Main Store) to enjoy a nice view over Paris. You can see lots of Paris from here, including Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur, and Notre Dame. You also see the very top of the store’s dome from here.

This isn’t our favorite view of Paris, but it is still a very nice view overlooking the city. Certainly worth the effort to visit if you are at Galeries Lafayette.

The rooftop is usually open to the public and is free to visit. It is open the same hours that the store is open. I believe that the only way to access the terrace is to take the stairs from the 6th floor. You can reach the 6th floor by escalator, stairs, or elevator, and then take the stairs the rest of the way up.

In the warmer months, they often have food, snacks, and drinks on offer here that you can enjoy while sitting on the terrace. So summer is a particularly nice time to visit and enjoy the terrace here.

Buy Souvenirs

Even if you are not looking for anything for yourself, it can be a good place to get a nice gift or souvenir for friends and family. You can find a bit of everything here from miniature Eiffel Tower keyrings to luxury handbags to a box of gourmet French tea.

If you are looking for classic types of souvenirs, you can head to the Souvenirs de Paris boutique located on the 6th floor of the main building. This store includes all types of things from mugs and keychains to candles and books. They also tend to have gifting stuff available on the main floor of the store during the holidays.

But you can find great gifting items in any section of the store. Popular gift items include perfumes, handbags, scarves, gourmet food items, kitchen utensils, home decor items, wine, jewelry, belts, and cosmetics. For example, we’ve bought scarves, bread knives, cider, and backpacks here as gifts over the years.

Learn How to Make Macarons (or Cook French Classics)

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann regularly holds cooking, baking, and pastry classes and workshops. One of the most popular is their French macaron bakery workshop.

If you are looking for a fun and sweet experience at the department store, you might consider joining their macaron bakery class . This 1.5 hour class teaches you in a step-by-step manner how to make these delicious French confections.

We did the macaron class here a few years ago and had a lot of fun. The instructors show you how to do everything and the shells are made together as a class. But then everyone individually makes the fillings and assembles their own macarons. At the end, each person gets to take home four macarons and the recipes.

Instructions during the macaron classes are generally given in both English and French. But our class was just in English as everyone understood English in our class.

Just note, like in most macron classes in Paris, you don’t do everything on your own as the instructor helps make the shells with piping help from the whole group. So the class is at the level of most home cooks who just want to learn and have fun rather than someone who is already an expert baker.

The class is also great for older kids and suitable for those age 12 and older. But there is also a macron making family class offered for those with kids of any age.

Of course, if you would rather just eat macarons without having to make them, you can buy macarons (and other sweet treats) from Pierre Hermé. The macarons are sold in both the Main Store and in the Home & Gourmet Store at Galeries Lafayette.

The store also regularly holds cooking classes and pastry classes in the Lafayette Maison & Gourmet Store on various classic French dishes. Note that most of these are offered in both French and English, but some are French only.

If you are interested in any of these cooking classes or workshops, you will need to book them in advance to guarantee a spot.

Take a Guided Historical Tour

If you are interested in the history and architecture of Galeries Lafayette, then you might consider taking one of the guided heritage tours offered by the store.

This history of Galeries Lafayette dates back to 1893 when cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn opened a small haberdashery shop on the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin in Paris.

The guided heritage tours include information about the history of the store, its founders, the architecture, and how the store has evolved over the years. The store has changed a lot from the beginning in terms of the buildings, the merchandise, and its business model. It has gone through many turbulent times such as the World Wars. During World War 2, all of the Jewish staff, including the owners, were forced to resign under the Vichy government.

Architecture is a big focus in the tours as Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is the most famous example of an Art Nouveau department store in Paris. As you tour the store, you’ll learn of the main architects, including Georges Chedanne and his apprentice Ferdinand Chanut, and others who helped create the major Art Nouveau elements such as designer Louis Majorelle (staircase) and glassmaker Jacques Gruber (the beautiful glass cupola).

These guided tours last about 1.5 hours and begin before the store opens to the public. They start outside the store and then head inside to explore the interior. The tour includes both public areas of the store as well as behind-the-scenes areas that are not usually accessible to the public.

Tours are available in both French and English. They are usually given on Saturday and Sunday mornings only. To join the tour, you must book in advance to reserve a spot.

Enjoy the Art & Decor

The Galeries Lafayette is a great place to wander around to just enjoy the art and decor here. Even from the outside, you can enjoy the shop window displays and inside there is often art exhibited in the store. Not to mention the beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture and decor that can be enjoyed throughout the main store.

The holidays are definitely the best time to come to enjoy the store’s decorations. At this time of year the shop windows generally have the most over-the-top displays and the Christmas tree is out. Each year, since 1976, a Christmas tree has been suspended upside from the dome. The theme of the decorations changes each year.

In 2001, Galeries Lafayette opened Galerie des Galeries, a free-entry contemporary art gallery in the main store dedicated to exhibiting the relationships between art, fashion, and design. The store often has free-entry art shows or art exhibits displayed in the store. Last time we were there, there was a sculpture display.

Put Together a Gourmet French Picnic

Galeries Lafayette can be a great place to pick up food items for a lovely Parisian picnic. Head to the Home & Gourmet Store to pick up everything you would need for a luxury picnic.

For instance, you might grab a baguette, French cheeses, smoked salmon or local sausage, olives, fruit, and a prepared salad. For dessert, you might choose chocolate truffles or macarons. To wash it down, you have thousands of labels of wine to choose from.

If you are looking for a nearby spot to enjoy a picnic, we’d recommend the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuilleries) which is about a 15 minute walk away from Galeries Lafayette. You can enjoy picnics here on the lawns (in most areas of the park) or find a nice bench to sit on. Or you might head further to Jardin du Champ de Mars (about a 25 minute Metro ride) if you prefer your picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower !

