Twice a year shopkeepers gird their loins in order to take on the masses that wait outside their doors, armed and ready for les soldes. This happens now, in January, and again in July, and seeing as I’m a mere train ride away, I decided to partake in the madness after dropping off the youngest at the nurse’s house.
I beelined straight to les grands magasins on Boulevard Haussmann: Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.
If you’ve been to either one of these department stores you know that not only is the merchandise beautiful, but the buildings themselves are works of art. The tiling on the floor, the crown moulding and frames, the visual displays and all the little details that fit in between take this shopping experience to a higher level. If you haven’t visited either one, I beg of you to find the time to visit them while in Paris –the stained class ceiling {which I was told was disassembled and hidden during one of the wars} of Galeries Lafayette is an absolute marvel.
I set myself on a mission to find a pair brown leather booties that match the strap of my purse, and you’d think that such a specific “need” would keep me focused as I weaved through the shoes on levels 5 and -1. Alas, it did not, and somehow I found myself in Carrie Bradshaw’s temple.
Now, I have this habit, while shopping, of looking at the price tags of luxury items and telling myself that it’s not that expensive and that I should return with the money to buy it. It is in the walk away that I remember how much money I’m making and how long it would take to save for it; after this reality sets in, I usually find myself the nearest corner and have a good cry. Today, I did that with a pair of flats…Chanel flats, and though I vow to have those iconic Cs grace my feet one day, today is just not that day. I also didn’t find a pair of boots that match the image I have in my head so I took the shoes I own on a walk around the surrounding area.
My adoration for this area goes beyond my admiration for couture all because of one building: Palais Garnier. This opera house is one of my favourite places to visit in Paris and once you’ve been there, it’s easy to see why. It is a masterpiece. Everything about this building is mouth-gaping, eye-widening, ‘ooo’ and ‘ahhh’ worthy. I can dedicate an entire blog post to my beloved Garnier, but instead, I’ll leave you with a teaser in my gallery…we’ll tour this place another day.
Bisous,
t.
la vie au pair 
Hello there, I will be in Paris for Valentine’s Day. Do you think the bargain shopping will still be on? Also, can you give me an idea of how good the bargains really are? I’ve never experienced it! Great post.
Salut Colossal Dreamer,
The sales are ‘officially’ on until February 11, but some stores still have sections dedicated to sale items towards the back of their boutiques.
I love the sales here, and I think they are definitely worth the wait because it means good quality products at a much more affordable price – especially if you know where to shop!
The first few days are always the craziest, and unless you have the patience and courage to face the crowds, or if you find a mega fantastic deal {which is not always the case} it’s not completely worth heading to the shops. As it gets further into the sale season {about a week or two, depending}, stores start promoting their deuxième démarque, which is when they further reduce their prices. After this, it’s normally the final markdown or an additional percentage off. I prefer shopping during this time because it’s never as crazy, and though the selection might not be as abundant as it was in the beginning, you’re a little more confident that you’re getting the lowest price; nothing hurts as much as seeing the sweater you bought the week before at a cheaper price than you bought it at.
I hope that helps you, and that you manage to make it in time for a taste of the sales. But if you don’t, I wouldn’t worry too much because you’ll be in the city of romance for Valentine’s Day- enjoy it!