We'd heard murmurings of a fancy schmancy department store just a few
blocks from our B&B that has spectacular views of the Paris skyline
and decided to check it out. However nothing, not even a warning from
our B&B owner that it was "expensive", could have prepared us for
the over-the-top luxury and opulence of Galleries Lafayette.
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| Pure decadence |
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| The intricate Christmas window displays (via) |
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| Featuring furry friends, puppets, and Louis Vuitton luggage (via) |
After
passing lavishly decorated window displays and entering through the
store's large glass doors, we navigated our way through throngs of
excited shoppers taking advantage of some pre-advent sales. Initially
shocked by people toting large Prada and Louis Vuitton shopping bags,
everything seemed to slow down as we entered the inner workings of
Galleries Lafayette.
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| The large tree that greeted us |
Staring up in
disbelief, we took in the scene in front of us. Multiple levels, stacked
together like a beautiful layer cake, encircled an open domed ceiling
of delicate stained glass, while a lush forty foot tree stood proudly in
the centre, swathed in Swarovski crystals. A perfect blend of
affluence, indulgence, and festive holiday cheer, it was incredibly
beautiful and unlike anything I've seen before.
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| The colours really were this amazing |
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| Beautiful stained glass dome ceiling |
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| Ceiling details up close |
As we strolled through the store, passing luxury brands I'd only heard
of in rap songs, I was intimidated by the beautiful items and the
equally beautiful people buying them. Dior, Stella McCartney, Jimmy
Choo, Gucci... Chanel; everywhere I looked designer bags, shoes,
scarves, and clothes, were within touching distance. Although I was too shy to
venture into the Chanel store, due my grungy backpacker garb, I did
drool over their window displays a bit too long, it was probably quite
awkward for the lucky shoppers inside.
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| It was a bit more crowded when we were there (via) |
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| Cosmetics counters on the main floor (via) |
However more
astounding was the fact that people were clamoring to snatch up these
goods; there was a lineup at Louis Vuitton to purchase handbags, and at
least half a dozen people seriously shopping in Chanel. I was confused,
having never really realized that people actually spend $50,000 on a
watch or $13,000 on a handbag, but here they were, in the flesh,
spending as fast as possible.
After picking
our jaws up off the floor we made our way to the rooftop and found
the views as breathtaking as the interior. Not only were we able to
study the stunning Opera Hall in detail, the Eiffel Tower felt close enough to
touch, and amid the gray clouds we could make our Notre Dame Cathedral.
Finally, growing tired of the crowds, we made our way out of the store
and towards Starbucks - our version of splurging in the City of Light.
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| The Opera Hall |
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| Great rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower |
1 comments:
Paris is indeed a perfect place to stay for some exclusive luxury holidays. Thank you for sharing its beauty through your blog.
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