Note that not all Paris parks and gardens allow picnicking or walking on the grass so just avoid areas that have signs that say do not walk on the grass or phrases like Pelouse Interdite .

You can also pick up groceries at Galeries Lafayette for cooking a lovely meal at home if your lodging has kitchen facilities. This isn’t the place to shop for low prices, but you can certainly find a lot of gourmet brands and local and regional specialties here. The ground floor has a market that includes meats, fish, poultry, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, spices, condiments, bread, and baked goods. You can also find a wide selection of wines, coffees, and teas.

And that is our guide to Galeries Lafayette and the many things you can do at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. We hope that if you are planning to visit the Galeries Lafayette department store that this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions about your trip to Paris, just ask us and we are happy to try to help.

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Are you planning a visit to Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann? Which of these activities would you like to do? If you have visited Galeries Lafayette, we’d love to hear your personal experiences and tips.

If you are planning a trip to Paris feel free to ask us any questions about any aspect of your trip below and as always we’ll do our best to answer your questions!

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Mr. Chudamani Post author

March 11, 2023 at 11:09 pm

After viewing your beautiful images, I am quite excited to visit this location. Seems like a fantastic location for some shopping and lunch with family and friends. I appreciate you providing the Information.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

March 13, 2023 at 7:40 am

Hi Mr. Chudamani,

Thanks, and yes it can be a great place for shopping and lunch one afternoon while visiting Paris. Hope you enjoy visiting the Galeries Lafayette in Paris.

If you have any questions as you plan your trip to Paris, just let us know.

Best, Jessica

PINKPANTHERATIGRIS1993 Post author

January 6, 2023 at 12:38 am

HI! DOES THE DISCOUNT 10 PERCENT IF WE HAVE PARIS VISITE PASS (3 DAYS STILL VALID)? AND IF IT DOES, WHICH STORE DOES IT APPLICABLE? IS IT APPLICABLE TO YSL? THANK YOUU

January 7, 2023 at 3:44 am

So your question is a bit confusing as we don’t mentioned a 10% discount and the Paris Visite Pass that I am aware of is a transportation pass. But I think you may be talking about the Paris TurboPass which does say that it gives you a 10% voucher for shopping at Galeries Lafayette. If that is the pass you are asking about, I would contact TurboPass directly for the terms and conditions of how that works. I would guess with any sort of discount voucher that there are likely exclusions. We have never used that pass or know of any of our readers using it so I can’t say if that is still a valid offer or not, or how it work.

But if it is a different pass you are referring to, I would again, just contact the company directly about the discount, how it works, and if it applies to all purchases or if there are exclusions.

Anyway, sorry I couldn’t give you a more definite answer. If you find out the answer, do feel free to come back and reply and let us know. It may be helpful to other readers hoping to shop at Galeries Lafayette.

Georgia Thompson Post author

August 12, 2022 at 3:48 am

I am very much looking forward to visiting here after seeing you lovely photos – that dome!! Looks like a great place for some shopping and a girlfriend lunch. Maybe also a macaron making class!

My friend in Paris has a dog, do you know if are dogs allowed in the store?

August 12, 2022 at 4:27 am

Hi Georgia,

Yes, it is definitely a lovely location for shopping, lunch, and perhaps a macaron making class!

So dogs are allowed at Galeries Lafayette Paris in some areas of the department store (Coupole and Homme buildings only). But in general, I would not recommend visiting with a dog, especially if you plan to eat there or go to the gourmet store. I have not really seen many shoppers in the store with dogs and it is often crowded so not a great environment for them. Dogs would not be allowed in any of the cooking areas if you decide to do a macaron baking class or other cooking class or workshop for hygenic reasons.

Here are the current official pet rules at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann:

Coupole and Homme stores: Animals permitted up to 7kg (15 pounds) Maison and Gourmet stores: Animals are not allowed

I believe dogs need to be kept on a lead or held. Of course, legal assistance and guide dogs are permitted in all the stores.

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful time in Paris! Jessica

Greta Huber Post author

May 17, 2022 at 8:42 pm

Hi there, do you know if the glass sky walk will still be there in galeries lafayette in August 2022? Is it free to visit? Thanks!

May 18, 2022 at 5:48 am

So as I noted in the article above, the glass walkway, known as Glasswalk, was installed for the 2018 Christmas season at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. I am not sure if it is meant to be permanent but it was still up last time we checked and I haven’t heard any plans for it to be removed. So it should be there. But you can always call or email the store in August before your visit if you would like to check before visiting.

And yes, it has always been free to walk on as far as I am aware. We just had to wait in a short line and then time was limited on the walkway by staff to prevent crowding and to allow everyone a couple of minutes on the Glasswalk. It is generally open any time the store is open.

If you are interested in any of the other store activities, such as the fashion show or macaron baking class, you can plan your visit around them. As the Glasswalk isn’t really something you need to schedule around.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great visit to Paris!

Laurence Post author

May 5, 2022 at 7:06 am

Hi Jessica,

I am wondering if these fashion shows are for tourists or for the french locals? Also, how many people can attend? Is it a personal environment or more like a big event?

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! It sounds very interesting.

May 6, 2022 at 2:56 am

Hi Laurence,

The fashion shows at Galeries Lafayette are mainly geared to tourists, but anyone can attend. The shows are not huge events but they fill up the room, I would say maybe 100 to 150 people are able to attend each show. You can see the photos for a sense of the seating and size of the catwalk. The show itself lasts about 30 minutes but you will want to be there at least 15 minutes before it begins to check in and get seated.

