My unforgettable journey to Galeries Lafayette was quite different from other places. I am waiting for a sweet day to share these memories with you. Here the day has come. Let’s explore the tour.
Strolling through the streets of Paris is special. I turned the corner, and this time my escapade brought me to one of the city’s fascinating sights – Galeries Lafayette.
The excitement was evident as I emerged from Lafayette Paris Metro station, my heart racing at all the possibilities I had envisioned after seeing this massive shopping center. And will know about Paris Galeries Lafayette Opening Hours.
For every visitor, a visit to Galeries Lafayette is not only about shopping but rather a rich experience in Parisian style and lifestyle. From the first sight of the beautiful Galerie Lafayette rooftop, to the pleasures of haute couture fashion details behind its doors, I was bound to be wowed all through.
A Parisian Icon: The History of Galeries Lafayette through the Ages
It was established in 1894 and Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a bygone model of the excesses associated with a bustling Paris during its belle époque. It has developed into a luxurious emporium not only for shopping but breathtaking architecture and culture as well.
The building itself is an architectural landmark, topped with a huge cylindrical dome, where staircase lighting cuts through intricately carved glass, which suffuses the lower levels of the building with light.
For me, this was the sort of place where the timeline was entirely erased, and both the past and the present were often considered to be one single entity.
A little over a century old, Galeries Lafayette is located at Boulevard Haussmann and aspires to be the flag bearer of luxury and fashion in France. It started out as a small shop , but now it has become a large oasis, which greets more than a million visitors weekly. And believe me, beauty is enough for everyone who crosses the golden leaves.
First Impressions: Entering a Fashion Paradise
When I first went in, I was frozen in position and staring up at the dome, which was the first thing that caught my attention. The whole area felt like it was encased in an honest to God castle, to be perfectly fair.
It was that stunning. I walked some more through each floors that catered to haute couture, beauty, home fashions and food. I know I am not a big spender; more of a window shopper, but Galeries Lafayette has everything for everyone. There was warmth of the people, their tastefully done displays and joy of people having fun made me quite comfortable.
Since I am a huge fan of fashion, being able to walk past names like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès is like having lived in the dream.
Even how much you spend isn’t essential when you visit the Galeries Lafayette — the stylish offerings around you make you feel like you belong. For those on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of mid-range and affordable options, plus duty-free stores.
Must-See Spot: The Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
Unquestionably one of my most memorable instances was the amazing Galeries Lafayette rooftop. If you are able to do only one thing while visiting, let it be this. You get into the elevator and you go to the top highest antenna-like projection and all you can do is gawk at the view of the entire panorama that is Paris below you.
You can see the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, as well as the beautiful skyline of Paris all within one glance. The Paris gallery Lafayette opening hours enables anyone including the busiest people to avail of this visit, and I suggest trying to get it for the sunset if possible. It is a remarkable color of the skyline with reflecting sunsets over the rooftops of Paris.
A Taste of Paris: Dining at Lafayette Paris Restaurant
Once you finish all those terribly tiring explorable things, are you by any chance feeling peckish? You’re in luck because Galeries Lafayette has some excellent dining options.
No matter if you want to satisfy an inner hunger quickly or you would like to take some time and enjoy some fair food.
I savored every delicacy in one of the Lafayette Paris restaurants. The restaurant, a stylish bistro located at the top floor, features classical French food with modern touches.
The setting was comfortable and classy at the same time, and I was tempted to have a go at the croque monsieur, a fried sandwich which is quite a delicacy from Paris. Oh, and don’t forget to have the macarons for dessert as it’s worth taking.
And of course if you want something light there are also some simple cafes and snack bars scattered around the store. This is in fact a mall, so you can also spend the whole day just shopping, eating, relaxing and enjoying the Parisian style.
Budget-Friendly Fun: What to Do in Lafayette in a Day
Now I know what you are thinking– this all seems a little overboard, right? But do not panic, going for shops like Galeries Lafayette does not mean you should empty your pockets. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly activities:
- Window shopping: There is nothing that can be lost by just looking at the displays! It is not too rare to find people here who just come to enjoy the hot atmosphere and exhibit the art of window shopping.
- Free catwalk: You know that Galeries Lafayette organizes free weekly fashion shows, right? You don’t have to miss these shows and the latest styles without breaking the bank let alone spending a cent, just check out the paris Galeries Lafayette opening hours.
- Crossing gourmet hall raise your eye brow attention the lower level: Lower level ups which holds the gourmet food hall. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t end up buying anything, it’s still a treat to the eyes.
