La Samaritaine
A historic Parisian department store blending luxury shopping with stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, offering panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene shopping
La Samaritaine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Parisian department store blending luxury shopping with stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, offering panoramic city views.
"Best shopping mall in the heart of Paris city, the classic and most iconic one."
🎯 Explore the Architecture
Don't just shop; admire the stunning Art Nouveau and Deco interiors. It's a feast for the eyes!
💰 Hunt for Designer Deals
Look for sales sections; you might snag luxury items at a significant discount.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau & Deco Architecture
Throughout the store
Marvel at the stunning wrought-iron balconies, stained-glass dome, and exquisite frescoes that blend historical charm with modern luxury.
Panoramic Rooftop Views
Rooftop terrace
Enjoy breathtaking views of Paris, including the Seine and Pont Neuf, from the store's elevated vantage point.
Designer Sale Sections
Various departments
Score incredible deals on high-end fashion, handbags, and accessories from coveted brands.
Festive Holiday Decorations
Throughout the store
Experience the magical ambiance during the holiday season with beautiful Christmas displays and festive decor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Shopping Experience
Discover Designer Deals and Unique Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Architecture
Don't just shop; admire the stunning Art Nouveau and Deco interiors. It's a feast for the eyes!
💰 Hunt for Designer Deals
Look for sales sections; you might snag luxury items at a significant discount. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Head to the rooftop for incredible panoramic shots of Paris.
✨ Check for Pop-Ups
Discover unique limited-edition items and collaborations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Architecture
Don't just shop; admire the stunning Art Nouveau and Deco interiors. It's a feast for the eyes!
💰 Hunt for Designer Deals
Look for sales sections; you might snag luxury items at a significant discount. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Head to the rooftop for incredible panoramic shots of Paris.
✨ Check for Pop-Ups
Discover unique limited-edition items and collaborations.
🚾 Clean and Warm Toilets
A surprising perk: Redditors mention the toilets are warm and well-maintained.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Samaritaine is lauded for its breathtaking historical architecture and less crowded atmosphere compared to other Parisian department stores. Visitors appreciate the sophisticated ambiance, high-end merchandise, and the stunning rooftop views. However, some find the merchandise to be out of their price range, and there are limited places to sit and relax within the store itself.
"The Samaritaine department store was founded in 1870 by Ernest and Marie-Louise Cognacq, who started with a small shop on the Seine near the Pont Neuf bridge.
The secret of their success was not in sudden wealth, but in the gradual accumulation of capital, the ability to work together, and the ability to capture the spirit of the times — the growing demand for affordable fashion for the middle class in the second half of the 19th century. Thus, La Samaritaine grew from a small shop on the waterfront to the largest shopping center in Paris, built with its own funds.
The family's innovative thinking led them to be among the first in France to implement the principles of mass retail, including fixed prices (instead of bargaining), open counters, bright windows, and the ability to return items. The name "La Samaritaine" comes from an old 17th-century water pump adorned with a statue of a Samaritan woman, which stood nearby and provided water to the city.
Gradually, the store expanded into a complex of buildings, becoming a symbol of the flourishing Parisian trade and the bourgeois era.
The architect Frantz Jourdain was commissioned to design the expansion and renovation of the La Samaritaine complex in 1904-1905, and his Art Nouveau building was completed and officially opened in 1910.
The architect Henri Sauvage was entrusted with the construction of an Art Deco extension to the building, which had been under construction since around 1926, and the building was opened in 1928.
What we see now are the powerful wrought-iron balconies, the glass stained-glass windows, the exquisite frescoes, and the overhead light through the massive dome.
For decades, Samaritaine was both a department store and a cultural center, where fashion shows could be observed. In 2005, the department store was closed for renovation. After years of restoration and investment from the LVMH group, Samaritaine reopened in 2021, combining a luxurious shopping center, the Cheval Blanc boutique hotel, and office and residential spaces.
The modern Samaritaine has preserved the historical appearance and spirit of beautiful, old Paris.
There aren't many people here, the music is calm, and it's not too noisy. However, there are few places to sit and relax. You'll need to go to a cafe or restaurant for that.
There's a tax refund in the basement, and if you have an ID, it's probably convenient."
Azar
"Best shopping mall in the heart of Paris city, the classic and most iconic one. I love this one better because it less crowded and the toilet is warm. Located near the Pont Neuf and make it reachable to enjoy the beautiful city sunset moment 🌅"
Putri Dumadi
"Beautiful mall with many different shops. Very delightful place in the middle of Paris to get some shopping experience. I loved their women shoes department on the top floor! Many beautiful choices to buy or to see the latest trends in fashion."