If you are looking for someone more geared to French speaking visitors or a more intimate group experience, Galeries Lafayette offers cooking and pastry classes that last 2 hours and I think have group sizes of 6 persons. You can select either English or French for those, and those are attended by both French and international tourists.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

May 3, 2022 at 8:32 am

I visited the main location many years ago. It truly is a feast for the eyes and other senses. I love these grand old stores. We have one that is similar, although not as big, in the city where I grew up (Philadelphia). At Christmas they cover one of the walls with a light show, and someone comes and plays the organ live to accompany the music. I think these mini villages are a wonderful place to enjoy a day, especially exploring all these neat opportunities that you point out! I would find the historical tour fascinating! Also, no weather to contend with once you are there:)

May 3, 2022 at 10:11 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Galeries Lafayette in Paris! That store in Philadelphia sounds wonderful, and I am sure I will check it out if I make it back to Philly again.

I love old buildings like this and better yet when there are things that you can do there. These are definitely great places to enjoy on a rainy or cold day.

Ana Post author

April 28, 2022 at 11:16 pm

This looked like such a fun trip! What made you guys decide to go to Galeries Lafayette in Paris? Its one of the places, I really want to go to!

April 29, 2022 at 3:32 am

Glad you enjoyed our article 😉

Paris is a great city with so many wonderful places. Galeries Lafayette is not a must-see visit for everyone traveling to Paris but it is a great place for those who enjoy shopping and Art Nouveau architecture (dome), and it also offers a number of activities (cooking classes, fashion show, etc.).

I hope you get a chance to visit Paris and Galeries Lafayette soon!

Greta Post author

April 28, 2022 at 4:12 am

hello, do you know if skims shapewear is sold at Galeries Lafayette in Paris? thanks

April 28, 2022 at 5:50 am

Yes, they did have the shapewear by SKIMS the last time we were there in the main building at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. According to their store map, SKIMS is located in the women’s lingerie section on Floor 2 of the main building (Magasin Coupole).

Laura Post author

April 13, 2022 at 6:32 pm

We were thinking about doing a tour at the Opera Garnier and saw that Galeries Lafayette is very close by! So hoping to combine that visit with a visit here and the fashion show you mention. My niece who is age 14 is currently in a wheelchair and wondering if she would be able to attend? Do you happen to know, couldn’t see any info on their website.

Also are there any quick food options here that would be suitable for kids and adults?

Thanks, Laura

April 14, 2022 at 6:02 am

Sounds like you have a great trip to Paris coming up – and yes the Palais Garnier (Paris Opera) is only about a 4 to 5 minute walk from the Galeries Lafayette. So a good idea to combine the visits if you can. Just note that the fashion show is usually held every Friday so you will need to make sure your trip dates and visit to the opera can fit with that.

And yes, your niece should be able to attend as the organizers did tell me that the fashion show is wheelchair accessible. Most people take the escalators to get from floor to floor in the store, but you can also take the stairs or elevator. So you will just want to head to the elevators once you enter the main store (Coupole/one with women’s fashion) and take them to the 4th floor. When you check in for the fashion show you can let them know about the wheelchair so they can organize a spot for your niece.

Your niece should be able to visit most parts of Galeries Lafayette except the terrace. The terrace is not wheelchair accessible as I believe the only way to reach it is to take stairs for the last 2 floors. I believe that the Heritage tours are also not wheelchair accessible as the tour includes stairs and visiting the terrace.

Yes, there are a few options for casual food at Galeries Lafayette. Probably the quickest and easiest, especially if traveling with kids, is to head to the Lafayette Café. This is essentially just a cafeteria. They have different stations where you can get hot dishes, burgers, salads, pizza, pasta, fruit, desserts, etc. So there is a lot of variety so people can get different foods and it is a casual dining area.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris! Jessica

Mary Tyler Post author

April 11, 2022 at 7:43 am

Going to Paris soon. It will be aspecial treat for my 8 and 11 year old granddaughters to make Macarons there. After suffering the Louvre with the parents!

April 12, 2022 at 6:56 am

Excited to hear you are planning to visit Paris with your family, sounds like a fun multi-generation trip! Yes, the Louvre can be a bit tiring for younger kids but a hands-on activity like macaron making can be fun for all ages.

You probably already saw this above in the article, but just note that the regular macaron baking class is for those age 12 and older, but there is specifically a family macaron class that you can book that is geared to children age 6 and older. That is generally 90 minutes long and held every Wednesday at Galeries Lafayette.

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Guided tour "Galeries Lafayette heritage" in Paris 9th district

Offered by :

Galeries Lafayette

Paris 9th district (75)

• 1 hour 30 minutes
• Up to 10 people

Instant booking

You can cancel free of charge up to 48h before the date of the activity.

Gift card valid for 12 months, free exchange

Activity description :

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Galeries Lafayette on a tour that will open the doors to hidden areas accessible only on the occasion of this cultural stroll . Your guide will be delighted to tell you all about the history and secrets of this place steeped in history during this 1h30 tour!

Your visit: Galeries Lafayette heritage

Guided tour - 1h30 - Indoors & outdoors

Divided into groups, you'll discover the secrets of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann since its creation. You'll go behind the scenes at Galeries Lafayette and discover the architecture of the Galleries with the famous Art Nouveau Cupola from 1912 , newly restored.

Tour advantages :

• A place steeped in history
• Discover the secrets of Galeries Lafayette
• A convivial group experience

This guided tour is ideal for all enthusiasts wishing to learn more about this place steeped in history.

Price / person - From age 12

Children's rate

Price / child - Up to and including age 11

5,0 (1 reviews)

Our reviews come exclusively from customers who bought this activity These comments have been automatically translated

An interesting and instructive visit in a friendly atmosphere.

Address: Meet at Porte Lafayette, on the corner of boulevard Haussmann and rue de la Chaussée d'Antin, 75009 Paris. How to get there : - Metro 7 & 9: Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette - RER A: Auber - RER E: Haussmann Saint-Lazare

Know before you go

• Saturday: 9-10:30 a.m., tour in French only; Sunday: 10-11:30 a.m., tour in English only.

