Paris Shopping Tips by MM212

Artcurial: Hôtel Marcel Dassault

Occupying a magnificent hôtel particulier (mansion/townhouse) at the prominent location on rond-point des Champs-Elysées, Artcurial is an auction house, a bookshop, and an art gallery. The mansion, called Hôtel Marcel Dassault, was built in 1844 in a French Baroque/Neo-classical style. For art lovers, this place is heaven. When walking through the Champs-Elysées, stop by for a quick look, if not for the art, then for the magnificent 19th century palace and its beautifully decorated chambers.

Address: 7, rond-point des Champs-Elysées, Paris 8e

Theme: Art

Website: http://www.artcurial.com

le Louvre des Antiquaires: A Museum!

Le Louvre des Antiquaires is, along with le Marché aux Puces, one of the world's greatest antique markets. The entire building acts as a shopping centre for some of the most expensive and rarest antiques in the world. The building in which it is housed was built by Napoléon III as the city's first luxury hotel, Grand Hôtel du Louvre, in preparation for the Universal Exhibition of 1855. The hotel contained shops on its ground floor which later became the department store, Grands Magasins du Louvre. The store eventually took over the entire building and lasted a century until it closed down in 1975. By 1978, the building was renovated and turned into the antique market that we see today. When walking down rue de Rivoli, stop into this free museum to see some amazing antiques, and if you can spare a Euro or 100,000, buy a few antiques to take home!

Address: 2, place du Palais Royal, Paris 1er

Theme: Antiques

Website: http://www.louvre-antiquaires.com

Galeries Lafayette: Grands Magasins Galeries Lafayette Review

Although I tend to shy away from large department stores, I must say that les Galeries Lafayette are quite exceptional. The initial formation of the department store began in the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that the Galeries Lafayette became known internationally as a trend setter, in direct competition with neighbouring le Printemps. It was during this Belle Epoque that stores around the world copied its model. Today, les Galeries Lafayette continue to be one of the most important department store conglomerates in the world, where one could purchase nearly everything possible. Les Galeries Lafayette on boulevard Haussmann often have the most amazing display of decorations during Christmas time. Well worth the visit around the holiday time.

Address: 40 Blvd Haussmann

Directions: Near the opera

Theme: Department Store

Website: http://www.galerieslafayette.com/

Printemps: le Printemps Printemps Review

Founded in 1865, le Printemps was one of the most innovative stores of its time. As a direct competitor of the neighbouring Galeries Lafayette, le Printemps matched its elegance and reputation. The large store occupies multiple buildings dating from as early as the 19th century and listed as historic monuments. Le Printemps continues to be a leading department store in France synonymous with luxury and quality.

Address: 64 Blvd Haussman

Theme: Department Store

Website: http://www.printemps.com