Tourist Information
In 1893, Alphonse Kahn and Théophile Bader set up a draper's shop in rue Lafayette. Three years later, following the success of their little shop, the two cousins bought out the whole building and turned it into a luxury general goods store. In 1912, Galeries Lafayette, a five-storey store with an impressive dome made of glass with painted floral motifs, opened to the public. In a few years, the store became the temple of fashion and fabric that it is now. 120,000 square metres of shopping heaven that receive 80,000 visitors every day on average. You just cannot see Paris with making a detour to the famous Galeries Lafayette. The store is ideally located on Boulevard Haussman at the heart of the capital, a stone's throw from the Opéra Garnier and the great boulevards. Besides, it receives as many visitors as the Eiffel Tower itself! On the last floor of the historical edifice, the terrace overlooking Paris offers a unique view. During the Festive season, the illuminations of Galeries Lafayette light up the front of the building with twinkling lights. That is when the shop windows come to life with automated characters in enchanted decors. For an afternoon's retail therapy or just to discover this emblem of the capital, go to metro Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette or Havre - Caumartin.
