Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris in 5 points

Le Bon Marché is for me an institution in Paris. 

If one day you visit Paris you have to go there because It is just amazing.

I gonna try in 5 points to explain you why :

1. The history: Though its doors first opened in 1838 (the world’s first department store), the look of Le Bon Marché today bears the imprimatur of LVMH’s Bernard Arnault who bought it in 1984. Enter Andree Putman, France’s doyenne of design, to reconfigure its trademark escalators domed by Gustave Eiffel’s classic glass roof. The vast inner coeur (best viewed from the 2^nd floor balcony) is itself worth the trip.

2. La mode: Le Bon Marché knows its client. The Parisian woman visits the store about once a week and has plenty of euros tucked in her Gerard Darel or Vanessa Bruno bag. She’s the quintessential Parisienne who updates her wardrobe with key seasonal splurges rather than head-to-toe designer looks. She wears a mix from both sides of the store – Lanvin and Celine from the premiere etage and Isabel Marant, Maje and A.P.C. from across the covered passage, above La Grande Ep. 

3. La Grande Epicerie de Paris: Imagine 30,000 gourmet products from around the globe culled in one expansive, well-lit space: A patisserie case containing a rainbow of macarons, chocolate truffles and sugar dusted tartes aux fruits made on-site; Pique-nique perfect dishes waiting to be ferried to the banks of the Seine; That dream gift for a foodie back home, like foie gras or truffle salt from La Maison de la Truffe. Still have shopping or museum-hopping on the day’s agenda? They’ll even deliver to your flat (for a fee.)

4. La Maison d’Edition: With a limited budget to furnish your apartment, LBM’s home design space provide you ample inspiration. A David Weeks floor lamp (Didn’t I see something similar at Ikea?),  a silky gray rug (perfect for your salon) would go on the wish list. Buying serious pieces here is a bit out of reach but with floor displays like art installations, you’ll leave ready to beautify your abode.

5. Le Theatre de la Beauté: The French are serious when it comes to scent. They even have a word for its lingering fragrance trail, le sillage. For most Parisiennes, a signature scent is de rigueur. Hit Le Theatre de la Beaute on the rez-de-chaussee to see how Annick Goutal’s new “Le Mimosa” stacks up against cult-favorite “Geranium Bourbon” by London perfumer Miller Harris. The Culture of Color of Nail Bar offers a quick poses de vernis (polish change). 

Le Bon Marche- La Grande Epicerie

24 & 38 rue de Sevres

75007 Paris

www.lebonmarche.com