Le Bon Marché

Le Bon Marché Review

Founded in 1852, Le Bon Marché has emerged as the city's chicest department store. Long a hunting ground for linens and other home items, the store got a face-lift that brought fashion to the fore. The ground floor sets out makeup, perfume, and accessories; this is where celebs duck in for essentials while everyone pretends not to recognize them. Upstairs, do laps through labels chichi (Burberry, Sonia Rykiel) and überhip (Martin Margiela, Comme des Garçons). Menswear, under the moniker Balthazar, keeps pace with designers like Yves Saint Laurent, and Paul Smith. Zip across the second floor walkway to the mode section (above the next-door épicerie), home to streetwise designers and edgy secondary lines (and a funky café). French favorites include Athé by Vanessa Bruno, Zadig & Voltaire, Manoush, Isabel Marant's Étoile line, and Madame à Paris. Best of all, this department store isn't nearly as crowded as those near the Opéra. Don't miss La Grande Épicerie next door; it's the haute couture of grocery stores. Artisanal jams, olive oils, and much more make great gifts, and the luscious pastries and fruit beg to be chosen for a snack.