As one of the oldest department stores in Paris, Le Printemps Haussmann is a must-visit during your trip to Paris. Even if you aren’t into shopping, the view from the rooftop of this department store is worth the trip alone!
Did you know that Le Printemps means “the spring” in French?
Which Le Printemps Store to Visit
The Printemps department store is divided into 3 separate stores on the same block:
- Le Printemps Femme: This is the primary women’s department store selling luxury goods, clothing, handbags, accessories, and women’s fashion.
- Le Printemps Beauté Maison Enfant: This modern store sells beauty, cosmetics, perfume, home goods, and children’s clothing.
- Le Printemps Homme & Le Printemps Gout: This is the men’s store which also includes the famous rooftop as well as a gourmet food store.
Quick History of Le Printemps Department Store
Le Printemps was founded by Jules Jaluzot and Jean-Alfred Duclos way back in 1865 and was a pioneering grand magasin (department store) of its time. It was one of the first to install elevators and adopt electric lighting in Paris.
While there are several Printemps stores, the flagship store is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris on Boulevard Haussmann.
When to Visit Le Printemps Haussmann Store in Paris
The best time to visit Le Printemps is in the morning when there are fewer crowds.
Check the store’s website for the most up-to-date opening hours which are currently: Monday-Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 8pm.
The Printemps adjusts its opening hours for major holidays such as Easter so keep that in mind before scheduling a trip to the store!
How to Get to Le Printemps Haussmann Store in Paris
To get to Le Printemps Haussmann store in Paris, there are a number of modes of transportation depending on your starting point:
- Metro: The closest metro stations to Le Printemps Haussmann are Havre-Caumartin (Lines 3 and 9) and Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Lines 7 and 9). Once you arrive at one of these stations, you can exit and walk to the store.
- Bus: Several bus lines serve the area around Le Printemps Haussmann. You can check the RATP (Paris Public Transportation Authority) website or app to find the most convenient bus route from your location.
- Taxi or Ride-sharing: You can also take a G7 Paris taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber to reach the store directly. Simply input “Le Printemps Haussmann” as your destination in the app.
- Walking: If you’re in the vicinity and prefer to walk, you can use a map app to navigate your way to Le Printemps Haussmann. It’s located at 64 Boulevard Haussmann, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
- Bicycle: Paris has a bike-sharing system called Vélib’, which you can use to cycle to the store if you’re comfortable biking in the city.
Check current transportation schedules for any updates, as factors such as construction or events could cause delays!
Inside Le Printemps Femme: Floor-by-Floor Shopping
When you first walk into the Printemps store, you’re greeted by a sign saying: Tout commence au Printemps, meaning “Everything begins at Le Printemps!”
At this point, you can explore the ground level or head downstairs to the lower level.
The center of the store featured a Dior Beauty installation.
The ground level features luxury fashion brands like Chloé, Burberry, and Valextra.
There are plenty of leather goods to shop from luxury brands and fashion designers like Goyard, Longchamp, and Fendi.
Lower Level (-1)
The lower level of Le Printemps features an accessory shop, an affordable jewelry area, and watches. You can also get your VAT Refund forms here after shopping if you are a foreigner.
La bijouterie features smaller jewelry brands and unique pieces.
First Floor: Fine Jewelry
Let’s go up to the first floor. Keep in mind, the first floor in France is actually the second floor in the US. I’ll use the French way of describing floors in this article to help guide your visit.
La Joaillerie is where you can shop high-end jewelry at Le Printemps. Brands like Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Repossi have booths here.
2nd Floor: Women’s Luxury
On the second floor, you can shop for women’s international designer clothing from high-end brands like Givenchy, Valentino, Chloé, Gucci, and Miu Miu.
3rd Floor: Womens’ Contemporary Fashion
The 3rd floor is where you’ll find affordable French fashion brands like Maje, Sandro, The Kooples, and more.
You can find local French brands like “The Social Sunday” on this floor of Le Printemps.
4th Floor: Women’s Fashion, Denim & Sneakers
On the 4th floor, you’ll find more independent designers, women’s denim and jeans, as well as women’s sneakers. There are also personal shopping services on this floor.
Le Market is where you can shop for contemporary fashion brands and creative new labels.
Here’s a selection of clothing by the British brand Self-Portrait.
5th Floor: Shoes
On the 5th floor, La Chaussure is where you’ll find beautiful women’s shoes from both luxury and everyday fashion brands.
6th Floor: Lingerie, Wedding, Swimwear
On the 6th floor, you can shop from dozens of lingerie and swimwear brands. I love the Eres and Livy brands!
If you’re planning a wedding, be sure to stop by the Wedding area of the store.
Coupole
Admire the Coupole on your way to the next floor! You can see the beautiful stained glass dome here.
The art nouveau staircase architecture and window panels are stunning!
The walls of these stairs feature vintage advertisements by the department store over the decades!
7th Floor: Second-Hand Fashion and Panoramic Terrace
The last floor of the women’s Printemps store, 7ème Ciel, has only just reopened. It currently houses a second-hand fashion shop to promote more sustainable shopping habits. You can find vintage and pre-owned luxury pieces.
There’s also a new restaurant on this floor which offers beautiful views over Paris!
Where to See Views from the Printemps Roof over Paris
Head up to the roof of either the Printemps Femme or Printemps Homme / Printemps du Gout stores to see splendid views over Paris. You can also grab a bite to eat at the newly opened rooftop restaurant, Perruche. You don’t need to purchase anything to take in the view, though!
The roof of the Printemps looks south, giving you a great view of Palais Garnier, the back of La Madeleine, and the Eiffel Tower at a distance.
Le Printemps, 64 Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris
