In the heart of Paris’s 9th arrondissement, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann epitomize the unique blend of luxury, history, and architectural grandeur. Founded in 1893 by Alsatian cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, it began as a small haberdashery on Rue La Fayette. The store rapidly expanded, and between 1903 and 1912, the Haussmann flagship was built under architect Ferdinand Chanut’s direction, featuring an Art Nouveau glass dome by Jacques Grü­ber and floral ironwork by Louis Majorelle. The grand dome, rising 43 meters high with ten neo‑Byzantine stained‑glass sections, became a hallmark of Parisian elegance.

The flagship now spans over 3,500 brands in fashion, beauty, home and gastronomy across the Coupole, Homme, and Gourmet buildings. Highlights include a Wellness Gallery focusing on beauty and relaxation, and Gourmet, which features fine food halls, chef‑led dining, and curated wines.

What to do: wander beneath the dome, shop high‑end designers (Saint Laurent, Jacquemus, indie labels), attend weekly fashion shows, join culinary or beauty workshops, or savor the rooftop terrace with panoramic Paris views. Exclusive heritage tours are available early morning for a near-private experience.

The atmosphere is both grand and inviting: the dome bathes the central hall in natural light, with sweeping balconies that offer peace and inspiration. Visitors range from curious tourists and architecture lovers to beauty aficionados and food lovers. The target audience covers fashion shoppers, cultural explorers, and lifestyle seekers.

Legend has it that during WWII, the dome’s glass was dismantled to prevent shattering debris from bombings. Some original colored panels were lost and replaced with plain white glass, altering its original design slightly.

A 2021 renovation restored the dome’s historic splendour while modernizing the interiors. The Go for Good label includes over 700 socially and environmentally responsible brands.

Practical info:

Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gourmet store opens until 9:30 p.m., restaurants open in summer until 11 p.m. Closed Dec 25, Jan 1 and May 1. 
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

Services include concierge, multilingual personal shoppers, tailoring, cobbler, children’s area, tax‑free shopping, dry‑cleaning, jewelry/watch atelier.

Easily accessible by metro (Chaussée d’Antin‑La Fayette), RER, buses, and nearby parking; wheelchair‑accessible entries, fitting rooms, and restrooms available.