Amrita Tej Kaur
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Samaritaine is conveniently located near the Pont Neuf, making it easily accessible. You can reach it via the Metro lines 1, 7, 14 to Châtelet or Pont Neuf stations. Buses 21, 27, 38, 47, 67, 69, 72, 74, 75, 81, 85, 96 also stop nearby.
Yes, its prominent location on the Seine near the Pont Neuf makes it a landmark. Many visitors find it straightforward to locate, especially if they are exploring the central Paris area.
Absolutely! La Samaritaine is within walking distance of many popular Parisian sights like the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, making it a great addition to your sightseeing itinerary.
For a seamless shopping experience, consider using the Metro to avoid Parisian traffic. The closest stations are Châtelet and Pont Neuf.
While there are parking garages in the vicinity, public transport is generally recommended due to potential traffic and parking costs in central Paris.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to La Samaritaine is free. It's a department store open to the public for browsing and shopping.
La Samaritaine typically opens around 10 AM and closes around 8 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially on holidays.
There is no admission fee to enter La Samaritaine. You can freely explore its beautiful architecture and shops.
Yes, tax refunds are available for eligible purchases. Information on how to process this is usually found in the basement.
While La Samaritaine hosts sales, they generally follow the store's regular opening hours. Keep an eye on their announcements for specific sale periods. +1
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Brands
La Samaritaine offers a wide range of luxury brands, including fashion, accessories, beauty, and home goods. You can find everything from high-end designer names to more niche and contemporary labels. +1
Yes, La Samaritaine is known to have designer sales, with discounts sometimes reaching 30-50%. +1 It's worth checking regularly for these opportunities.
La Samaritaine frequently hosts pop-up events and collaborations, such as the Stanley water bottle pop-up. +1 These offer unique shopping experiences and limited-edition items.
It's renowned for its blend of luxury shopping, stunning architecture, and a curated selection of high-end brands. It offers a sophisticated shopping experience in a historic setting.
While primarily a luxury department store, La Samaritaine does have sales and offers a range of price points. You might find smaller accessories or items from less exclusive brands that are more budget-friendly.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, allowing you to capture the stunning architecture and displays. However, professional photography may require permission.
The rooftop terrace offers spectacular panoramic views of the Seine, Pont Neuf, and the Parisian skyline.
The grand dome, the intricate wrought-iron balconies, and the Art Nouveau details are highly photogenic. The festive decorations during holidays also make for great shots. +1
While you can photograph general displays, it's always polite to ask store staff if you intend to take close-up photos of specific merchandise, especially for commercial purposes.
For personal social media sharing, it's usually fine. However, if you're planning a professional photoshoot or extensive content creation, it's best to contact La Samaritaine's press or marketing department beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, La Samaritaine offers a selection of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, providing a place to relax and refuel during your visit.
The dining options typically feature French cuisine and international flavors, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Dining prices can vary, with some cafes being more affordable and restaurants offering a more premium experience, reflecting the luxury nature of the department store.
Yes, there are usually cafes and smaller eateries within the department store where you can enjoy a quick coffee, pastry, or light meal.
While specific recommendations can change, many visitors enjoy the ambiance and quality of the dining options available. It's worth exploring the different venues to find one that suits your mood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into La Samaritaine's Rich History
The department store evolved into a grand complex, with its iconic Art Nouveau building designed by Frantz Jourdain opening in 1910, followed by an Art Deco extension by Henri Sauvage in 1928. These architectural marvels, characterized by wrought-iron balconies, stained-glass windows, and frescoes, made La Samaritaine a symbol of Parisian trade and bourgeois prosperity. It wasn't just a shopping destination but also a cultural hub, hosting events like fashion shows.
After closing for extensive renovations in 2005, La Samaritaine was revitalized by the LVMH group and reopened in 2021. The modern iteration beautifully preserves its historical essence while integrating a luxurious shopping center, the Cheval Blanc boutique hotel, and residential spaces. Today, it stands as a testament to beautiful, old Paris, offering a sophisticated and less crowded shopping experience compared to some other Parisian department stores.
Navigating La Samaritaine: Shopping and Experiences
Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the shopping. The store's architecture itself is a major draw, with its stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements providing a visually rich environment.
While the focus is on luxury, the atmosphere is often described as calm and less overwhelming than other major Parisian department stores.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit