How to See Christmas at Paris Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

Last Updated on 28th October 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Much like the other great department shops in the city, the Rive Gauche store too is decorated annually for Christmas. Here’s how to See Christmas at Paris Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche! In 2022, the store celebrated its 170th anniversary!

The oldest department store in Paris is not to be found on the right-bank of the city like all the other Grands Magasins (BHV, Printemps, Galeries Lafayette and once-upon-a-time Samaritaine). Instead, Le Bon Marché can be found on the left-bank (Rive gauche) was founded by a husband wife duo Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut.

Christmas at Le Bon Marché 2023 dates tbc | In 2022 it started on the 28th of October and carried on until early January 2023.

Set across multiple levels, the department store is divided into various sections; accessories, shoes, women’s wear, and even a bookshop selling all kinds of wares, including a particularly impressive selection of Paris books. The entire layout of Le Bon Marché is open-plan and surrounds a geometric dazzling staircase.

In 2019, the theme of Christmas at Le Bon Marché was that of the ‘king of trees’. Wander in during opening hours and you can expect to find a forest of ‘sapins’ (fir trees) suspended from the ceiling, surrounding the staircase, and glittering with tens of thousands of twinkling lights.

In 2021, the theme of the year was gingerbread and candy cane and giant decorations could be seen suspended from the ceiling. On the second floor, there was also a Christmas shop featuring all kinds of baubles and ornaments.

Christmas activities and things to do close to Paris Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

Not far away, you’ll soon discover the rest of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of the city (named for the imposing ecclesiastical building that is Paris’ oldest church). Home to medieval churches and plenty of Hausmmanian architecture, the Parisian district is well-known for its chic eateries and upmarket shopping opportunities.

When it comes to particularly delicious eats in the area, I particularly love Le Bistrot d’Henri for traditional French fare (think Beouf Bourgignon and creamy pastas).

In terms of Christmas activities, other than attending concerts at St Germain church or Saint Sulpice church (i.e. the one that’s mentioned in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code), one of the best Christmas activities just a short ten minute stroll away is that of the St-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market.

Taking place between the end of November and early January, there are over a dozen chalets selling artisanal goods and plenty of foodie opportunities. There’s even the chance to buy vin chaud to go for €5. Though most of the market stalls accept bank cards (CB- Carte Bancaire in French), it’s always a good idea to bring cash, just in case!