Whatta MALL! Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France

This is Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France an active shopping district near the Opera, which recently opened the Saint-Lazare train station fed by a continuous flow of travellers from, Paris’s suburbs and the Provinces. We went to Paris last month (March 2008) to celebrate our 3rd year wedding anniversary and happened to drop by in this big mall after seeing the Opera edifice. I have never seen a mall like Galeries Lafayette or should I say I haven't traveled enough (yet) to see such mall like the one in Paris. I have been to Minneapolis but never saw the biggest mall in the United States; Mall of America as they call it. Paris is an epitome of fashion and it stood still especially roaming around this great mall.

Me and Amber at Galeries Lafayette

a busy narrow streets in Paris (taken from Galeries Lafayette crossing bridge)
What a glowing mall indeed!
The Glass Dome

Cosmetic Merchants on the first floor

The main mall is so nice with 5 floors, balconies and glass dome. Inspired by a neo-Byzantine style, the 33-meter high glass dome comprises of 10 painted windows encapsulated in rich metallic frames and decorated in a sculpted floral motif. The banisters of the lower floors adorned with leaflet were signed by Louis Majorelle who also graced the store with the escalator ramp. If you get tired roaming around there's always benches around the mall where you have the time to think "to buy or not to buy". Impulse buyers? don't go to this mall, it will surely broke your wallet. A golden light was used to create a more intimate environment and to set the merchandise a glow. The store has 96 departments, adding to the traditional offerings such innovations as haberdashery, photography, lighting, furniture, travel goods, toys and tableware. On its higher floors, the store offered a tearoom, a library and a hairdressing salon for its cherished clients to unwind or just to escape from the pressures of the city. From the rooftop terrace, one could see all of Paris, with an unobstructed sight of Eiffel Tower. Shopaholic? then don't forget to put this in your itinerary if you will plan to go to Paris and experience a Parisian life for a moment. It was great!

Cruisin River Seine

This is me and my husband with our daughter on board for a river cruise

Last month, I and my husband celebrated our blessed 3 years of marriage in Paris, France. It was really a great escapade; it is so far one the most memorable moment in many of my adventures. Paris really is very amazing. We always gazed in awe. Paris, France is 4hours away from where we lived (Brunssum, The Netherlands) so we just drove there and book a 5days;4nights hotel. One of the things we did in Paris was cruisin the majestic Seine River. We were suppose to do dinner and cruise but we were so tired already. And so we decided to do the noon cruise and had our lunch by the river at Cafe Seine (food was great there too; for a complete meal it is 20 euro excluding beverage). We boarded on Vedettes de Paris cruise boat (11 euro per adult; kids 4 euro and under 4years old are free of charge) their dock is located at the foot of Eiffel Tower it is very accessible.

Climb aboard for a cruise with commentary, and let yourself be taken in by the mythical charm of the banks of the River Seine. See for yourself the very heart of historical Paris, and admire its unique, sumptuous architecture. Make the most of your trip on our genuine river boat like this. You can visit their website www.vedettesdeparis.com for more information.

Pont-Neuf the oldest bridge inaugurated in 1607

The exuberant Alexander III bridge near Invalides, inaugurated during Paris 1900 Wolrd Exhibition

Between these buildings is the smallest house in Paris

Pont de Arts a nine arch metallic bridge; this is the first metal bridge in Paris. Known from the movie Les Pont des Arts a French film directed by Eugene Green.

Let's be clear. If you come to Paris, take a Seine river cruise. I assure it is a great experience. I love Paris!.