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Galeries Lafayette x Natalys

Après la métamorphose de sa boutique-mère de la rue vignon en 2019, natalys poursuit sa renaissance en 2020 avec l’installation d’un élégant corner aux galeries lafayette haussmann à paris. une occasion pour la marque française, experte de la naissance depuis 1953, de séduire la clientèle internationale de cette enseigne mythique et prestigieuse..

Le 31 janvier 2020, Natalys inaugurera son nouveau point de vente parisien, au cœur des Galeries Lafayette. Une adresse de choix pour une nouvelle expérience de shopping chez Natalys, augmentée des nombreux services et avantages offerts par le grand magasin. Un écrin dessiné avec goût qui continue de décliner la nouvelle identité de la marque, moderne et raffinée, inaugurée au printemps dernier avec la réouverture de la Maison Natalys, au 42 rue Vignon (Paris 9e). Les jeunes et les futurs parents y découvriront la collection signature Natalys : un vestiaire au style délicat, raffiné et dans l’air du temps pour habiller les filles et les garçons, de la naissance jusqu’à 36 mois, et des créations exclusives pour aménager et décorer la chambre du bébé. Ils profiteront aussi des nouveaux services de personnalisation imaginés par la marque, des idées originales à s’offrir ou à se faire offrir pour un parfait cadeau de naissance : création sur-place de mots doux en laiton, broderie à la demande, etc.

RDV sur le corner Natalys des Galeries Lafayette Haussmann à Paris (5e étage)

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• Paris Travel
• See & do

Galeries Lafayette guided heritage tours

Discover the idem gems of the iconic parisian grand magasin.

7 reasons to join the guided Heritage tour of Galeries Lafayette

 You might be convinced that shopping in Galeries Lafayette is a must-do while traveling to Paris. But visiting the "Grand Magasin" through a guided tour might seem a bit awkward to you: don't worry, we will explain to you why you should not miss this unique experience!

Enjoy empty Galeries Lafayette

Learn amazing anecdotes about the history of Galeries Lafayette

The guided tour is organized by professional guides, which have been working for the Galeries Lafayette Heritage department. The tour is the result of years of research in Galeries Lafayette archives. Created in 1894, Galeries Lafayette are the symbol of a new way of shopping, the "Grand Magasin" (malls). This phenomenon is well described by the famous writer Emile Zola, in the late 19th century, in his Book The Ladies' Paradise : the development of huge malls, with fixed prices, electricity, ready-to-wear products, sale seasons... By discovering the History of Galeries Lafayette, you also learn a lot about Fashion history, Parisian history, shopping history, and Architecture! There are many incredible anecdotes to discover (a plane landed on the roof in 1919, there are up to 12 000 people working for Galeries Lafayette, there used to be an open toboggan to send products from one floor to the other...).

See the famous Dome from the other side

"La Coupole" is an Art Nouveau Masterpiece Created by master glassworker Jacques Gruber, and one of the Parisian most iconic architectural gems. The stained glass currently in place forms an immense flower comprised of 10 luminous sections stretching over a total of 1000m².

Discover small architectural details you would never notice

With such a long history, Galeries Lafayette had witnessed many enlargements and different architectural styles (Art Nouveau, Art Déco...). During the tour, you can of course enjoy information about these architectural heritages, but also discover some small details that are hidden in the buildings, and tell many stories about how the building was in the past.

Enjoy the privilege of entering Galeries Lafayette Archives and private museum

Conscious of the History and precious Heritage of Galeries Lafayette, the owning family (descendants of the founder) decided to take well care of the archives and historical objects and created a dedicated room to collect and display these gems. Usually, that room is not open to the public, but during the tour, you have the unique chance to visit it and to discover many historical objects and documents (old posters and announcements, unique creations, ancient mirrors....)

Discover the oldest clothes in Galeries Lafayette

 Among all the objects in the museum, there are a few very old clothes creations from the early 20th century. These historical clothes are very fragile and not often shown to the public. It's a unique chance to admire these masterpieces and learn about their history, especially if you are interested in fashion.

Admire amazing views of Paris

The tour ends on the rooftop, where you can enjoy a perfect photo spot with almost nobody since the tour ends when Galeries lafayette just opens to regular customers.

How to book your tour?

Being an intimate and exclusive experience, the Guided Heritage tour is not done on a daily base. Right now there are around 2 tours in English each month (usually on Saturday, 9a.m), for small groups (around 10 people). It costs 15€ per person (10% discount with the code GLOBONPARIS, see below), and the meeting point is at Porte Lafayette of the main store (at the corner of Boulevard Haussmann and Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin). The tour lasts for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 You can reserve your seats by choosing a date on the calendar below and follow the different steps until confirmation:

1) Choose the date and number of participants, and click on the "Add to shopping cart" button.

2) Click on 'Redeem coupon code', type the code GLOBONPARIS and validate with 'apply coupon' to get an immediate 10% discount.

3) Provide your contact information and proceed to payment

If you have specific questions or requests, you can contact the Lafayette Heritage team through this mail: [email protected]

Your tour finishes when the Mall opens. That's the perfect timing for you to continue by doing some shopping before too many customers arrive. Don't forget to have a look at our exclusive voucher by clicking here , to enjoy unique gifts while shopping in Galeries Lafayette!

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Galeries Lafayette Guided Tour

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• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts

On this guided tour of the Galeries Lafayette , you'll visit the most famous department store in Paris , with more than 100 years of history , outside of its opening hours. 

Description

At the appointed time, the  guided tour of the Galeries Lafayette will start at the La Coupole entrance, one of the main entrances to Paris' most famous department store!

Located at the crossroads between Boulevard Haussmann and Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin , in the elegant 9th district of the French capital, the Galeries Lafayette opened in 1912 . Since then, its exclusive fashion, jewellery, perfumery and accessories  have attracted many shoppers.

