Paris should be less about shopping and more about beauty, art and culture. We all know that, but sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do. The most famous Parisian department stores are the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on the Boulevarde Haussmann. They are grand buildings full of good stuff but they are not my first pick when it comes to department store shopping.
BHV, Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville, in the Marais area of Paris is a shopping mecca. Not for fashion, that's for sure, but for the more practical needs BHV (pronounced bay hash vay) has it all. My favourite departments are the art supplies and the home wares floors. They have well priced merchandise that is often sold at cheaper prices than in the smaller boutiques. If it is glamour and glitz you are after then don't bother because BHV is neither; if you have time to spare and the energy to cope with a large store like this then it is worth taking a look.
BHV
14 rue du Temple
75004 Paris
+33142749000
Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche, on the other hand, is all about luxury shopping. This left bank emporium opened in 1848 is another 'die and go to heaven' experience. Where the macaron breaks the diet this place blows the budget. Indulgence here is a dangerous game. Le Bon Marche is home to the most beautiful designer fashion for men and women, perfume and make-up lotions and potions, hats, hosiery, lingerie, hair-care and home wares. Riding the escalators at Le Bon Marche is staring temptation in the face and pushing the limits of restraint. If the urge to shop becomes too overwhelming La Grande Epicerie, the foodie sister, is next door and full of edible treats to help calm and ease you through the deliberations. Good luck resisting anything in Paris, xv.
Le Bon Marche
38 rue de Sevres
75007 Paris
+33144398800
image of le bon marche escalators designed by andree putnam - flickr
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