Enjoy the view from Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

If you’re after a cracking view of the city, get yourself up to the top of Galeries Lafayette; one of Paris’ department stores. It’s totally free to access - though there is often a pop up restaurant open up there - and means you can marvel at the exquisite beauty hall inside as well.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is the second most visited attraction in Paris after the Eiffel Tower, so it's a major part of Parisian history. However, what became the biggest department store in the world came from humble beginnings, starting off as a small haberdashery in the 19th century.

In 1893, cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn kicked off their venture by opening a novelty store. They chose a small spot at the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin and gave it the catchy name 'Aux Galeries Lafayette.' The store's location was a strategic win – close to Opera Garnier, the Grands Boulevards, and Saint-Lazare train station. This prime spot ensured a steady flow of visitors, both locals and travelers, looking for top-notch shopping in Paris. And now you can visit too!