PARIS WITH GALERIES LAFAYETTE

This post was done in partnership with Galeries Lafayette

This week, I was invited to Paris to enjoy the amazing Parisian shopping experience and stayed at the W Hotel which is a block away from Galeries Lafayette. I haven’t been back to Paris since 2008, which made it super exciting to finally be back in one of my favorite cities! The city was alive, vibrant and full of energy the moment I landed and I could not wait to see what Galeries Lafayette Haussmann had in store for the week! Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is located in Paris’ 9th district, by the Opera House which makes it a prime location. As one of the most famous department stores in the world, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has a lot of history. It was founded in 1893, officially inaugurated in 1912 and has one stunning dome.

For anyone visiting Paris, a visit to Galeries Lafayette is a must! They offer a wide selection of beauty, fashion, leather goods and accessories, shoes and clothing for everyone. The store is quite massive and anyone can easily spend an entire day shopping, eating at the gourmet food market – or spend the day pampering yourself at the salon. Here are a few things you can do when visiting Galeries Lafayette.

LA TERRASSE ROOFTOP

I love rooftops and the La Terrasse Rooftop at Galeries Lafayette is probably one of the best in Paris! I spent every day up here and you should too! Best time to go is during sunset!

CULTURAL VISIT

With so much history, anyone can reserve a free 45 minute guided tour to learn about Galeries Lafayette’s history. I highly recommend it, it’s quite interesting to learn how Galeries Lafayette got started. You will see a piece of the magnificent staircase that was inspired by the Paris Opera House. You will also learn that there are currently only 4 elevators still standing in the department store.

GALERIES DES GALERIES

Visitors are able to visit exhibitions in the Galerie des Galeries, a cultural space to highlight the crossover between fashion, fine art, and design. During my visit, Galeries Lafayette featured 70 years of Dior by creating 11 display windows, exclusive items and the “I Feel Blue” exhibition in the Galerie des Galeries. The exhibition had twelve dresses from Dior’s archives. The tribute to its anniversary was only being featured during September 20th through October 10th.

ALEXANDRE DE PARIS SALON

One of the best salons in Paris! Take a break and get a beautiful haircut before or after shopping.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

During my week at Galeries Lafayette, I was gifted a few awesome items. As a traveler, I’m always looking for new luggage that’s sturdy, reliable and will last. I was gifted the Chatelet Luggage by Delsey in white and loved it! I love the wheels with brake locks feature, double zippers, and internet security in case I lose my luggage! They also offer a worldwide warranty for 10 years!

If you know me, I love handbags and Fauré le Page gifted me a tote bag! If you don’t know this brand, you really should! The brand has a lot of history, it was founded in 1717! How amazing is that?! The brand is quite exclusive with only 3 locations, 2 in France and 1 in Japan.

DINING EXPERIENCE

There will be plenty of macaron or coffee stands around the department stores but the best food can be found at the Lafayette Gourmet! My favorite lunch spots were Petrossian for the best caviar and La Maison de la Truffe for anything with truffles!!! I loved the tagliatelle truffle pasta and highly recommend it! Don’t leave without dessert either! Here’s a full list of restaurants in Lafayette Gourmet.

If you love wine, they have a great selection of wine too!

OTHER FEATURES & INFORMATION

ROOFTOP GARDEN/FARM

Galeries Lafayette has it’s own rooftop garden! I was lucky enough to go up to see how the workers harvest the herbs, vegetables, and flowers for local restaurants. We also got to make our own herbal tea with it

VIP LOUNGE

Galeries Lafayette offers a VIP lounge to enjoy refreshments, relax and store your belongings.

CONCIERGE

Probably the best department store service I’ve ever had. The staff is always so friendly and attentive and they will always help you with anything you need.

TAX REFUNDS

Many American’s may not know that they are able to request a tax refund from a machine! It’s quick, easy and you don’t have to wait in long lines at the airport to get your cash.

Galeries Lafayette truly has everything you need! From luxury to affordable fashion, Galeries Lafayette is more than just a shopping experience but truly a place to experience gourmet food, learn about history and so much more!