Flashback: My first days in France (Part 3)

I am browsing through my archive of photos when I realized that I have not seen the whole of Paris just yet. In addition, I failed to take photos of some of the landmarks that I have seen and as a result, I am not readily able to blog about them. Instead, I will have to stick with the sites that I do have photos of and share with you some information that I know or have researched about.

To continue the theme of this series of blog posts, let me share with you the photos of Galeries La Fayette---one of the famous shopping galeries in Paris. While Paris is known for many things including art and architecture, food, and fashion to name a few; the art of shopping in the city continues to lure tourists all over the world.

Shopping in Paris is not like in any other cosmopolitan city. For one, Paris is the headquarters of big fashion houses and haute couture designers. On the other hand,you can also enjoy shopping in quaint boutiques althroughout the city which cater to almost any style, taste, and budget.

Given the limited time of tourists, they tend to flock to Galeries Lafayette (or Au Printemps). For one, they can buy their favorite designer brands here (clothes, accessories, cosmetics, etc and all tax-free of course) as well as shop for affordable fashions. Second, they can sample the wide array of French food including chocolates that can be purchased in the said gallery. Third, they have access to free exhibits that are sometimes housed here. Not to mention, they get to enjoy the beautiful architecture of Galeries Lafayette that is a constant reminder to shoppers that shopping in Paris is unlike any other!

Come to think of it, that pretty much sums up all the reasons why you came to Paris.

The beginnings of this French landmark can be traced way back in 1893 and due to the huge success of the novelty shop that started it all, it expanded it's area in 1896 and in 1905. In 1906, renowned architect Georges Cheddane and later with the help of Ferdinant Chanut, redesigned the store's layout. Throughout it's lifespan, Galeries Lafayette has been a venue of a number of events and has undergone countless restorations and improvement.

Did You Know?

• On January 19, 1919, a Gaudron G3 airplane landed on the terrace of the gallery after a 25 000 francs reward was promised to anyone who could successfully land a plane there. This feat was seen again on July 4,1948 by a different pilot.
• In 1950, Edith Piaf sang to the crowd at Galeries Lafayette.
• In 1980, a Festival of fashion took place here and was attended by a crowd of 50 000.
• In June 2001, the Mogador escalator of the gallery was modernised and was able to extend to the rooftop.

Galeries Lafayette

Paris Haussmann 40, boulevard Haussmann75009 PARIS
M-Sat. 9.30 am - 8.00 pm
Th-until 9.00 pm
Sun.-closed
Metro: Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette
RER : Auber
Phone : 01 42 82 34 56

For Special Store Hours, visit http://www2.galerieslafayette.com/international/goFolder.do?f=home_en&lang=en

Sources:
Galeries Lafayette. http://www.galeries-lafayette-paris.com/
National Geographic Traveler: France. 2nd ed. 2007. Published by the National Geographic Society. Washington, D.C. USA.

Galeries Lafayette. http://www2.galerieslafayette.com/international/goFolder.do?f=history_en&lang=en&fontLang=null