You'll visit the Galeries Lafayette outside of its opening hours . This way, when the department store closes its doors to the public, you'll be able to appreciate its distinguished decoration in greater detail. You'll also learn about the history of this legendary place, whose architecture resembles that of a palace .

We'll also see the emblematic Art Nouveau cupola of the Galeries Lafayette , a jewel dating back to 1912 , which has recently been restored to its original splendour and brilliance.

After a 1.5 hour guided tour, the tour of the department store will conclude at the meeting point.

More Information

1 hour 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and French.

English–speaking guide

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Show more

Corporate name: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

The La Coupole entrance of the Galeries Lafayette

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Guided Tour of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

• All Fees and Taxes
• Entry/Admission - Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
• 40 Bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France Meet at Porte Lafayette, at the corner of Boulevard Haussmann and Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin. (Métro: Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette (lignes 7 & 9))
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Minimum age is 5 years old for the child (from 5 years old to 12 years old).
• Language of the class: English and French
• If the minimum number of participants is not reached, Galeries Lafayette reserves the right to cancel the class. In this case, you will be reimbursed for the entirety of the amount paid. You may cancel on your behalf, without fees, up to 48 hours in advance. After this time, the full amount of the class will be charged.
• For the sake of your health avoid eating too much fat, sugar and salt www.mangerbouger.fr
• We invite you to show up 5-10min before the activity, in case of delay of more than 10min, access to the activity will unfortunately be refused.
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 40 Bd Haussmann 40 Bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France Meet at Porte Lafayette, at the corner of Boulevard Haussmann and Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin. (Métro: Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette (lignes 7 & 9)) See address & details
• 1 Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included Galeries Lafayette Haussmann offers you a guided tour, in French or in English, of this historic and emblematic place. A privileged meeting, offered outside opening hours, for an intimate and exclusive discovery of the Department Store, its history and its architecture. This route will open the doors to certain backstage areas, including that of the famous Art Nouveau Dome from 1912, recently restored. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Nicki H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So much fun! And our instructor was incredible! My son loves macarons, so we thought it would be fun to learn how to make them. It was better than we expected. The instructor was wonderful. She was so informative and explained everything so it was very easy to understand. My son is 13, and he was thrilled with the lesson. Said he can't wait to try to make them on his own now! Read more Written April 27, 2024
• H7403JZrachelt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved it! Our sweet Instructor was so kind and pleasant! Suggestion: Provide black aprons for guests to wear during the Class! Read more Written April 25, 2024
• C3598BHanjak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great and authentic experience My partner and I always enjoy fancy cooking classes, and therefore this experience was a perfect fit. The location is very suitable for the class, also it was nice that the group only consisted of 4 people which makes you enjoy it even more. Also our pastry chef was very polite and helpful, and we managed to bake very tasty and good looking tartes au citron. Can only recommend! Read more Written April 24, 2024
• 966louisey 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing and not worth the money. I should have read these reviews before going as I was expecting to actually have a go at baking macarons. Instead, we watched the instructor mix the ingredients and then all we did was to put a teaspoon of ganache onto pre-made macaron shells. The instructor was lovely and very knowledgeable but it's a shame we couldn't make our own. We came away with 4 pre-made macarons each and a recipe card but it's not worth the price at all. I don't think a baking class is an accurate description - it's more like a partial demonstration and talk. Read more Written April 15, 2024
• Noraatc 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Gorgeous but very crowded It is always nice to see the latest creations of famous fashion designers and Galeries Lafayette is a perfect place to do that.. I didn’t buy anything but did enjoy boundless fantasy, ingenuity and variety of the haute couture outfits on display. The crowds are overwhelming and it certainly didn’t add to my experience. There are several cafes, wine bars and coffee shops, but I can’t say anything about them because I didn’t eat or drink there. The view from the roof was beautiful and surprisingly the terrace wasn’t crowded, maybe because it was late in the evening. I also went to La Maison Le Gourmet to buy a couple of slices of my favorite cheese, Comté, a small Chez Meunier baguette, and yogurt. La Maison Le Gourmet is fabulous as always. Read more Written April 12, 2024
• Global12330487833 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend If you're in Paris definitely visit Gallerie Lafayette. Beside all the shops, you can go to the roof top where is a breathtaking view. Read more Written April 12, 2024
• carrier353 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Not worth the money Cute idea but not worth the money. At the start of class, the instructor made the cookies and asked if anyone wanted to "practice" piping them onto trays. I assumed that meant we'd all get the chance to make them at some point but nope, that was it. The rest of class consisted of whisking a tablespoon of chocolate ganache and even less pistachio butter, then spreading them onto the premade cookies. Our instructor had little interaction with the group beside asking our favorite French desserts. No instruction on how long to bake, what they should look like, etc (though we did leave with recipe cards). At $65/person... we walked away with four macarons. Plenty of other ways to spend money in Paris. Read more Written April 4, 2024
• j0ymanl 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Even the windows look awesome Located just behind Palais Garnier, not only is it multi-storey but also multi-building, the Galeries Lafayette in Paris is a shopper's paradise. Depending on what you're looking for it might be located in the next building. Most tourists would visit for the extravagant decor and it was no different during our visit during Christmas time. We also visited the rooftop which was free. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• oliviafW9762DX 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Best place in Paris Really miss this place as I used to visit here every single day and looking back today feels nostalgic. I am glad this place is still around and of course a touristic place at the same time Read more Written April 2, 2024
• rosalynp149 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Very poor content, not informative This tour was disappointing. We were hoping to learn more info about the history, architecture, fashion, etc. but the content was very light and not really informative. The tour participants ended up asking questions to fill in the blanks, which the guide could not always answer. I think we could have learned way more on the internet. The tour guide was just not very well-informed or prepared. The one plus side to the tour was being able to go up behind the dome, which is not open to the public. Overall, I do not recommend the tour. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• mmhurst 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cooking Class at Ferrandi The space was well organized with equipment and needed ingredients. It was in a glass enclosed space in the cooking department. The chef and students were close together allowing easy conversation. Class was very hands on with students making their own lemon tart. Read more Written March 23, 2024
• Holley S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Definitely do this! This was one of our favorite activities in Paris. It was very well organized and presented. We LOVED learning how to make macarons and can’t wait to get home and try them. Due to the length of the class there wasn’t time to do the whole process but we did get to see and try all the steps. And we got to take some we filled home (in a very cute box and bag). There were people from all over the world in the class which was also fun. Plus being located at the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann meant great shopping and being able to see the amazing glass dome. Definitely worth doing! Read more Written March 23, 2024
• WEILUN07 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Terrible tax refund procedure and customer service. It has been 2 weeks and I have yet to receive my tax refunds. Reached out to their customer service and they’re horrible. Yes even though they’ve indicated 3-4 weeks processing time, however I’ve made purchases elsewhere where they engage global blue for tax refunds instead and I was able to get my refunds within 5 working days. This place is great however if you’re looking to get tax refunds, I highly recommend to make your purchases elsewhere. Reached out to their customer service and they’re so bad and not willing to help at all. Will never visit this mall again! Read more Written March 7, 2024
• raineee2013 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Holiday display bucket list! Not to be missed during the holidays! I’d always wanted to see the Galleries Lafayette Christmas display. It was amazing and well worth the trip! Read more Written March 1, 2024
• Daydream65455492132 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Is it worth all the hype? Beautiful building with very expensive items inside, all designer label goods. Like a mall but no walls. Saw the same goods in Costa Mesa, CA at the same prices. Need a $1000 pair of sunglasses that make you looik like Elton John? This is your place. I saw a lot of lookers but not so many shoppers. Read more Written February 28, 2024

