Luxury shopping experience in Paris
This Christmas, embrace red and gold at Galeries Lafayette’s flagship luxury department store in Paris
While winter wraps Paris within its veil, at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, it’s a fantasy-filled beehive brimming with glitter, glamour and festivities. The frosty colours of white and grey are replaced by the vibrant backdrops of amber and red as Boulevard Haussman welcomes the arrival of the holiday season. Glorious peonies, romantic roses, brilliant daisies, and whimsical poinsettia leaves set the atmosphere for an excited, buzzing display of luxury goods all decked in a beehive. The centrepiece, a show-stopping Christmas tree, is displayed in Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann’s tradition: an extravagance of colour and décor that rises tall at the heart of this luxury department store. But, instead of the regular ornaments, the frosted pine tree stands erect with a drizzling of honeybees.
There’s a surprise every thirty minutes—the lights of the dome dim in order to put the spotlight on the beautiful beehive, where the lovely winged creatures playfully buzz around. What a playful sight to experience when in Paris! Don’t miss your chance to peek at the magical display and indulge in the hundreds of lavish goods fit for the queen of the hive.
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Benoît CimbéGaleries Lafayette Paris Haussmann always charms with its whimsical annual dress-up. The Parisian experience can never be truly complete without shopping in this iconic landmark, more so during the holidays. This year, of course, is no exception. Pushing the envelope further, the buzzing beehive theme promises to be its most remarkable stage just yet. Crafting its own holiday cast, the blooming beehive is populated with 14 different Christmas bees, starting with the busy Builders, the ardent Fanners, the friendly Workers, the stern-looking guards, the hawk-eyed Scouts, the brilliant Foragers and the sewing Dressers. There’s a Court Jester bound to make everyone smile, Attendants answering every beck and call, and of course, don’t forget to curtsy to the Queen Bee, who reigns in her full magnificence, wings and all. As a honey glazed cherry to top off this exceptional shopping experience, take an icy spin on the 160 square metre frosty rink perched on the rooftop, one that allows you to soak into the magnificent views of the beloved Eiffel Tower.
Starting on the 22nd of November, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann puts the lenses on men and women’s luxury brands, with an entire floor that gathers designers from France and all over the world. The quintessential Parisian style of dressing is easily acquired at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. This flagship store presents the trendiest and latest products from all your favourite names—from Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Armani, Hermès and more. Celebrate the best wardrobe wonders mixed into a dazzling display.
With the bounty of elegant Maisons in one place, a day may not be enough to scour through these much-desired names thoroughly. Local brands also shine; Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is home to private labels that treat one to a full range of ready-to-wear knits and intimates, as offered by Version Originale, Briefing, Avant-Première, and Jodhpur. Keep your eyes open, for there are many more brands to discover, all of them bearing the potential to be your new favourites.
But it’s not all about the queen bees. The dapper gentlemen are also treated to a celebration of designer goods, all displayed in handsome shops on the third floor. Its curated collection welcomes the addition of famous brands. There’s Louis Vuitton, which launches its first department store boutique in France. The newest corner is occupied by Fendi, with Bulgari, Céline, and Off-White finishing the fresh roster.
Skip the long queues when at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
December sparks a sensational exploit in the winter garden, where clothes in their fullest decadence are catalogued to their shimmering hues. For those who wish to skip the long queues, take this cue – book online and get 10% off with special code “WTMLOVESGL” until the end of the year 2020. Your exclusive perks: the benefits of tax refunds in the private lounge and sip afternoon tea in the sophisticated setting of Angelina. The Paris Shopping Experience concludes on a relaxed note with a taxi back to the hotel in Paris and a souvenir gift to mark this mesmerising experience.
The magnificently decorated Christmas tree is the highlight of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, and from the 9th to the 12th of December, get up close to it via the Glasswalk—a glistening crystal runway suspended 16 metres up mid-air. The magnificent dome is almost within reach, with its Art Nouveau spirit woven into its every corner. Getting here is no secret; this unique vantage point is accessed from the 3rd floor.
This holiday season is a celebration of colour and sweet treats at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. This luxury department shopping destination drips with vivid colours and the simmering scent of flowers as guests turn to busy bees, all abuzz with their heart’s desire nestled in shopping bags while on a hunt for this festive season’s best gifts. Like a posy in full bloom, the main store flings its doors wide to embrace every seeker of signature luxury goods – every corner, a delightful surprise.
With its beautifully decorated Christmas tree perfect for any Instagram backdrop, the stylishly decorated window displays and the gorgeous art-deco dome coloured in hues of red and pink, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is an essential designation to visit during Christmas in Paris. www.haussmann.galerieslafayette.com 
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© This article was first published online in Nov 2019 – World Travel Magazine.
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Hotel deals in Paris this Christmas:
