Paris Department Stores

If you’re looking for one-stop shopping spot, or a Parisian shopping extravaganza perfect for a rainy day, head to one of Paris’ famous department stores. Each one has a different style and feel, but one thing you can be sure of is a tempting array of choices! Here are the top Paris department stores you won’t want to miss during your stay in Paris.

Printemps

Located next to Galeries Lafayette, the shopping fun continues at Printemps. You’ll find more departments than in most U.S. department stores, and plenty to keep you shopping for a long time.

Galeries Lafayette

For general shopping, this is the place to start in Paris. One of Paris’ most beautiful department stores, head to the center of the store for a stunning view of the glass dome and beautiful Art Nouveau design from 1912. Paris Perfect tip: Go to the Welcome Desk at the front store to show them your passport (or photocopy) and ask for their 10% discount card, which is good in all departments. A little discount never hurts! If you’re looking for home décor, head to the Galeries Lafayette home store just across the street.

Le Bon Marché

Located in the best areas to shop on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché was the first department store in the world, and inspired Emile Zola's Au bonheur des dames (The Ladies' Paradise). This upscale department store is located in the 7th arrondissement just a 20 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower and many of our Paris Perfect apartments. The store has been redone beautifully, and it’s a real gem! The fashion, whether home or personal, is cutting edge. Also, there are lots of armchairs for weary partners to sit in and read. And, it’s the only major department store on the left bank.

BHV

This massive department store is located next to the Hôtel de Ville (the beautiful town hall) in the 4th arrondissement near the Seine River. The basement of BHV is famous for its hardware store, with every kind of French do-it-yourself item you would ever want, including bags of corks for making your wine, and pigeon spikes to keep birds off railings. On the fifth floor they have really neat handles, knobs, and door knobs — a lot of the items are reasonably priced. If you are thinking of remodeling anything, it is worth going. Also, the store epitomizes the worst of French service so it's worth it for the cultural experience alone. For instance, you have to go to one counter to have them count the nails and write a receipt, then wander around to find the cash register a mile away, wait in line to pay, then go all of the way back to the original counter, wait your turn, to collect the nails. Be sure to bring your patience!

Le Grande Epicerie de Paris

This is the fabulous, gourmet food store just to the west of the main Le Bon Marché store, and you could easily spend hours here exploring the excellent foods – from French delicacies to exotic foods from all over the world. This is the perfect spot for finding gifts and surprises for food lovers back home.