European Heritage Days 2022 in Paris: La Samaritaine, the smallest of Department Stores

La Samaritaine awaits you once again for the Journées du Patrimoine in Paris, on September 16 and 17, 2023. Between free guided tours and well-kept secrets, discover the history of the smallest of the department stores!

Discover or rediscover Paris at the Journées du Patrimoine 2023! The traditional September weekend, dedicated to culture and history, is once again pushing open the doors of the capital's most emblematic monuments and museums, and organizing free guided tours and events for the occasion. Two days of immersive, fun walks to see Paris from a different angle, with family or friends. A complete itinerary to suit all tastes, from majestic churches and mythical theaters to breweries still bathing in their juices, discover the little secrets of these great Parisian institutions!

Journées du Patrimoine 2023 in the temples of fashion, luxury and beauty
The Journées du Patrimoine 2023 in Paris takes place this weekend, September 16 and 17, 2023. For the occasion, we invite you to discover the temples of fashion in Paris that are opening their doors to you. The secrets of the fashion houses and department stores are waiting for you! [Read more]

Department stores are also taking part in the Journées du Patrimoine 2023 in Paris, and of course we love it. In addition to La Samaritaine, which is back again this year, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are also on the program, and you'll be amazed to discover their treasures.

The story of the world's smallest department store began in 1870, when it was founded by Ernest Cognacq. The founder drew inspiration from the commercial methods of his "colleague" Aristide Boucicaut at Le Bon Marché, to make the Samaritaine prosper, and gradually expand. The years went by and the store, taken over by LVMH, was unfortunately forced to close its doors on June 15, 2005, due to work to bring the buildings into line with modern safety standards. Aftermuch upheaval, the reopening of La Samaritaine, initially scheduled for 2015, will not take place until June 21, 2021 - 16 years after the work began!