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Guided Tour of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann provided by Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

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New Experiences at Galeries Lafayette

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Reading time: 0 min Published on 19 December 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

For over 100 years, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann has delivered a world of sophistication and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Paris. You're invited to see what's in store for your next trip to Paris.

Guided Heritage Tours of Galeries Lafayette

Every weekend, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann invites you to join a guided tour of this historic and emblematic venue. This exclusive tour takes place outside regular opening hours, providing an intimate and personalized exploration of the department store, its rich history, and its distinctive architecture. The experience will transport you back to the early 19th century, showcasing unique Art Nouveau-style architecture that highlights exceptional savoir-faire. As you stroll through its aisles, beneath its stained glass dome, and behind the scenes, you'll enjoy an hour and a half out of time.

The chicest food court: Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Élysées.

Located on the lower level of Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Élysées, is a delightful gourmet space featuring a combination of fine grocery, catering, and a gastronomic market. Around high tables, about ten counters offer delicious dishes in a modern and bright setting. Well-known establishments have been invited to cook there: the Chinese canteen La Taverne de Zhao, the delightful Mediterranean spot Les Niçois, the coffee shop Maisie, and, fittingly for the golden triangle, the renowned caviar house Kaspia. On the sweet side, the focus has been on exceptional French artisans such as Alain Ducasse's Chocolaterie, À La Mère de Famille, and Stohrer. A feast for discerning palates...

Wellness Galerie

Retreat to Galeries Lafayette's 32,000 sq ft wellness sanctuary, where you'll discover a tranquil space adorned with circular, cocooning designs reminiscent of the 1970s.

Immerse yourself in an environment curated by France's top beauty professionals, offering a range of customized services that create a beautiful atmosphere.

Indulge in group or individual fitness classes and explore a variety of sportswear. Treat yourself to self-care with both legendary and new brands, accompanied by hand-picked experts to guide you on personalized approaches and routines.

Experience everything you need to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

The Terrace at Galeries Lafayette: Retail and Relaxation

In certain circles, shopping is deemed a sport. If you're headed to the renowned Galeries Lafayette, consider it game on! After the pursuit of all those French fashions, take a moment to unwind at the rooftop bar. There, you can savor a few tapas, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, all while enjoying exceptional views of the Paris skyline, including the Paris Opera House, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.

Fashion Shows at Galeries Lafayette

Embark on a journey through the Fashion Capital of the World . Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann extends an invitation to witness an exclusive experience with the latest must-have trends created by the well-known names in the world of fashion. French elegance awaits you in this exceptional location at the heart of the Parisian department stores.

Explore Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, Europe's largest department store. Dive into a fantastic shopping experience, and relish gourmet dishes prepared by top French culinary craftsmen. Learn the French Art de Vivre through culinary workshops or treat yourself to a day of relaxation at the Wellness Galerie, offering cutting-edge French beauty treatments.

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• Destinations

CHRISTMAS AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE

I’ve always dreamed of spending Christmas in Paris and this year I got to experience Christmas at Galeries Lafayette (Boulevard Haussmann location) to experience all of the fun experiences they offer during the holidays. The Galeries Lafayette Christmas decorations are probably the best in the city. I was invited to Paris this year to experience the 2019 “La Rûche de Noël”, The Christmas Beehive. This year decorations and activities are awesome & I’m here to tell why you need to visit Galeries Lafayette this holiday season.

