The Galeries Lafayette is an amazing sensory experience spread over three buildings in Paris, right next to the Paris Opera House in the 9th arrondissement. Some say it’s touristy, but not me. It’s glorious.
Don’t get me wrong – I can shop at TJ Maxx with the best of them. But if you just want to LOOK and SEE and EXPERIENCE the magic of an incredibly beautiful Art Nouveau building dripping with original glamour, this is the queen of them all. 
The remarkable dome isn’t even the crowning glory — go to the top floor for a panoramic view of Paris that is spectacular. (And free!) 
Every year, they design new Christmas decor which includes a gigantic tree. This year’s sapin de Noël was created entirely from balloons, giving the store a whimsical, fairy tale Christmas ambiance. Every 15 minutes, the entire atrium was filled with orchestrated dancing balloons and classical music. Move over, fountains at Bellagio! 
There are Galeries Lafayette stores in Berlin, Dubai, Beijing, Milan, and all the major world cities, except New York, believe it or not. They tried for three years but it closed in 1991. The Paris flagship store has EVERYTHING you could ever want from a Parisienne department store, from ready to wear to haute couture. Chanel, Cartier, Hilfiger, Herrera….as well as Under Armour, Nike and Levis.
Prices? Um yeah, about that…I bought some refrigerator magnets. 🙂
When you come, we will go!
à bientôt !
Mindy
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