Before you roll your eyes at me, there are department stores in Paris. While it's not the "American Mall", they do have very large department stores or complexes. The two big ones; "Printemps" and "Galleries de Lafayette" have separate buildings for womens, mens and households goods or beauty. Galleries de Lafayette takes the entire four corners of a major street.
How can you find these department stores? They make it easy and convenient by being located within blocks of each other. You can access them both from the Metro stop Havre-Caumartin.
The stores are located on the busy street - Boulevard Haussmann. If you haven't heard of General Haussmann, you may want to be familiar with him before your trip to Paris. The streets were designed by the General to allow tanks to maneuver and have better access during the war.
Back to shopping.....
Printemps is known for their gorgeous stain glass ceiling. It's a must see. So pretty!!! One small fact for the women out there, if you go to the women's restroom on the top floor, there is a beautiful view of the city from the windows in the women's restroom.
Galleries de Lafayette is my favorite between the two. Mainly because I've had the best experiences there and the selection of designer shoes is second to none. The red signs that you see hanging from the ceilings are advertising the French sale or Soldes. If you haven't heard of the French sales, you NEED to read my blog on it.
Both department stores will have a robust area for souvenirs. No need to buy junk from the street vendors. Not only will you get a better selection, you can also take advantage of the VAT tax (refunds).
Happy Traveling!
How can you find these department stores? They make it easy and convenient by being located within blocks of each other. You can access them both from the Metro stop Havre-Caumartin.
The stores are located on the busy street - Boulevard Haussmann. If you haven't heard of General Haussmann, you may want to be familiar with him before your trip to Paris. The streets were designed by the General to allow tanks to maneuver and have better access during the war.Back to shopping.....
Printemps is known for their gorgeous stain glass ceiling. It's a must see. So pretty!!! One small fact for the women out there, if you go to the women's restroom on the top floor, there is a beautiful view of the city from the windows in the women's restroom.
Galleries de Lafayette is my favorite between the two. Mainly because I've had the best experiences there and the selection of designer shoes is second to none. The red signs that you see hanging from the ceilings are advertising the French sale or Soldes. If you haven't heard of the French sales, you NEED to read my blog on it.
Both department stores will have a robust area for souvenirs. No need to buy junk from the street vendors. Not only will you get a better selection, you can also take advantage of the VAT tax (refunds).
Happy Traveling!
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