There are 2 lines at George V. One at the back of the store and one at the front of the store. The back of the store is less known, and you will only have to stand in line just a little bit.

DH and I treasure our Louis Vuitton items from the Champs-Elysees store, so I was stunned to read the store was closed! The staff were far more welcoming than the St. Germain staff, not overlooking the Yanks for those spending-like-crazy Japanese women.

I found this at the LV site:
To provide you with better service, Louis Vuitton is expanding the Champs-Elysées store.

The store will close on Saturday evening, the 15th November 2003 for about a year.

In order to continue to serve you, we are pleased to inform you of the opening of a temporary store. Starting Monday the 17th November 2003, we are located at 38, avenue George V. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am - 8pm.

To us this was wonderful news!

And yes, things were slightly less expensive in Paris, but the "treasure" value would have made up for it if they weren't.

Last year in Venice, we stayed about a block or so from the Louis Vuitton store near Piazza San Marco. Each evening we had to laugh as we passed the store (now closed) as a young African man set up shop in front of the store selling knockoff LV.

Just a bit of irony I thought you LV lovers might enjoy!

A couple of years ago I bought a bag in the LV in Salzburg. I had checked the prices here an got a 30% discount. You will probably do better in Paris. Enjoy!