From Samaritaine with love
Few Parisian department stores capture the spirit of the city quite like Samaritaine. Set on the Right Bank, where so many versions of Paris meet, it sits just steps from the Louvre and the Cheval Blanc palace hotel, and only one bridge – the majestic Pont-Neuf – from Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Parisian by location, it is equally Parisian by heritage, embodied in a historic building where the original Art Nouveau and Art Deco details now converse gracefully with the modern, organic lines introduced during its major restoration. Parisian, too, in its elegance, its instinct for the mood of the moment, and its talent for uncovering rare finds and fresh discoveries. Here, the great international names in luxury – from couture to watchmaking and jewelry – stand alongside sharper fashion labels and carefully selected designer pieces.
That same high standard is placed at the service of visitors, whether tourists or Parisians, in search of exclusivity and discovery, with a wide range of services inspired by the world of luxury hospitality: concierge assistance, private spaces and personal styling advice at L’Appartement, the store’s dedicated space for bespoke experiences.
Personalization is everywhere, beginning with the 36,600-square-foot Beauty department, which brings together the leading names in fragrance and cosmetics, from historic houses to the most innovative brands, as well as responsible beauty labels and K-Beauty specialists.
Beyond shopping, Samaritaine is a place for living, culture and experience, much like a Paris that brings together heritage, creativity and openness to the world. It has also become a true gastronomic destination. One can lunch at Voyage, beneath the Art Nouveau glass roof, facing the restored Peacock fresco; indulge in Pierre Hermé macarons; or discover creations by the award-winning pastry chef Nina Métayer. The store also keeps curiosity alive through seasonal themes and experiences. This summer, Samaritaine offers a charming counterpoint to the pace of our times with “Bons baisers de La Samaritaine.” It takes us back to an era when words were written by hand, when every journey and every stop along the way could be told through a postcard sent from afar.
Scattered throughout the store – and mailed by Samaritaine itself – these cards can even be found at La Boutique de Loulou, the home concept store imagined as a contemporary cabinet of curiosities. There, as elsewhere in the building, the spirit is playful, elegant, and gently nostalgic – a love letter to travel, to Paris, and to the art of taking one’s time.
- Through august 26
