The Galeries Lafayette is an upmarket French department store chain, the biggest in Europe, which was established in 1894. It’s located on Boulevard Haussmann, right in the heart of the city. This store is known for its stunning glass dome, which is a big attraction in itself. 

In Galeries Lafayette, you’ll find a huge range of products. They sell everything from clothes and shoes to beauty products and home goods. There are many well-known brands, so it’s a great place to shop for both luxury items and everyday needs.

Inside “Galeries Lafayette”, there’s a lot to explore beyond just shopping. Here are the must-see highlights:

The Glass Dome (La Coupole):
    The store’s iconic “Art Nouveau glass dome”, built in 1912, is a breathtaking sight with its colorful stained glass and ornate details. Don’t miss looking up at this stunning architectural masterpiece.

The Rooftop Terrace:
    Head to the “7th floor” for a panoramic view of Paris, including sights like the Eiffel Tower and Opera Garnier. The terrace is free to access and offers some of the best city views.

L’Appartement Lafayette:
    This exclusive space offers workshops, styling sessions, and events related to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. It’s a unique place for anyone interested in learning more about fashion trends.

The Gourmet Food Hall (Lafayette Gourmet):
    Located in the Lafayette Maison building, this is a paradise for food lovers. Explore French delicacies, international foods, chocolates, pastries, and a range of gourmet products. There are also several restaurants and bars.

Weekly Fashion Shows:
    Galeries Lafayette hosts free fashion shows showcasing the latest trends every Friday at 3 PM. It’s a great opportunity to see Parisian fashion up close. Reservations are recommended.

Designer Boutiques and Luxury Brands:
    You’ll find an impressive selection of luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and many more. The store’s expansive layout allows you to shop the latest in fashion, beauty, accessories, and home decor.

Christmas Decorations (Seasonal):
    If you visit during the holiday season, don’t miss the elaborate Christmas displays and the enormous decorated tree under the dome, which is a highlight for many visitors.

Art Exhibits and PopUps:
    Galeries Lafayette often hosts temporary art installations, pop-up shops, and interactive exhibits, so there’s always something new and creative happening inside.

Beauty and Wellness:
    The beauty department offers not just products but also personalized beauty advice, makeovers, and skincare consultations from top brands.

Lafayette Maison & Gourmet:
    This area focuses on home decor, kitchenware, and gourmet foods. It’s a great spot to find unique items or gifts.

These attractions make Galeries Lafayette more than just a shopping destination—it’s a full cultural and visual experience.

How to get to the Galeries Lafayette?

By Metro:
Metro Line 7 or 9: Get off at the “Chaussee d’Antin  La Fayette” station. It’s just a short walk to the store from there.
Metro Line 3, 12, or 14: You can also get off at the “SaintLazare” or “HavreCaumartin” stations, which are nearby.

By Bus:
Several buses stop near Galeries Lafayette, including “Lines 20, 21, 27, 29, 32, 42, 53, 66, 68, 81, and 95”.

By Train:
If you’re arriving by train, “Gare SaintLazare” is the closest train station. It’s about a 10-minute walk.

By Car:
You can drive, but parking can be tricky. There’s a parking garage at “Parking Indigo”, located at 12 Rue de Mogador, nearby.

By Foot:
If you’re already in central Paris, walking is a great way to get there, especially if you’re near popular areas like the Opéra Garnier or Place de la Madeleine.

Visiting hours of Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is generally open every day, but visiting hours can vary slightly, especially on holidays. Here are the usual hours:

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Special Notes:

• Some departments, like the Gourmet Food Hall, may have slightly different hours.
• During holidays or special events, the hours might change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Galeries Lafayette website or call ahead.