- Rooftop Photoshoot: The best thing about visiting Halle aux Vins is that the Galerie Lafayette rooftop is free to access and the view is breathtaking.
If you manage not to go overboard on the purchases, it will be possible to keep the expenses down in Galeries Lafayette.
Getting There: Transportation and Tips
It was really simple to reach Galeries Lafayette. It is situated in the central regions of Paris and is easily accessed via other means of transport like planning on hopping on the metro.
I took the Lafayette Paris Metro and alighted at the Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette which takes you right in front of the store. Alternatively you can hike the store and catch a local bus from outside the store or grab a taxi.
If however, you are in central Paris, it is possible to even walk. As that will be a peak season, I suggest that you start relatively early in order to queue less.
Before venturing out, it’s advisable to check the Galeries Lafayette opening hours. They are 9:30 AM till 8:30 PM mostly, but may vary especially during weekends. On an unrelated note, “Are there any Galeries Lafayette opening hours on Sunday?”
Yes, there are, you don’t have to worry about s.logging off too early. The only weird aspect is, however, that you will have to finish your shopping late this evening with the store locking up almost all of its doors by 8:00 PM.
So if you plan to go shopping be very mindful about that and get your tickets before 7 unless you wish to spend and dwell on priceless things outside.
Best Time to Visit: Visiting Galeries Lafayette Properly
I went during the early autumn which was great. The temperature was bearable, the skies were blue, and the roads amenable with no huge margins. Generally, people should go to Galeries after Christmas and maybe in autumn when the population is not dense and most still would want to tour within the city comfortably.
They arrive in Paris on holiday and between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, people visiting Galeries Lafayette can be in for a surprise as the place is decorated for the celebrations.
In case you are staying in Paris during the month of December, one should definitely see the Christmas tree and the rest of the festive decorations hanging outside on the roof and other areas. The Christmas atmosphere within Galeries Lafayette is one to behold.
FAQs:
Q: In French if asking: Is Galeries Lafayette expensive?
The answer will cover the entire price range of Galeries Lafayette. Yes, there are high end luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton which will dig deep into your pockets, there are also mid-range and affordable beauty & home décor products at the department store.
It’s very possible and enjoyable to just do window shopping and browsing the stores without breaking the bank.
Q: When is Paris Galeries LAfayette opening days?
As for opening times of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, visitors can come from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays. Stores are usually opened by 11 AM and close at 8 PM.
Also, do look out for updates on the operating hours on their website since there are some holidays when the place may not be operating.
Q: What is the best way to get to Galeries Lafayette?
The most convenient mode of transportation provided to reach Galeries Lafayette is Paris Metro. The Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette’ station on Lines 7 and 9 is located right next to the entrance.
Taxis and buses are also good options for getting there, and if you are in the middle of Paris there are many major places within walking distance.
Q: Is Galeries Lafayette open on Sunday?
Yes, Galeries Lafayette is open on Sundays and observes slightly different hours of operations. The shop opens later than usual, usually opening at 11:00 AM and closes at around 8:00 PM.
There is usually a bit smaller in the number of visitors and therefore is a good day for a peaceful visit rather than a hectic one.
Q: What can I do at Galeries Lafayette besides shopping?
Plus, there is lots to do also in Galeries Lafayette rather than shopping. You can get up to the beautiful Lafayette rooftop and look at Paris from the free view point. The place also has fine dining and organizes free fashion shows almost every week.
If you do not wish to shop, the views and Christmas window displays alone are well worth a visit, since the store is exquisite both inside and out.
Q: Can we still find good deals at Galeries Lafayette?
Definitely! Galeries la fayette has a wide range of prices so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy it.
You can visit the duty-free shops, check out the cheaper brand stores, or just enjoy the beautiful structures and views from the roof without any charge. The gourmet market has food and delectables at various prices too.
What I Felt Afterwards To Be Very Important
Lastly, Galeries Lafayette was more than I could ever have imagined. The beautiful architecture, wide selection of world’s leading retailers, breathtaking views from a rooftop and sumptuous food offered – the whole Parisian lifestyle was celebrated in every minute of the day.
If your interests lie in fashion, food or just things that are artistically exciting, then Galeries Lafayette is a place for you.
On a while walking away, the light of the store, which was reflecting on the streets, revealed it was shut down in my imagination. And if you are planning to visit Paris, You should make it a point to stop at galeries la fayette.
No matter the reason, whether it’s for shopping, sightseeing or simply having a coffee with the view of this great city, it’s an activity that represents the true spirit of Paris.
