What Is the Largest Department Store in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

Paris is a city known for its rich history, culture, and fashion. It is also home to some of the world’s largest department stores. If you’re in Paris and looking to shop till you drop, you might be wondering what the largest department store in Paris is.

Well, wonder no more! The largest department store in Paris is Galeries Lafayette.

Galeries Lafayette
Located in the heart of Paris on Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette is a massive shopping destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. The store spans over 70,000 square meters and features over 3,500 brands across various categories such as fashion, beauty, home decor, and gourmet food.

The History of Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette was founded in 1893 by Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn as a small haberdashery. Over the years, it grew into a massive shopping destination with multiple buildings interconnected by walkways and bridges.

In 1912, the iconic glass dome was added to the main building of Galeries Lafayette. The dome has become an iconic symbol of the store and offers visitors stunning views of Paris.

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette offers an unparalleled shopping experience with its vast selection of products from luxury brands to affordable options. The store is divided into different sections such as women’s fashion, men’s fashion, home decor, and beauty products.

One unique feature at Galeries Lafayette is their tax-free shopping service for non-EU residents. This allows visitors to claim back VAT (Value Added Tax) on their purchases at the airport before leaving France.

Other Attractions at Galeries Lafayette

Apart from shopping, Galeries Lafayette also offers many other attractions for visitors. The store has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Paris where you can enjoy a drink or a meal. They also have a gourmet food section that offers a wide variety of French delicacies such as macarons, cheese, and wine.

During the holiday season, Galeries Lafayette puts up a giant Christmas tree under the glass dome, which attracts thousands of visitors.

In Conclusion

Galeries Lafayette is undoubtedly the largest department store in Paris. With its vast selection of products, tax-free shopping service, and other attractions, it’s no wonder why it attracts millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning a trip to Paris and love shopping, be sure to add Galeries Lafayette to your must-visit list!