subject: Shop Till You Drop Parisian Style, At Les Grands Magasins! [print this page] The City Of Love, the City Of Light, Paris is an adjective heavy destination for the masses. Famed for its romantic boulevards, ultra-chic population and historic significance, Paris never ceases to amaze even the most seasoned traveller. Contemporary to the core but rooted in its past triumphs, this dizzying metropolis is a mix of New York meets Venice, modernity meets classic elegance, this premier honeymoon hotspot never fails to inspire with its lessai- faire attitude and well-read population.
Home to some of the worlds most recognizable landmarks, Paris is home to the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe in addition to the iconic Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay and the Seine, along whose banks thousands of poets have attempted to capture its candescent beauty.
Revered for its artistic and historic significance, Paris is also undoubtedly the fashion capital of the world. As the city that launched the brand powerhouses that dominates the fashion stratosphere, Paris is a fashionistas dream come true, for trends are made here and the world follows after.
As one of the most fashion conscious population in the world, Parisians are renowned for their trendsetting ways and an avant guard sense of style. Nowhere is this more apparent than the great department stores or Les Grands Magasins of Paris. Chockfull of the worlds premier brands, the citys sprawling department stores are unrivalled anywhere else in the world.
Driving along Boulevard Haussman its hard to ignore Les Grands Magasins which includes stores such as Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon March and Printemps. Galeries Lafayette is renowned as one of the citys premier department stores. With a history dating back over 100 years it has been a much-loved fixture in the Parisian landscape for over a century. With top brands such as Armani, Prada, Chanel ,Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, Thierry Mugler and Sonia Rykiel, visitors also might find celebrity shoppers in their midst. Drawing crowds that equal the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette is one of Europes most popular shopping centres. If one works up an appetite while shopping, look no further than the Lafayette Gourmet or La Terrasse des Galeries where a mouthwatering array or treats and snacks can be found in addition to other pastries, foie gras and of course caviar.
Printemps is another exclusive shopping venue in the city. Spread out over 27 floors lies luxury goods that have been divided in to Printemps de lHomme, Printemps de la Mode, Printemps de Luxe and Printemps de la Beaut/Maison . Printemps de Luxe houses products from Avenue Montaigne, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chaumet Place Vendme, Boucheron and Faubourg Saint Honor. Printemps de la Maison offers spa products from Paipuri, Patyka, and Beo in addition to the Scent Room where fragrant treats from Histoire de Parfums, Olivia Giacobetti and Honor des Prs are available among countless others.
As the actual shopping complex featured in Emile Zolas Au Bonheur des Dames, Le Bon March is one of the citys oldest shopping emporiums. Stocked to the brim with ultra modern creations of design houses such as Chlo, Miu Miu, Balenciaga and Lanvin the store is a hat collectors paradise. With specialized services including tailored suites for men, Le Bon March is also home to La Grande Epicerie food court, located opposite the shopping complex this free standing eatery offers over 30,000 delicious products as well as the Italian restaurant, Primo piano. Other shopping hot spots in the area include BHV, BHV Homme, Franck et Fils and Madelios where Zadig & Voltaire, Bruno and Erotokritos designs are available in addition to Vanessa Bruno products.
