The flagship store of Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris is   sheer heaven for shopping and second only to the Eiffel Tower as the most visited monument in Paris.

Opened in 1912 it’s art nouveau design includes a breathtaking glass dome (43m high) that floods golden light into the interior – the symbol of Galeries Lafayette.

Art Nouveau glass dome Galeries Lafayette Image: GRACIE

Stunning metal work and floral plaster embellish the circular galleries that offer high end brands and a whole lot more.  This is luxurious style on another level – in fact five in all!

Galeries Lafayette Image: GRACIE

The beauty department on the ground floor is a mecca for fragrances and cosmetics and offers advice and services for every possible need and desire.  It’s fabulously curated.  Once you get over the breadth of choice here, it’s time to move further aloft. Be sure to check out the original elevators on the way.

Galeries Lafayette Image: GRACIE

And it’s not just about ‘Madame ‘- 96 different departments include an elegant range of lifestyle and home accessories, an amazing food hall, restaurants, and a reading room.  Services include travel, tax refund and personal shopping assistance.  Every whim and desire is catered to in luxurious style.  A panoramic view of Paris can be enjoyed from the roof that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.

Roof top view of the Opera Garnier from Galeries Lafayette Image: Reddit.com

Oh, and loos with views are located on the 5th and 6th floors.  Very cool.

Roof top view of the Eiffel Tower from Galeries Lafayette Image: commonswikimedia.org

This is one of the most famous and outstanding department stores in the entire world.  Spectacular and stunnnnnning.  It’s serious shopping at its very best.