The New Parisian Shopping Experience: Samaritaine
Now part of LVMH, Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf has been revived to it’s former glory and has again become the shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. Facing Rue de Rivoli, La Samaritaine connects to Cheval Blanc Paris. As a Virtuoso-affiliated agency, Four Hundred members will receive exclusive access to their private shopping experiences.
About La Samaritaine
Located in the heart of the city of lights, right by the Seine’s border, Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf had been a rendezvous for Paris’s shoppers from as early as 1870. Now part of LVMH, the temple of the French Art de Vivre is the smallest but the most luxurious department store in Paris.
A historical vessel of 20 000 m2 with many art-nouveau gems, 600 luxury brands from established ones to upcoming designers, an exclusive French food offer all around the store, the biggest beauty floor in Europe, a spa and a beauty studio are all available to offer you the best shopping experience.
VIP clients are invited to an exclusive shopping experience at the private Apartment with its Parisian style and dedicated team. The Personal Stylists are available to advise clients 0n keeping up with the latest trends.
What makes La Samaritaine special?
Samaritaine is so special because of its history, it is the favorite store of Parisians, its very central location in Paris, near the riverbanks, St Germain des Prés, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame de Paris.
This iconic French building is set in the Parisian cityscape! Anchored in the heart of the city in a rapidly changing neighborhood, Samaritaine has one foot in its Art Nouveau and Art Deco past and the other in modernity.
What is your favorite aspect of the private shopping experience at La Samaritaine?
The private shopping experience is truly a bespoke experience. The VIP clients are invited in a private Parisian apartment decorated by a French design agency, the Aterlieramo. In one of the refined and cozy alcoves, the personal stylists design tailor-made proposals according to individual wishes. A true personalized experience.
How does the design and atmosphere of the location relate to the history of the space?
The LVMH group, its new owner, decided to launch an ambitious renovation as part of the Parisian neighborhood’s transformation. The Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings are completely restored, while a new modern building on rue de Rivoli by the Japanese architectural agency Sanaa has been added. Inside, the spaces echo the architectural principle, both rooted in history and turned towards the future. On the Pont-Neuf side a chic and refined aesthetic, terrazzo floor, ironwork repainted in gray with Art Deco and Art Nouveau details that welcome the biggest names in luxury.
What can visitors expect when visiting La Samaritaine?
A place where customers can witness the avantgarde of creation and taste the cuisine of a contemporary chef, treat themselves to a piece of luxury while enjoying an espresso prepared by an expert barista, discover artisanal designer jewels and relax in the spa, or meet young artists and discuss the surrounding architecture with a historical guide.
Samaritaine breaks down the barriers of fashion for a unified and constantly evolving collection. A carefully curated selection of pieces from reliable luxury brands, quintessential French brands and exclusive pieces from emerging designers. From clothes to shoes and bags, each floor is an opportunity to explore a different world and put together a unique silhouette.
With Mother's Day approaching and spring cleaning/planning in full swing, what are some products or brands you'd recommend checking out at La Samaritaine?
Welcome to Loulou, a 200 m2 lifestyle space located directly on the quays at the foot of Pont-Neuf. Locals and travelers alike are always surprised by the carefully edited selection and regularly changing decor that reflect the joyful, refined spirit of Samaritaine! Fashion, high tech, design, stationery, cleaning products… more than 1,500 pieces chosen by a dedicated team that tracks favorites from France as well as the four corners of the world, accessible for all budgets.
In the beauty floor (the biggest one in Europe), there is 80 m2 of green space entirely dedicated to beauty products that feature responsible formulas or packaging. In all, there are around 40 brands including Westman Atelier, Holidermie, Dermalogica, Pai, Susanne Kaufmann and Flora.
For Mother's Day, Samaritaine proposes a selection of gifts and ideas from jewelry to accessories, French designer brands to luxury high heels, and more.
Contributor — Janie Weber