Paris, often called the beating heart of global fashion, offers a shopping experience unlike any other city in the world. From lavish department stores draped in Art Nouveau details to sleek, modern malls filled with international brands, shopping here is both an indulgence and an art form. The city’s shopping centers are not just retail hubs—they’re destinations for culture, architecture, dining, and pure Parisian elegance. Whether you’re after luxury couture, chic homeware, or a cozy café with a view, Parisian malls blend sophistication with everyday accessibility.
Below is an in-depth guide to the most exceptional malls in Paris—each representing a different facet of the city’s rich retail culture.
1. Galeries Lafayette (Haussmann)
📍 Location: 9th arrondissement – Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette Metro (Lines 7 & 9)
🌐 Website: galerieslafayette.com
Galeries Lafayette is not merely a department store—it’s a Parisian icon. Spread across 70,000 square meters, it’s home to hundreds of luxury, beauty, and lifestyle brands. From Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton to Zara and Levi’s, this grand temple of fashion satisfies both luxury seekers and casual shoppers alike. The store’s breathtaking Art Nouveau dome is one of the most photographed ceilings in Europe, a radiant kaleidoscope of stained glass casting colors across the atrium.
🛍️ Shopping Experience: Wander through seven expansive floors filled with couture, accessories, fragrances, and home décor. The beauty department alone rivals entire malls in size. Visitors can also book personal shopping sessions or beauty consultations for a tailored experience.
🍽️ Dining & Rooftop: With more than 20 cafés and restaurants 🍰☕—including Angelina, Lafayette Gourmet, and rooftop terraces—you can take a break from shopping to enjoy macarons, Parisian coffee, or a romantic glass of champagne under the sky. The rooftop terrace 🌇 offers a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, making it one of the best free viewpoints in Paris.
🎭 Events & Extras: Every Friday, Galeries Lafayette hosts a fashion show 👗 showcasing new trends. During holidays, its exterior transforms into a wonderland of lights and displays, attracting millions of visitors yearly.
✨ Highlights: 🏛️ Iconic dome architecture, 🌆 rooftop terrace with Eiffel Tower views, 👠 weekly fashion shows, and 🛍️ the largest selection of brands under one roof.
2. Le BHV Marais
📍 Location: 4th arrondissement – Hôtel de Ville Metro (Lines 1 & 11)
🌐 Website: bhv.fr
Nestled in the artistic Marais district, Le BHV Marais (short for Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville) is a Parisian classic that merges the soul of old Paris with the spirit of modern design. Founded in 1856, BHV Marais spans 45,000 m² and houses over 2,000 brands across fashion, DIY, home, beauty, and art supplies.
🧰 Unique Concept: Unlike most department stores, BHV seamlessly combines lifestyle and utility. You’ll find high-end cosmetics and designer handbags just floors away from power tools and hardware. It’s a creative’s paradise—perfect for designers, DIY enthusiasts, and fashion lovers alike.
🍸 Le Perchoir Rooftop: The rooftop bar, Le Perchoir Marais, is one of the trendiest hangouts in Paris. Enjoy cocktails 🍸 and sunset views 🌇 overlooking Hôtel de Ville and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Inside, a mix of cafés and gourmet food counters ☕🍽️ offers pastries, global street food, and organic options.
🎨 Neighborhood Experience: Surrounded by the bohemian streets of Le Marais, visitors can continue their shopping at boutique stores, vintage markets, and art galleries nearby.
✨ Highlights: 🏙️ Trendy Marais location, 🌇 rooftop bar with views, 🛋️ diverse departments (DIY to haute couture), and 🖼️ proximity to cultural landmarks.
3. Westfield Forum des Halles
📍 Location: 1st arrondissement – Châtelet–Les Halles Metro (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14; RER A/B/D)
🌐 Website: westfield.com/forumdeshalles
Located at the heart of Paris’s busiest transport hub, Westfield Forum des Halles is a modern architectural marvel beneath a spectacular glass canopy 🌤️. It’s one of Europe’s largest urban malls, featuring 119 shops 🛍️, 32 restaurants 🍔🍝, and multiple entertainment options.
👗 Retail Variety: Forum des Halles brings together global brands like H&M, Uniqlo, Sephora, Apple, and Nike, appealing to both tourists and locals. The open-plan layout allows easy navigation across multiple floors.
🎬 Entertainment: The UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles 🎞️—with its 27 screens—is Europe’s busiest cinema, offering everything from French arthouse films to Hollywood blockbusters. There are also exhibition areas, pop-up stores, and art installations.
🚇 Accessibility & Location: With direct access to five metro lines and three RER routes, it’s the most convenient shopping destination in Paris. It’s also within walking distance of the Louvre 🖼️, Centre Pompidou, and the Seine, making it a perfect mid-day shopping stop.