HOW TO GET TO PARIS WITH LA COMPAGNIE

I flew to Paris with La Compagnie , an all-business-class French boutique airline! Since the entire cabin is business class, no need to worry about privacy or comfort. Here’s a list of features that La Compagnie offers:

• Flies directly from Newark to Paris, Nice & Monaco
• Seats are arranged in 2×2 rows which offers a generous amount of privacy and comfort up to 76 seats
• The cabin is equipped with fully flatbeds for maximum rest with built-in massage features
• Travel care kit from Caudalie is available (free of charge)
• Noise-canceling headsets
• In-flight entertainment
• French Gastronomy onboard – 4-course menu with champagne and wine cellar
• Lounges for passengers to enjoy: Icare Lounge – Paris Orly, Art & Lounge – Newark Airport, and The Levity Lounge – Nice Côte D’azur

The flights are cheaper than business class seats on regular airlines. There’s more efficiency as there’s max of 76 seats. Has this convinced you to fly with La Compagnie yet? I think this idea is genius and I’m a huge fan!

During our trip, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot Paris Gare de Lyon which is very close to the station. It’s great for business travel and if you don’t mind taking public transportation which is about 10 minutes by metro to Galeries Lafayette. Other options include the W Paris Opera Hotel which is a few blocks from the store – I stayed here during my first trip with Galeries Lafayette.

GALERIES LAFAYETTE – LA RUCHE DE NOEL

A visit to Galeries Lafayette is a must when visiting Paris! I had previously been invited to Galeries Lafayette two years ago and so much has changed since. You can read about my previous experience here .

If you love to shop, looking to buy a gift or souvenir to bring back home, or even just window shopping, Galeries Lafayette is the place to go. This massive department store offers selections in luxury goods, fashion, beauty, jewelry, shoes, home decor, and restaurants to dine in. For the Christmas season, Galeries Lafayette is transformed into a festive beehive with a beautiful Christmas tree standing underneath the dome. The decorating of the tree and beautiful window displays on Boulevard Haussmann are all thanks to the busy bees for making this season extraordinary. Each bee you see on the window displays represents the work they do and how much effort is put into decorating and making gifts.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Parisian shopping experience.

Galeries Lafayette has many Christmas events and activities, during my visit I had the honor to experience the personal VIP shopping service ! This service includes a team of professionals to give you tips and advice throughout the day, lounge access to enjoy while you take a break from shopping, a VIP payment and tax refund service, delivery of your purchases to your hotel or residence within 24 hrs in Paris, lunch at Angelina’s for a delicious lunch or tea time, and private transfer service to wherever you want to go after your shopping trip. I had such a great time using this service because it allowed me to have a hassle-free and relaxing shopping experience.

I left with new a new Jimmy Choo Bing Jeweled Patent Mules, pink beret with pom & the fur effect flower scarf which is super soft!

ROOFTOP TERRACE & ICE SKATING

For the very first time, Galeries Lafayette has built an ice rink on the store’s rooftop terrace! Not only are you able to skate for free, but you will be able to see spectacular views of the Opera, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Ice skating will be free for guests until December 31, 2019, from 10-8 pm.

GLASSWALK & CHRISTMAS TREE

Enjoy a unique experience at the store’s 9-meter long and 16-meters high glasswalk that gets you right in the middle of the dome. It is free of charge, so be sure to get there early to line up! This is open year-round.

I was able to attend the Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree inauguration and absolutely loved seeing the lights turn on! The Galeries Lafayette Christmas decorations are always the best in the city so you don’t want to miss this!

SANTA AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE

Snap a photo with Santa at Galeries Lafayette for an unforgettable Christmas memory!

FRENCH MACARON BAKING CLASS

Learn how to bake the classic French pastry, macarons! Galeries Lafayette offers a one and a half hour course that you can enjoy alone or with the family to learn how to bake the perfect macaron with a French pastry chef.

FRENCH WINE TASTING WITH DUCLOT LA CAVE

Explore a wide selection of wines made from France’s major wine-growing regions . You will learn tasting techniques and how to enjoy the different aromas of each bottle. The tasting lasts an hour and a half and the tasting journey includes 6 wines and champagnes.

RESTAURANTS & LAFAYETTE GOURMET

There is a huge variety of food that can be found at Galeries Lafayette. But no trip to the department store is complete unless you stop by Lafayette Gourmet , an entire floor with your favorite restaurants with a market.

• La Maison de la Truffle for truffle pasta!
• Angelina’s is inside the main store & has delicious food has the best hot chocolate
• YC Cafe offers delicious savory dishes and sweet treats for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and afternoon tea
• Petrossian Caviar for the best caviar
• Pierre Herme for macarons

DISCOVER THE STORE’S HISTORY

Take a 1 hour and 10-minute tour of Galeries Lafayette to learn about the birth and history of the department store. The cost for adults is 13.50€ and the children are 9€.

OTHER ACTIVITIES NEAR GALERIES LAFAYETTE

Opera de paris.

Galeries Lafayette is a block from Opera de Paris . We had the opportunity to visit and experienced a tour. This was my first time in Opera de Paris and this venue is beautiful! Guests can purchase a tour, ticket entry or visit for special shows/events.

LIDO DE PARIS

When visiting Paris, a cabaret show is a must! I’ve experienced Moulin Rouge many years ago and during my recent trip, I had the opportunity to experience Lido , and thanks to Galeries Lafayette for setting us up to meet the dancers and go backstage. Guests can purchase tickets for just the show or a dinner package. We had the dinner package and loved it.

CAKE CLASS WITH CAKE BOY PARIS

Galeries Lafayette set up a day with Cake Boy Paris at his beautiful Parisian home for a unique cake decorating the class. This was such a fun and unique experience! Frank is self-taught and bakes the most delicious cakes. If you’re a fan of cake and baking, I suggest spending a day with Frank!

My first experience with Galeries Lafayette was so much fun and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to visit for a second time to experience it during the holidays! As you can see, there are so many fun & free activities for the entire family – experiences you will not forget. If you also have time, don’t forget to stop by the second store on Champs-Élysées which opened in 2018.

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This post was sponsored by Galeries Lafayette. As always, all honest opinions are my own. 

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Hi! I’m Christine, a full time travel blogger who loves to travel, eat and inspire others to live a life of adventures.

