Printemps, Paris: the Best Department Store Ever

On a particular trip to Paris, I decided to “drink less and do more culture”, as well as try and not to spend too much money as what usually happens.

I actually managed to succeed in everything. I stayed with the friends, we ate lots of baguette and homemade humus, we didn’t eat out and drank our own wine in the parks. I went to L’Orangerie Gallery to see the Impressionists and we also went to Trocadero to see my top favorite contemporary ballet ever, the Royal Ballet of Flanders (they are from Belgium and if you want to see them, check out this website).

And of course, I wanted to do some free panoramic sightseeing. Going up the Eiffel Tower wasn’t an option – I did once, and I never ever want to queue for so long again. So, we went to the Printemps department store instead. Apart from selling gorgeous but completely unaffordable garments and jewelry, it also has an amazing panoramic roof terrace. Just go to the top floor to Le Déli-Cieux restaurant.

You can enjoy a glass of something bought from their bar, but you can also bring your lunch box along and just enjoy the views. We saw a lot of nearby office workers, happily seated on the terrace’s wooden floors, eating their own lunch.

The 360-degree panorama is truly spectacular! We were also lucky to witness an attack of the pink rabbits spread all across the store, including the roof. I don’t know what they meant, but they looked great.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Brasserie Printemps, under the legendary dome of the listed cupola and the stained glass windows on the staircase nearby. An amazing Lomographic opportunity!

A little bit of history…

In 1865 a visionary entrepreneur is struck with a genius idea: to build a department store that offers everything. Several months later, Printemps opens its doors. Its name refers to the spring season, symbolising renewal, freshness, and the blossoming of dynamic ideas.

In the 1930s, the sumptuous Art Nouveau pavilion of Printemps is at the heart of the World’s Fair. Despite two fires, Printemps never ceases to renew, modernise, and embellish itself… In 1975, it receives the absolute honour: the building’s façade is registered as a Historic Monument.

ADDRESS
64, bd Haussmann
75009 Paris – France

OPENING HOURS
Monday to Saturday 9.35 am to 8 pm
Late-night opening Thursday until 10 pm.

écrit par neja le 2012-07-02 dans #lieux #dining #shopping #bars #dinner #panorama #drink #lunch #clothes #sight-seeing #location #restaurants #department-store #paris #france #city-centre #urban-adventures #vistas #printemps #roof-terrace