Department stores and shopping centers in Paris
Department Stores (grands magasins)
Paris department stores are famous, historic and beautiful. Take Printemps, for example, with its exquisite glass dome. It dates back to 1865 and has been registered as a national monument. Department stores are almost always staffed with English-speaking help and are crowded with tourists and international shoppers.
- BHV (Bazar de l’Hotel de Ville), 52-64, rue de Rivoli 75004, 01.42.74.90.00, http://www.bhv.fr; In addition to the standard clothing and household goods, they have an amazing hardware and do-it-yourself department in the basement and a complete artists’ supply section.
- Galeries Lafayette, 40, boulevard Haussmann 75009, 01.42.82.34.56, http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com; There is a second location at Centre Commercial Montparnasse, 22 Rue du départ 75015. The Haussmann location is a Parisian landmark that spread over multiple buildings and through many levels and has everything from designer clothing to a food boutique. There are free English-language fashion shows every Friday at 3pm on the 7th floor of the main Haussmann store. You must reserve by email at welcome@galerieslafayette.comor 01.42.82.36.40.
- Printemps, 64 boulevard Haussman 75009, 01.42.82.57.87, http://www.printemps.com/; Much like Galeries Lafayette in range of merchandise, although perhaps slightly more expensive. They have a fabulous roof-top restaurant which is the perfect spot for a lunch while shopping. There are three smaller locations in Paris and more in the Paris surroundings. Visit http://www.printemps.com/.
- Le Bon Marche, 22 and 38 rue de Sevres 75007, 01.44.39.80.00, http://www.lebonmarche.fr; This is Paris’s oldest department store and offers clothing, toys, books, arts-and-craft supplies, as well as the gourmet food store, La Grande Epicerie.
- Marks & Spencer, 5 Locations in the Paris area – visit https://www.marksandspencer.fr/Store-Locator/store-finder,en_FR,pg.html for addresses and phone numbers; England’s iconic department store re-opened in Paris in 2011. They offer women, men and children’s clothing and also have a small food area for those of you craving British treats.
Shopping Centers
Generally speaking, shopping centers, or malls, in Paris a much smaller than those in other cities.
- Les Quatre Temps, 15 Parvis de la Défense 92092, 01.47.73.54.44, http://www.les4temps.com: This is the largest shopping complex in France with hundreds of clothing and shoe shops, household strores, restaurants, services and the hypermarche, Auchan. Prices tend to be lower here than in central Paris, so it is worth the easy metro ride to La Defense, which has an entrance directly into the mall. Open on Sunday.
- Bercy Village, Cour Saint-Emilion 75012, 01.40.02.90.80, http://www.bercyvillage.com; This shopping center was created from a series of former stone wine warehouses and houses many interesting boutiques, bars and restaurants. There is an 18-theater multiplex with many English (V.O.) movies. It is one of the only centers open on Sundays.
- Boutiques du Palais des Congres, Place de la Porte Maillot 75017, http://www.lesboutiquesdupalais.com; This complex has upscale fashion stores for men and women, a food store, Galeries Gourmand, with a large international section that is opened on Sunday, and two movie theatres with English movies. Some stores are opened on Sunday.
- Centre Commercial Place d’Italie, http://www.italie2.com, has over 130 stores and restaurants located in the 13th arrondisement. It is a close 5 minute walk from Chinatown.
- Forum des Halles, 1-7 rue Pierre Lescot 75001, 01.44.76.96.56, http://www.forumdeshalles.com/W/do/centre/accueil; Located under the public park called Les Halles, this center has every imaginable store from music to clothes to perfume and furniture, as well as, yes, a swimming pool. It can be crowded and a bit dark on the lower levels, but the quality of stores and prices are good.
- So Ouest, 31 rue d’Alsace – 92300 Levallois, 01.41.06.40.00 (http://www.soouest.com/W/do/centre/accueil); This high-end mall opened in 2012 just on the outskirts of the 17th arrondissiment of Paris. Shoppers can find men, women and children’s clothing and shoes, toys, household goods and make-up. It also houses the hypermarket E. Leclerc and department store Marks & Spencer.
- La Vallee Outlet Shopping Village, 3 cours de la Garonne 77700 Serris, 01.60.42.35.00, http://www.LaValleeVillage.com; This is a little village of shops outside Paris where more than 50 leading fashion brands have outlet stores. Since these are the “stock” shops, prices are lower than in their other boutiques, but most of the selection is from previous seasons. You will find the likes of Kenzo, Nina Ricci, Maje, Bonpoint and Ferragamo. It is open everyday and accessible on the RER 4, Val d’Europe/Serris-Monvrain.
- Domus, 16 rue Lisbonne 93562 Roisny-sous-Bois 01.48.12.18.60, http://www.domusparis.com; This is the only shopping center dedicated solely to furniture and household goods. Prices range from affordable to expensive depending on the store. You will find many branches of chains here, but it is nice to have everything in one place to compare and price-shop. It can be a bit complicated to find, especially if you do not have a car. Visit their website for a map and clear directions on the train.
