Shopping in Paris: Paris Grands Magasins, i.e. Department Stores

The 3, currently open and running, Grands Magasins are: Galeries Lafayette, Au Printemps and Le Bon Marché, the oldest being the last mentioned, and also the only one placed on the left side of the Seine, rive gauche.

Which is the best? Well, that's a matter of taste. GF is the biggest, and sometimes it can seem very crowded. BM is rarely crowded, and by most considered the most chic. AP is lovely, and less touristic compared to GF, at least I think so. They are all three filled with luxurious brands and beautiful things.

But, there is a fourth, which is one of my personal favorites, and that's BHV, just across the street from Hôtel de Ville in the 4th arrondissement. This is a great department store, and every weekend you can find the do-it-yourself parisians in the basement level of this Grand Magasin, where there is everything you will need to fix your apartment, garden, terrasse, you name it.

In 1894 this monumental department store opened its doors to shoppers. It is the largest of the three famous department stores in Paris. Here you will find luxury. You can also find a great selection of gastronomic delicacies in the department stores food department.

Address: 40, bd. Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Au Printemps opened in 1864. Situated only a few meters away from the competition, Galaries Lafayette, this chic department store may be smaller than its rival, but just as well-equipped.

Address: 64, bd. Haussmann, 75009 Paris

The first big department store to open its doors, this grand magasin opened in 1852. The only of the three situated on the left side, rive gauche, and is today considered the most chic department store.

One of the great things about this department store is the Grand épicerie, which is the supermarket, luxury supermarket which is part of this department store. Here you can find the best of the best, as well as foreign specialities.

Address: 22, rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

If you don't know what to by (maybe not that likely!), then maybe one of the super chic and talked about publications of this year, in Paris anyway, can help you. It's the book by Ines de la Fressange: La Parisienne, considered a must for all Paris girls and women, and now translated into English.

In this book, Ines de la Fressange, a very Parisian women, and model, gives super tips on how to get that Paris look, and tips on everything you need to know to get by as a Parisian.