I’m a big foodie so be prepared to see mouth watering photos of what I eat! =)

MY PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

September 20, 2020

PHOTOSHOP/LIGHTROOM COURSES FROM UDEMY

4-Hour Private Tour in Paris With Seine River Cruise and Galeries Lafayette

Ever wondered what it would be like to experience Paris from a different perspective, gliding along the Seine River and exploring the luxurious Galeries Lafayette? Imagine enjoying the charm of the City of Light on a 4-hour private tour that promises not just sightseeing, but a journey of elegance and culture.

As you embark on this exclusive adventure, you’ll uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, all while enjoying the comfort of a private experience. Stay tuned to discover the enchanting blend of relaxation and indulgence that awaits you.

• Private 4-hour Paris tour includes Seine River Cruise and Galeries Lafayette visit.
• Options for iconic landmarks sightseeing and luxury shopping.
• Pricing from $661.60, decreases with group size, catering to various budgets.
• Book with product code 320547P417, supported by Viator’s exceptional customer service .

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Catacombs of Paris Semi-Private VIP Restricted Access Tour
• Belleville Street Art Tour With an Artist
• French Baking Class: Baguettes and Croissants in a Parisian Bakery
• Paris in a Day With Louvre, Eiffel Tower, City Walk & Cruise

Tour Duration and Inclusions

For a comprehensive experience exploring Paris, the private tour offers a 4-hour itinerary that includes a Seine River Cruise and a visit to Galeries Lafayette. This tour provides various sightseeing options, allowing visitors to admire the iconic landmarks along the Seine River and explore the renowned shopping destination of Galeries Lafayette.

The itinerary flexibility caters to different preferences, whether one wishes to focus more on sightseeing or shopping. With the Seine River Cruise, travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s architecture from a unique vantage point, while the visit to Galeries Lafayette offers a chance to indulge in luxury shopping or simply admire the stunning architecture of this historic department store.

The tour’s duration ensures a well-rounded experience of Paris, combining sightseeing and leisure seamlessly.

Pricing and Group Size

The pricing for the private tour in Paris with a River Cruise and shopping varies based on the group size, starting from $661.60 .

Pricing Comparison:

• The cost per person decreases as the group size increases, offering savings for larger groups.

Group Size Flexibility:

• This tour accommodates various group sizes, from individuals to larger parties, providing a personalized experience for all.

Value for Money:

• Despite the varying prices, each group receives the same high-quality experience, ensuring that every guest gets excellent value for their investment.

This pricing structure allows travelers to choose the option that best suits their budget and group size, making the private tour accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Booking Details and Product Code

Booking for the private tour in Paris, including a River Cruise and shopping, requires selecting a preferred tour time and checking availability before proceeding with the reservation.

The booking process is straightforward; travelers need to input the product code 320547P417 to ensure they’re reserving the correct experience.

This 4-hour tour showcases the highlights of Paris, with a scenic Seine River Cruise and a visit to the renowned Galeries Lafayette.

It’s essential to review the non-refundable policy, as cancellations aren’t eligible for refunds.

Assistance and Support

Navigating through the intricacies of the booking process for the private tour in Paris is made seamless with the assistance and support provided by Viator.

Customer Service : Viator offers top-notch customer service to address any queries or concerns promptly.

Troubleshooting Assistance : In case of any issues during the booking process, Viator’s support team is readily available to provide troubleshooting assistance .

Expert Guidance : Viator’s knowledgeable staff can guide customers through the entire booking procedure, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

With Viator’s dedication to customer satisfaction and their commitment to resolving any problems that may arise, travelers can feel confident and supported throughout the booking process for their private tour in Paris.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Normandy D-Day Beaches With Juno Beach, Bunkers & Canadian Cemetery From Paris
• An Architect-Designed Small-Group Tour of the Louvre (Mar )
• Design Your Personalized Luxury Jewelry in Le Marais, in the Heart of Paris!
• The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Paris: 6 or 10 Tastings
• Paris Le Marais Hidden Gems Small Group or Private Tour Options
• Private Guided Professional Photoshoot by the Eiffel Tower

Company Information and Additional Tips

With a strong foundation in customer service and a focus on traveler satisfaction, Viator’s company information offers insights and additional tips for a seamless private tour booking experience in Paris.

Viator, established in 1997 , ensures that customers can enjoy the tour highlights , including a 4-hour private tour featuring a Seine River Cruise and a visit to the renowned Galeries Lafayette.

The tour, starting from $661.60 , caters to varying group sizes with a Lowest Price Guarantee. To book, use the product code 320547P417, select your preferred tour time, and remember that the booking is non-refundable.

For any inquiries, the Viator Help Center is available, and it’s essential to review all terms and conditions before finalizing your booking for a hassle-free experience.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• 6 Hours Paris Private Vintage Car Tour With Louvre Museum and Hotel Pick up
• Private Ballad in Paris
• Le Marais and Dinner Cruise With CDG Pick up in Paris- 6 Hrs
• 4 Hours Paris Night Tour With Paradis Latin
• Paris Pro Photography: Best Private Photoshoot
• Private Transfer by Luxury Mercedes From PARIS to AMSTERDAM With Cab-Bel-Air
• Epic Tales of the Medieval Paris Private Walking Tour
• Private 10 Hours Full Day Photoshoot and Shopping Tour in Paris
• 8 Hours Tour With Seine River Cruise and Crazy Horse
• Wedding Proposal on a Parisian Rooftop With 360 View
• Paris Departure Transfer to Paris Airport CDG by Luxury Van

Experience the magic and charm of Paris like never before with the 4-hour private tour featuring a serene Seine River cruise and a visit to the iconic Galeries Lafayette.

From the stunning views along the river to the luxury shopping experience, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.

Book now to secure your spot and learn about the beauty and elegance of the City of Light.

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