Les Grands Magazins (1) and other Paris, France Shopping Tips

Name of Shop: Galeries Lafayette

Grand Magazin is the French term for department store. In France in the early 19C, these were preceded by covered passageways with shops and stalls having varied merchandise on a permanent basis. These were successful because of the arrival of public transport (like parking lots and malls today). The Galeries Lafayette and the Au Printemps next to it were not the first Grands Magazins(those originated in 1866), but they are worth a visit, especially the Galeries (1907).I am sure others have written of its wares; we have used it and the VAT refund many times. But we must recommend eating lunch at the top floor "cafe" for good food at a good value. Nearby is a section with fairly priced souvenirs and a staircase ,which leads one flight higher, to a viewing platform (free) for a different examination of the Paris skyline with rooftops and famous sites. (see our separate Tip under Walking Around). As you enter the East Galerie building you see the spectacular Art Nouveau glasss and metal dome. As one picture shows (taken in November) the center area can accomodate a giant Christmas tree.

What To Buy: Anything

What To Pay: More than you can afford

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Theme: Department Store
Address: 38-46 Blvd Haussmann
Directions: Near the opera
Website: http://www.galerieslafayette.com/

Name of Shop: Maille

In the mid-17C vinegar was a recognized therapeutic agent. Adding ingredients might make it better. Maille created one ("four thieves") that protected against plague when used to wash the hands (praised by doctors and nuns). (According to Larousse he sold 100 health and 53 flavored vinegars). The store sells other condiments, like mustards and cornichons (little gherkins which are a must with pates). Many containers are small and moderately priced and make unusual take-home gifts, especially for gourmets.
Before the 19C advent of modern chemistry and the invention of the hypodermic needle, all medications were taken orally as liquids or powders, or applied as as ointments or oils. A compounding chemist was familiar with all minerals and animal and plant materials (materia medica). Vinegar was a recognized therapeutic agent used externally and internally often with added ingredients to improve it. Mme de Pompadour found many of Maille's concoctions improved her salads. (Incidentally expensive bottles of plain white vinegar (acetic acid) are sold in places to treat toenail fungus).

What To Buy: Anything in the store you can carry or want. They have a mail-order on the web, but I have not tried it. Some gourmet shops in the US stock some items.

What To Pay: Lots of things are less than 10 euros.

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Theme: Food and Drink
Address: Pl. de la Madelaine, 6.
Website: www.maille.com

Name of Shop: Printemps

These stores arose in Paris after the guilds had been abolished during the Revolution and Public Transport had been instituted (and railways going into Paris created). The first such store was Les Magazins Reunis in the Pl. de la Republique (1866;gone) followed by Printemps opened in the same year. When damage by fire it was replaced in 1888. The corner rotunda remains but most of the rest of the store has been much remodeled. The Bazar Hotel de Ville appeared in 1904 and in 1906 oth the Samaritaine and the Galeries Lafayette (Separate Tip) where we prefer shopping because of its lunch room and roof view.



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Theme: Department Store
Address: 64 Blvd Haussman
Directions: Behind the Opera on the Blvd. Metro Lines 7 &9 (Chaussee d'Antin)