✨ Highlights: 🚇 Unrivaled accessibility, 🎥 extensive entertainment, 🏗️ sleek modern design, and 🍽️ wide dining selection.
4. Printemps Haussmann
📍 Location: 9th arrondissement – Havre–Caumartin Metro (Lines 3 & 9)
🌐 Website: printemps.com
Printemps Haussmann, a sister to Galeries Lafayette, is a 19th-century masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. With 44,000 m² of retail space and three grand domed buildings 🏛️, Printemps is synonymous with elegance. It features more than 300 brands—from Prada and Gucci to emerging French designers.
💄 Luxury Shopping: The store is divided into dedicated buildings: Printemps de la Mode (fashion), Printemps de la Beauté (beauty), and Printemps de la Maison (home). Its focus on design and personalization makes it ideal for curated shopping experiences.
🌿 Dining: The rooftop restaurant, Perruche, offers Mediterranean cuisine in a lush garden setting 🌿. With cocktails, floral decor, and breathtaking views 🌇 of Paris, it’s a local favorite for both shopping breaks and evening dates.
🎭 Experience: Beyond retail, Printemps often hosts art collaborations and seasonal window displays rivaling those of New York’s Fifth Avenue. During Christmas, its animated windows attract families from around the world.
✨ Highlights: 🕍 Artistic architecture, 💎 curated luxury brands, 🥂 rooftop dining, and 🎨 creative seasonal exhibits.
5. Beaugrenelle Paris
📍 Location: 15th arrondissement – Bir-Hakeim Metro (Line 6) or Javel RER (Line C)
🌐 Website: beaugrenelle-paris.com
Beaugrenelle Paris is the definition of modern sophistication. Opened in 2013, this mall bridges the worlds of retail and architecture, with 50,000 m² of glass-covered space filled with natural light. Located along the Seine and a short walk from the Eiffel Tower 🗼, it’s a perfect blend of shopping, art, and leisure.
🛒 Stores & Brands: Home to 120 boutiques including fashion icons like Aigle, Maje, and Lacoste, plus homeware and tech brands. It’s known for its balance between global chains and chic Parisian designers.
🎥 Cinema & Leisure: The 10-screen Pathé cinema 🎥 offers a luxurious movie experience with recliner seats and gourmet popcorn. Family-friendly facilities make it a comfortable stop for all ages.
☕ Dining: From artisanal coffee spots ☕ to casual eateries 🍕, there’s something for every mood. The mall also has designated lounge zones and riverfront seating areas ideal for unwinding after a day of shopping.
🎨 Architecture: The building’s wavy façade and colorful glass atriums make it a photographer’s dream 🌌. Its sustainability efforts include green roofs and energy-efficient systems, aligning with modern eco-conscious design.
✨ Highlights: 🏙️ Sleek modern design, 🎞️ luxury cinema, 🗼 close to Eiffel Tower, 👨👩👧👦 family comfort, and 🌿 eco-friendly architecture.
6. La Samaritaine
📍 Location: 1st arrondissement – Châtelet Metro (Lines 1 & 7)
🌐 Website: samaritaine.com
After nearly two decades of restoration, La Samaritaine reopened in 2021 under the direction of LVMH, marking the revival of one of Paris’s most beloved landmarks. Combining Art Nouveau 🌺 with Art Deco 🌀, this 20,000 m² space is now a luxurious temple of fashion, beauty, and fine dining.
💅 Luxury Redefined: La Samaritaine carries 500 premium brands 👗 across fashion, watches, and beauty. It’s also home to Europe’s largest beauty department, featuring personalized skincare bars and fragrance ateliers.
🍽️ Gastronomy: The Voyage restaurant and bar 🍷 serve exquisite French cuisine with a modern twist, complemented by panoramic views 🌉 of the Seine. Other cafés within the mall maintain the same level of refinement expected from a brand owned by LVMH.
🎨 Architecture & Atmosphere: Inside, you’ll find golden staircases, mosaic tiles, and hand-painted murals that merge historical craftsmanship with modern opulence. Every corner feels like a work of art.
🛎️ Extras: The mall is connected to the ultra-luxury Cheval Blanc hotel, making it a full lifestyle destination where shopping meets hospitality.
✨ Highlights: 🏛️ Historical landmark reborn, 👠 curated luxury, 💅 massive beauty floor, 🌉 fine dining with views, and 💎 connection to Cheval Blanc Paris.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Paris is not just a pastime—it’s a journey through art, history, and taste. From the timeless grandeur of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, to the creative energy of BHV Marais, the futuristic atmosphere of Beaugrenelle, and the luxurious rebirth of La Samaritaine, each mall tells its own story of Parisian flair.
Whether you’re seeking couture, culture, or coffee ☕, Paris’s shopping centers offer more than material indulgence—they offer a glimpse into the city’s soul. 🗼✨