Aspired to be the smallest department store and the largest concept store in Paris, La Samaritaine is located in front of the Pont-Neuf which directly leads to l’Ile de la Cite.
Created in 1870, la Samaritaine started as a small apparel shop before expanding to a series of department store buildings with a total of 90 different departments.
The renovated building financed by LVMH reunites more than 600 shops, a 5-star Hotel and Palace named Cheval Blanc, some social housing units, some offices, and a nursery.
La Samaritaine department store is considered a historical monument by the French Ministry. Displaying an architecture mixing Art Nouveau and Art Deco, the department store sells luxury clothing, fashion, and beauty products. Rebuilt by the renowned Japanese architecture agency, Sanaa, (awarded by the Pritzker prize in 2010), the building combines contemporary and historic elements. The architectural beauty of the construction can be seen with the Eiffel structures, the renovated iron works, the Samaritaine enameled historical facade (Pont-Neuf Side), the terrazzo floor inspired by Parisian cobblestone, and the wavy yellow new facade (Rivoli side) arranged by Ciguë SARL.
Unlike most department stores separating men, women, and accessories, La Samaritaine was conceived as a creative laboratory mixing both products and genres like a concept store. Claimed as a place of stroll and inspiration, the department store reunites most elements of ‘’l’Art-de-vivre’’ in two buildings :
The contemporary yellow building (Rivoli side) ground floor gathers designer and trendy fashion brands such as Ambush or J.W. Anderson, young French designers, experimental creations, sophisticated wardrobe, trendy Japanese and Hungarian labels as well as sober and eco-responsible pieces.
The first floor reunites sneakers, streetwear, and sportswear with must-see Parisian and international brands such as A.P.C., Maison Kitsuné, Comme des Garçons, Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto. The basement floor is reserved for beauty and spa, with over 700 brands, the space has a spa area, a perfume house, and a make-up studio.
The historic building (Pont-Neuf) ground floor is dedicated to accessories and luxury featuring iconic bags and small leather goods by Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, and more. You’ll also find on the ground floor a space called "Boutique de Loulou" which offers books, decoration, accessories, and more.
The first floor gathers the must-haves of women’s fashion with brands like Alexander McQueen, Acne, or Sandro. Fashion lovers will find their happiness among a formidable selection ranging from up-and-coming brands to small, emerging labels selected on the digital scene.
The second floor is dedicated to jewelry and watchmaking with big names such as Chopard, Chanel, or Boucheron..
Dedicated to male fashion, the third floor features masculine brands such as Dunhill, Givenchy, or Polo Ralph Lauren. The historical building’s fourth floor gathers women's shoes and the top floor offers an eating area with restaurants and bars, coffee shops, take-out, and higher-end restaurants.
Address :
9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris
(Photo by Stéphane ABOUDARAM)