Niche Shopping at Galleries Lafayette ?

[Wit_Siamese]

My family is planning for a trip to Europe in March, we are going to arrive to Paris in middle of March.

They are decided to spend a whole afternoon shopping at Galleries Lafayette Paris.

Which house should I try/buy there to make my Europe trip complete.

How much does it cost per bottle ?

[Dariushka]

TO my mind, Lafayette is by far not the best store for niche shopping in Paris. I'd rather recommend you to go across the street to Printemps, they have an outstanding niche perfumery department at the ground floor.
I would look for exclusive Guerlains (they have some of them), Maison Francis Kurkjdian, Houbigant, L'Artisan or Frederic Malle. That way french brands

[Wit_Siamese]

TO my mind, Lafayette is by far not the best store for niche shopping in Paris. I'd rather recommend you to go across the street to Printemps, they have an outstanding niche perfumery department at the ground floor.
I would look for exclusive Guerlains (they have some of them), Maison Francis Kurkjdian, Houbigant, L'Artisan or Frederic Malle. That way french brands

Thanks for the advice.

There are many brands I want to try, such as
- Serge Lutens
- Frederic Malle, especially Portrait of a Lady--I want to know why many people think it is a masterpiece

Most L'Artisan Parfumeur I have tried are too light for me.

[cacio]

If you want to try Malle and Lutens, it might be easier to go directly to their stores. The Lutens exclusives are found only at the Lutens store, which, as mentioned in another thread, is in Palais Royal close to the Louvre, so it'll be easy to go there. This is pretty much a must for perfume lovers in Paris. There's so much Lutens to smell that perhaps at the store you will want to concentrate on the exclusives. the export line can be found elsewhere, including, I believe, Printemps.

Malle has a boutique in rue Mont Thabor (in the Place Vendome area) and one in posh Victor Hugo (where however you may probably not go unless your hotel happens to be there). In Mont Thabor at least, you can have the fun of trying the smelling booths - I'm not sure they are at Printemps as well.

cacio

[hedonist222]

Printemps was better for niche.

[Wit_Siamese]

Thanks for the advices.

[rubegon]

Prices are a bit better on some brands. Guerlain exclusives are significantly cheaper than in the US, as are all Lutens. The bell bottles are especially good deals. Many of the niche brands are somewhat cheaper than US prices, at least. You can get a VAT refund if you spend more than 170 € in one shop, but you have to ask for the form when you are paying. That will save you another 11-12%. If you are looking for any designer stuff, duty free at CDG is probably your best bet. They also have amazing prices on Lutens export sprays - 72/82 €.

[Wit_Siamese]

Prices are a bit better on some brands. Guerlain exclusives are significantly cheaper than in the US, as are all Lutens. The bell bottles are especially good deals. Many of the niche brands are somewhat cheaper than US prices, at least. You can get a VAT refund if you spend more than 170 € in one shop, but you have to ask for the form when you are paying. That will save you another 11-12%. If you are looking for any designer stuff, duty free at CDG is probably your best bet. They also have amazing prices on Lutens export sprays - 72/82 €.

Thanks.

When I pay I need to ask for tax refund form, right?

By the way, I just compared Beauty Brands at Printemps & Galleries Lafayette.

Printemps
http://departmentstoreparis.printemp...ettre=LstCompl

Galleris Lafayette
http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/fr/marques/

I am going to have heart attack just by reading the brands at Printemps, there are a myriad of niche house available there.

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I just convinced my family to go to Printemps instead.

They make been there before so they know Printemps is really better.

A few years ago, other family members had wonderful vacation in Europe including Paris, but they left me alone in the middle of our political uprising to take care of our house, so I am going to be angry if they do not let me go to wherever I want this time.