Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, located at 40 Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the most iconic department stores in the world and France's most visited retail destination, welcoming approximately 35 million visitors annually. The main building—the Grand Magasin—is anchored by a breathtaking Belle Époque stained-glass dome completed in 1912 that rises 43 metres above the sales floor and has been classified as a French historic monument. The dome alone draws visitors with no shopping intention, and a free rooftop terrace on the ninth floor provides a panoramic view of Paris including a direct sightline to the Eiffel Tower.
The store houses around 3,500 brands across eight floors, spanning womenswear, menswear, lingerie, cosmetics, accessories, shoes, home goods, and a dedicated men's store in a neighbouring building. The brand mix ranges from accessible high-street labels such as Mango and The Kooples to mid-luxury (Longchamp, Sandro, Maje) and full-scale luxury counters including Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. The ground and first floors are dominated by cosmetics and accessories counters from major luxury houses, requiring patience to navigate during peak hours. A third building, Galeries Lafayette Maison, is dedicated to home furnishings, kitchenware, and design objects.
The store is a major tax-free shopping destination for international visitors. Non-EU residents spending €100.01 or more with a single brand in a single transaction are eligible for a VAT refund of approximately 12% via a dedicated détaxe desk near the main entrance. Personal shoppers and multilingual staff are available by appointment. An on-site brasserie on the seventh floor and a rooftop café allow for extended visits. Weekend crowds are considerable, particularly on Saturday afternoons; weekday mornings before 11:00 offer a significantly calmer shopping experience across all floors.
Location
40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
48.8737, 2.3323 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1912 Belle Époque stained-glass dome, 43 metres high, classified as a French historic monument
- 3,500 brands across eight floors spanning high street to full luxury—Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent all present
- Free rooftop terrace on the ninth floor with panoramic Paris views including a direct sightline to the Eiffel Tower
- Dedicated VAT-refund desk for non-EU visitors; eligible on single-brand purchases of €100.01 or more
- Personal shopping service available by appointment with multilingual stylists at no charge
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekday mornings before 11:00 to avoid the dense tourist crowds that peak on Saturday afternoons
- The rooftop terrace is free and open to all during store hours—accessible via the main building lifts; queues form by midday on weekends
- Non-EU visitors should request a détaxe form at the point of purchase and present it with receipts at the ground-floor refund desk before leaving
- The Men's Store and Maison building are accessed via the covered gallery on Boulevard Haussmann and are worth visiting separately from the main building
- The seventh-floor brasserie has better views and food quality than typical department store cafés; reservations are advisable on weekends
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galeries Lafayette dome accessible to non-shoppers?
Yes. The Belle Époque dome is inside the main store and visible from any floor; no purchase is required to enter. The rooftop terrace is similarly free and open to all visitors during store hours.
How does the VAT refund work at Galeries Lafayette?
Non-EU residents are eligible for a refund of approximately 12% VAT on single-brand purchases of €100.01 or more. Request a détaxe form from the cashier, then present it with receipts at the ground-floor détaxe desk for processing before departure from France.
What luxury brands are available at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann?
The store carries around 3,500 brands. Luxury labels including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga are concentrated on the lower floors. Mid-range French labels such as Sandro, Maje, Longchamp, and The Kooples occupy upper levels.
Is there a restaurant or café inside Galeries Lafayette Haussmann?
Yes. A brasserie on the seventh floor offers a full sit-down menu with views over the store's roof. A café on the rooftop terrace serves lighter options. Both operate during store hours; the brasserie accepts reservations in advance.
Are personal shopping services available?
Galeries Lafayette offers a complimentary personal shopping service with multilingual stylists, bookable by appointment through the store's dedicated service desk or online. The service is available for fashion, cosmetics, and home purchasing across all buildings.