Department stores can be a drag. An overcrowded cattle call of clothes doesn’t make for a pleasant shopping experience. Not so with Le Bon Marché, the oldest, and smallest, of les grands magasins with over 150 years of history.

The glittering shopping emporium carries a dizzying selection of luxury beauty products, designer clothing and accessories to books, stationary, furniture and home design pieces. But LBM’s true draw is its inherent structural beauty, best observed from the numerous couch-laden seating areas or three chic restaurants and cafes. An underground level features rotating exhibitions, installations, workshops and events. For the privileged shopper, LBM can also arrange valet parking, currency exchange, personal shopping and delivery.

La Grande Épicerie, across the street, offers a whirlwind tour through gastronomy with a whopping 30,000 various products and 3,000 different champagnes, wines and spirits stowed away in their wine cellar. Take a sip for a taste test, or just nibble on the free samples offered while you watch the gourmet chefs at work.