January 2020 was the last time I was in Paris. While there, we made a point of stopping by the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann store because the annual winter sales were in full swing and we figured it was worth a trip. It was, but not because of the sales. The rooftop view stole the show! This Haussmannian department store is the most well known in all of Paris and is not only an amazing shopping experience in and of itself but is worth a trip for the fact that it’s one of the best Parisian rooftops out there. Have you visited the Galeries Lafayette rooftop and do you think it’s the best view in Paris? Let’s talk about one of the best rooftops in Paris…
Galeries Lafayette: Best rooftops in Paris
Credit: Shutterstock.com / amalasi
Have you visited the Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris? It is SO worth it! Did you know it’s the second most-visited tourist attraction in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower? Yes, it’s quite a shopping experience and is one of the best rooftops in Paris for the view!
The store’s roots date back to the 19th century — 1893 to be exact — when two cousins from Alsace, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, opened a small shop together in Paris. It was on the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin. From there, the store grew and in October of 1912, the “luxury bazaar” had its grand debut. The rest was history!
Set in the centrally located 9th arrondisement on Boulevard Haussmann, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann location is easy to get to, with several metro lines just a short walk away. Take your time shopping inside the main building, but don’t forget to head to the rooftop before you leave!
On your way up to one of the best Parisian rooftops, make sure you stop at the Paris souvenir store on the 6th floor of Lafayette Coupole for souvenirs you’ll love. I’ve lived in France for years and I still get a kick out of all the fun French souvenirs they have. You can find a quality Paris souvenir from the selection of clothes, key chains, maps, books and so many more cool, unique items.
Then, make it a point to go up another level to the terrace on the 7th floor. If you can time it so you head up there just as it gets dark, you’re in for a treat. When we visited, it was just before the magic hour when the Eiffel Tower sparkles in all its glory.
With a panoramic view as shown in the photo we snapped just above, you can see the action on the boulevard below, the Eiffel Tower out in the distance along with the Sacré Cœur, The Garnier Opera House, and more.
Credit: Shutterstock.com / Gregory Valle
Depending on the season, grab a drink or a meal at the terrace restaurant while you’re up there. Or if you’re pressed for time, it’s still worth it to head up just to snap a few photos. During the 2019 Christmas season, they even installed a 160m² ice skating rink for a real treat!
For me, the Galeries Lafayette rooftop has cemented its place in my mind as one of the best views in Paris.
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The second best view at Galeries Lafayette in Paris is from the inside. The stunning atrium almost makes you dizzy in all its splendor, complete with a 43-meter dome. They even have a clear catwalk now so you can walk out into the center and snap a pic of yourself. Look closely at the left-hand side of my above photo to see it.
Oh, and do you see all that stained glass? It’s all thanks to master glassmaker Jacques Gruber who designed the windows in a timeless Neo-byzantine style. They are especially breathtaking at Christmas.
Now let’s not forget about the food. Once all that shopping has worked up an appetite, head to the lower levels of the main building, 0 and -1, to splurge on a delicious meal or snap up mouthwatering pastries, chocolates, and more at the epicerie. They have worldwide gourmet cuisine that’s worth the wait in line. It was in Galeries Lafayette that I first saw the trendy baguette au charbon végétal in person, which is pictured above.
Keep the Paris Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace hours in mind and visit between 9.30 a.m. and 8 p.m. It’s of the best rooftops in Paris!
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Have you made your way to the Galeries Lafayette rooftop? What did you think? What’s the best view in Paris in your opinion? Do you love visiting Parisian rooftops?
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I went to the Galleries Lafayette almost 50 years ago, when I was living and working here the first time, aged 22, To me, it was a stunning experience. I was usually on my own, on my day off, and that suited me very well. as I could take my time and do what I wanted, see what I wanted, experience this amazing place as I wanted.
I can’t recall ever buying anything there, but I must have done so. It was the atmosphere and the colour, light and movement that drew me there.
My favourite place in Paris was the tiny church of St Pierre, behind Sacré Coeur. My favourite view was from the steps of the basilica in winter, and my favourite food while there was from the doughnut seller, who made the most wonderful squishy apricot jam doughnuts, fresh from the fryer. On a bitterly cold winter’s day, it was a gloriously warming, very messy task to eat that hot, sugary monster without getting the jam down my chin and on my coat.
One day, I hope I’ll go back. I took my mother there when we came over to see some Loire Chateaux and the Paris I had grown to love, but even then, the doughnut seller was gone. The Basilica itself is suffering from air pollution, the Place du Tertre, mega-spoiled by crowds, but I think that the little church is probably still one of the undiscovered beauties of a beautiful city, and its peace, achieved from centuries of prayer, will have survived.
One day … when the £ – € exchange has undergone a major miracle so that I could afford the fares and hotel, and every other expense … One day … but in the meantime, I get out the photos, and sing its glories to anyone who is even slightly interested or close my eyes and quietly remember …
A beautiful description…..I can feel your love for this magnificent city. Paris holds a special place in my heart too! I first got a taste of the majesty, allure & beauty of the city on a 24 hour trip where I ran around the city hitting all the major sites. I was 29 and had never been to Europe. Paris was my first introduction to the continent.
A bloody great post
I think it’s one of the best views in Paris. Since we stay near there, it’s always one of our first stops. We’ve been there for a couple of sunsets, and it’s just magical, especially when the trees are lighted for Christmas. I love that they have an ice rink up there for the holidays, too. I haven’t stopped by the souvenir shop though. I’ll have to make sure to stop there never time. 😉
Diane, I agree! The views from the Galeries Lafayette are spectacular!!! We make sure to visit this store every time we visit Paris. Especially at Christmas time!! Really THE place to see Paris from above. And we hope to see it again soon.
We very much enjoyed your recent video on Pros and Cons of living abroad. We have from time to time considered moving to France, and this gave us more food for thought.
Thanks so much for the amazing video!
Wow! Never knew about this, Diane! Thanks for sharing & letting me see this! Woohoo! Great photos!
Q
I love this view and since I have arrived here in September, it’s been freaking impossible to go! With the different confinement and couvre-feux, getting a good time to go and relax there is challenging. It’s going to be one of the first places I go to toast the reopening of restaurants though!!
I had been to Paris on New Year’s Eve! It was wonderful! However, we missed Galleries Lafayette and now I feel I’ve missed experiencing one of the highlights of Paris. Next time, when I visit, this is definitely on my list.
Haven’t seen the views from there, but love looking out over Paris from Sacre Coeur. And the views from the Eiffel Tower aren’t bad either. Hoping to make it there next year and share with my husband who has never been.
A beautiful description…..I can feel your love for this magnificent city. Paris holds a special place in my heart too! I first got a taste of the majesty, allure & beauty of the city on a 24 hour trip where I ran around the city hitting all the major sites. I was 29 and had never been to Europe. Paris was my first introduction to the continent.
So glad you had an amazing trip! I hope you’ve been able to go back many times since. 😉