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NO WORRIES PARIS

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NO WORRIES PARIS

Tag Archives: Paris views

If shopping is your thing: Galeries Lafayette gets 5 stars

25 Monday Aug 2014

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris guide, Paris tips

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galeries lafayette, paris shopping, Paris views

galeries lafayette

 After you’ve seen the sites and are ready for some serious shopping, head for Galeries Lafayette for a total experience. Not only are all the top designers represented but added value includes jeweled architecture, gourmet food and one of the best rooftop views in Paris.

GaleriesLafayetteHaussmann

 The flagship Galeries Lafayette store was unveiled in all its glory at its inauguration in October 1912. Théophile Bader dreamed of creating a “luxury bazaar” where the sheer abundance and luxury of the merchandise on offer would wow the crowds. Golden light, filtered through the domed roof, would flood the grand hall and set the products aglow. The gamble  paid off.

Ferdinand Chanut called upon great artists from the École de Nancy to decorate this magnificent building in the style of Paris Art Nouveau. The banister of the magnificent staircase, inspired by the Paris Opera House, was designed by Louis Majorelle, who is also credited with the ironwork featured on the balconies. The dome, rising to a height of 43 metres, soon became the iconic symbol of Galeries Lafayette. Master glass-maker Jacques Gruber was responsible for designing the Neo-byzantine style stained glass windows.

  

galeries lafayette4

 The sales floor had suddenly doubled in size, but the innovations didn’t stop there. A tea room, reading room and smoking room were then added to complement the 96 existing departments. As more department stores began to appear, shopping was becoming a leisure activity. At the very top of the building, the rooftop terrace offered a panoramic view of Paris. The store began organising special events much to the delight of an entertainment-hungry clientèle, including the now famous rooftop landing by Jules Védrines in 1919. The aviator was fined for flying too low over Paris, but gained lifelong notoriety as the first ever rebel in aviation history.

The window displays have always been instrumental in setting the scene in the sales departments, with aspirational designs to tempt customers into the store. A vocation which has stood the test of time.

gallerieslafayette22

 The Haussmann department store is the second top tourist attraction, after the Eiffel Tower. In the early sixties, young designers began launching their ready-to-wear lines, sitting between haute couture and traditional tailoring. Each season Galeries Lafayette would showcase these new talents by providing them with small boutiques or concessions in the store. The first designer to hit the big-time was Laura, in 1962, which later went on to become Sonia Rykiel. Then it was the turn of Daniel Hechter, Pierre Cardin, Cacharel, Yves Saint-Laurent and Dorothée Bis.

 

galeries lafayette2

 Discover over a century of history with their guided tours. These 45-minute tours are free of charge and arranged upon request, for parties of 10 to 20 people. To make a reservation contact them at:  patrimoine@galerieslafayette.com and leave your name, surname, contact details and the number of people interested in attending a tour.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

40, Boulevard Haussmann

75009 PARIS

Monday to Saturday: 9.30am – 8pm 

Late-night opening on Thursdays until 9pm

Special opening hours, from 10.30am to 8pm on:
Saturday 1st November / Tuesday 11th November

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Postcards to whet your appetite

26 Saturday Jul 2014

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris guide, Paris photos, Paris Wandering

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No Worries Paris guide, Paris postcards, Paris tour, Paris views

Some scenes from Walking Tour No. 1 in your No Worries Paris guidebook. Bon voyage!

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Chew with a view: the Pompidou’s rooftop restaurant

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris Wanderings

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DIY, French art, french fusion, niki de saint phalle, Paris blogs, Paris guides, paris restaurants, paris travel, Paris views, Pompidou Museum

pompidou

It’s called Le Georges, but of course . . . le former presidente’s first name. The interior is comprised of organic industrial-chic aluminum pods artistically lit. Exterior has a panorama that is most beautiful at sunset after the museum is closed. The food is French-fusion and overpriced but the experience of watching the skyline change cocktail in hand is five star. The service is slower than escargot.

Descend after your museum experience to the whimsical fountain below. Fontaine Igor Stravinsky, with 16 multicolored mobiles and several spurting sculptures by Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle will bring smiles. A fine ending to your Kubrick Space Odyssey outing.

stavinsky_Fountain_Paris

stavinsky_fountain

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Sacre Coeur Dome: insider secret

03 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris Wanderings

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dome of Sacre Coeur, No Worries Paris guidebook, Paris travel, paris churches, Paris views, paris walks, sacre coeur

How many tourists realize they can go higher than just the terrace at Sacre Coeur? The line this morning was scant, perhaps because of the season, the wet weather, the time of day (10 am). You can climb to the dome (300 steep curving claustraphobic steps) and crypt for 9 euros or choose just one for 6. The view is staggering and although the walls are scratched with messages and initials (some are love poems), it doesn’t spoil the experience. Photographers, start your engines. Your “No Worries Paris” guidebook will guide you to more adventures behind the Basilica.

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View from the Pantheon: timing is everything

24 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris Wanderings

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arc de triomphe, galeries lafayette, Left Bank Paris, Pantheon, Paris views, paris walks, sacre coeur, tour eiffel, tour montparnasse

Everyone knows about the view from the Tour Eiffel, Arc de Triomphe, Galeries Lafayette roof, Tour Montparnasse, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, but not many tourists realize one of the best, especially on a clear day, is from the top tier of the Pantheon. Tours leave from the ground floor at appointed hours from April to October. Small admission charge. For details, see page 42 of your No Worries Paris guidebook.

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