Free Paris Rooftop You Should Visit
WRITTEN BY KAROL @THECREATIVE.SITE
When exploring Paris, few places match the energy, elegance, and diversity of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Nestled in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, this iconic department store isn’t just a shopping destination — it’s a cultural experience. Known for its historic glass dome and panoramic rooftop terrace, the main Galeries Lafayette Haussmann offers everything from luxury fashion to gourmet cuisine, all in one breathtaking space.
📍 Location: View Terrace on Google Maps
Why You Should Visit Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Parisian explorer, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann should be on your itinerary. The mall spans multiple buildings, each dedicated to different experiences:
- Fashion (main building)
- Gourmet food and culinary delights (Le Gourmet)
- Home, Men’s fashion, and Beauty across the adjacent Printemps complexes
If you’re passionate about photography or just looking for the perfect backdrop, the rooftop terrace offers sweeping views over Paris — a free and unbeatable viewpoint to see the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and city skyline.
🛍️ Nearby shopping spots also worth exploring:
How to Get There (Easily by Metro)
Paris’ metro system makes reaching Galeries Lafayette incredibly simple. Here are the easiest stations within walking distance:
🚇 Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Lines 7 & 9) – 3–5 min walk
🚇 Opéra (Lines 3, 7 & 8) – 3–7 min walk
🚇 Havre – Caumartin (Lines 3 & 9) – 3–5 min walk
All stations are well-connected and located close to other tourist hotspots.
Shooting Paris with Both Digital and Film Cameras
As a Paris-based creative agency and photography studio, THECREATIVE.SITE loves experimenting with formats. On this visit to Galeries Lafayette, I took along both my digital camera and a compact 35mm film camera. The result? A visual journal that contrasts the clarity of digital with the grainy romance of film — both equally compelling in their own ways.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need expensive gear to make magic.
📸 Even a one-time-use film camera can capture Paris with timeless charm. The unpredictability of film, the texture, the colors — it all creates a nostalgic vibe that feels like a love letter to the city.
From digital perfection to analog imperfection — both formats tell a different but equally beautiful story.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re strolling through the polished halls of Galeries Lafayette, savoring pastries at Le Gourmet, or capturing a quiet moment with your film camera on the terrace — Paris gives you something truly memorable.
This is what we live for at THECREATIVE.SITE — telling your brand story through authentic, beautiful visuals. Our work spans from editorial and street photography to personal tour sessions and full-scale commercial shoots.
🎥 Watch the Full BTS Vlog Here
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