A Tote-ally Parisian Experience at the Galeries Lafayette

Hello, fellow Paris enthusiasts!

As you know, this is our little corner of the web where we showcase the delights of the City of Lights, and today we’re visiting the stunning Galleries Lafayette, the 19th century landmark that is very much at the top of the list of Paris destinations during the Christmas season.

Today’s narrative? A whimsical photographic journey through the festive that is the Galeries Lafayette, and a tiny amount of promotion mixed in. Year after year, this Parisian landmark transforms into a wonderland crafted by the most imaginative minds in France. Witnessing their latest creation? An absolute delight that stirred my creative spirit.

The grandeur of the décor didn’t just meet our expectations — it soared far beyond them. Enveloped by vibrant hues, I was reminded of how essential splashes of color are to our lives, especially now, when there’s so much dark around. Do you feel the same longing for brightness and joy? If so, this is the place to satiate it, but if you can’t make it this year, I hope these images will give you a glimpse of the wonder!

When you first enter, the smells and the sights wrestle for your attention. With the literal scents of luxury wafting through the air from houses like Hermès, Dior & Lancôme among others, you walk into a shimmering kaleidoscope of gold and lights that seizes your attention. The atrium features three stunning floors topped by a beautiful glass ceiling that seems like it was sewn from sparkling gold.

This year the Christmas tree is made of giant glistening jewels that seem lighter than air, hemmed by garland of gold that seems to be floating on its own and topped with a fairy and surrounded by flowers. This place is to shimmering lights what the Willie Wonka factory was to chocolate… you simply can’t get enough.

But of course, as beautiful as it is from below one wonders what it looks like from above. Standing there taking Well, that’s easy enough to discover thanks to the Galeries’ old timey elevators, complete with the happiest elevator operator I’ve ever encountered. (It was her first day and she said she’d ridden from the top to the bottom at least 30 times and she was LOVING it!)

No surprise here, we weren’t disappointed from above. Standing on a balcony looking down, the beauty of the sight captivates ones attention over the din of the cacophony of shoppers below. You stand there and can’t help but smile…

This trip was more than just play however. Just the day before we had received our new Paris themed totes (available on Etsy) and we couldn’t think of a better place to photograph them than this wonderland delight. Armed with our freshly printed bags we had set off for our impromptu photoshoot amidst the grandeur of the Grands Magasins.

We found a spot and tried to pick a moment when there was a break in the chaos and were able to make this video. Of course it took a few takes because of people walking through, Vince with his finger over the lens or me forgetting to smile!

Finally satisfied with our video, we took a few last looks around and decided to head out. On the bus we decided that with the setting sun we might want to jump out and get a shot of our tote in the Luxembourg Gardens before it got too dark. We arrived just as they were closing! But we were able to grab a couple of shots and a video too!

Paris is of course a wonder to behold 365 days out of the year, but every month and season has its different charms and Christmas is easily one of the most beautiful times in a perpetually beautiful city. We invite you to revel in these views that have captured our hearts, and maybe you’ll find as much joy in drinking them in as we did in capturing them.

À bientôt, with more tales and snapshots from the city that keeps on giving,

Caroline