Paris Day 2 - Galleries Lafayette (Part 2) 12.9.2021

Afternoon

After our lunch at the Musee D'orsay Clock Cafe, we made our way outside and requested an Uber, off to Galleries Lafayette Hussmann we went. The flagship store was located directly behind the Palais Garnier, which is relativity close to our Airbnb, only one kilometer, less than a mile. And did I mention it is all decorated for Christmas? Inside and out> the flagship store had a giant 4 story Christmas tree suspended in the middle of the beautiful 4 floor atrium dome that is all beautiful stained glass, and stunning architecture. All above the cosmetic and perfume area on the first floor.

The outside windows dressed for Christmas, rival any you would see in New York stated our resident "Travel Sister" Diana. Below are a two of her photos taken of the windows.

"Galleries' Lafayette Haussmann is today the second most visited monument in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower. It all started in 1893, when cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn decided to establish a novelty store in a small notions store in the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d'Antin. In 1896, what had started out as a tiny store became a gigantic department store when the cousins bought the entire building on 1 rue La Fayette (four other buildings that were annexed seven years later). After years of refurbishment, the grandiose Galeries Lafayette was officially inaugurated on October 1912. Théophile Bader dreamt of a ‘luxury bazaar’ where the abundant and luxurious merchandise made everyone turn to look around. A golden light, diffused by the majestic dome, would flood the great hall and make every single product sparkle. The bet had been won." [ 1 ]

On return to our Airbnb it was Aperol Spritz time, so we found the fixings at our local Carefour (French Grocery Store) and found the recipe, and enjoyed our happy hour discussing our day's events, sights and fun.

Supper was a local spot carry out as we all had rambled enough today and did not want to go back out. Found "La Pastel" 2 blocks from the apartment and ordered pizza, salad and pasta. The brasserie was full service and sold us sodas as well, food and drinks for 6 was just under 100 euros which is not bad considering we got two large pizzas, pasta ( Carbonara, spicy sausage rotini), garlic bread and sodas, along with a glass of wine while waiting. We had food left over as portions were ample. So our first full day was in the books . . . .

Time for sleep, tomorrow we see the fabulous Palais Garnier!