Galeries Lafayette or Printemps for Glass Dome Roof?
 

I have no idea why, but I never realized that both the Printemps and Galleries Lafayette have glass dome roofs. Which one is better, in your opinion?

Also, I remember people saying that you could take the elevator to the very top of one of these department stores and get a really nice view of Paris - can anyone tell me which one it is?

There is a nice area at Galleries Lafayette up on the top floor, it is a little cafe and you can sit outdoors.

Thanks Seaurchin,

What did you think about either of these domes? Did you like one over the other?

I like the Galleries L. all the way around, the clothes, shoes, dome, views, the fashion show is cute.

But you will have to see both the Printimeps and Galleries L. !

I second SeaUrchin!

For a truly beautiful glass dome go to the bank that is just behind the Opera. Stunning.
The rooftop of Galeries gives a good view, but I wish Samarataine was still available.

For Printemps, it would probably be best to enjoy the good food in the new brasserie under the dome. That's what we did. And because of the new brasserie, Printemps has a slight edge over GL, IMO. Go someplace else for the view.

Btilke,

Thanks for the info - what type of food was offered? Do you remember the price range? Does GL not have a cafe/restaurant area beneath their dome?

I think I've gotten people confused - I was asking about the views above both these stores, but I also wanted to know the difference between the glass domes at GL and Printemps when you are under them.

The food was good brasserie cooking with a little bit of fusion food. I had roast chicken, my friend had a large salad. We were both happy. This is a full service brasserie, not a self-service cafeteria type place or just a cafe serving drinks.
You can see some pictures here:
http://departmentstoreparis.printemp...ndex.aspx?l=en
Moderately priced. I think we each spent about 25€ for a meal that included the main course, a drink and coffee and possibly a dessert as well.

Note that if you want the view, you have to go over to Printemps' home store and then up to the 9th floor. The view area isn't in the same building as the dome.

This is another site with some info and photos on the Printemps Brasserie, just scroll down through the restaurants. What I like about her site are the upclose photos of the food.
http://www.aistesite.com/weblog/paris_food/index.html

SeaUrchin,

If Galleries Lafayette has a rooftop cafe, then, by all means go there as there is a great view of the city.

I always get the 2 confused. I just remember looking for a map section one day and finding (a couple of times) a small escalator to the roof.

Thanks BTilke - so Printemps contains two buildings? At the home department building, is it more causal dining?

I saw a picture of the dining in the home department, which as areas in level 3, 5, and 9(which is the rooftop self-service area you where talking about right?

At least three as I recall offhand...women's fashion, men's fashion, and home/beauty

There is a cafe at Galleries but it is on the floor with the outdoor views, not under the dome. You shop under the dome, or on higher floors next to the dome.

The views from the Galleries I remember distinctly because I have acrophobia and I felt like I was being swept away like in a Chagall painting.

G.L, has the most beautiful stain glass dome. Printemps has the cafe under it. Shop in one, snack in the other.

Galeries Lafayette has the prettier dome and it's a prettier and more up dated store. Since they are next to each other it's easy to visit both. If you're American show your passport at the info booth on the ground level and they'll give you a 10 percent discount card. You can also go to a free fashion show there. Visit Galeries Layfayette by just googling it and all the info your're looking for is there.

I also think I like GL best for the decor, but I just don't remember that much about Printemps, so it must not have been as memorable. The view from top of GL is okay, but nothing that outstanding, It's easy to go up there, though, so why not. These stores are right next to each other, you can easily stop in to see both with no trouble.

If it's only the dome, no question about it, the Galeries Lafeyette

Oh, that's not a difficult choice for me- I was just at Le Printemps last September and had lunch under that beautiful 1920's Art Nouveau glass dome-with the mod furniture and slick cool bar-friendly staff, the cocktails were not too expensive either-this is a place to go for lunch or cocktails the Dome is amazing, I loved it!

Girlspytravel - do you remember which building in Printemps you were in?