Au Printemps

Printemps (or Au Printemps, as it is sometimes called) is a luxury department store located in Paris. The word “printemps” means “spring”, as in the season, in French. The store was founded in the mid eighteen hundreds, as were many of Paris’ “new” department stores. It is located in the ninth arrondissement, along the Boulevard Haussmann. Printemps has become such a success that it has satellite stores in other parts of France, not to mention other countries, such as one in Andorra, or one on the famous Ginza in Tokyo. The outside of the store is beautiful, with sculptures representing the four seasons carved in relief above the entrance. Inside is a stunning stained glass dome, which is above the main restaurant; even if you do no shopping at all, it is worth going to Printemps to see this artistic masterpiece. It was installed in 1923, then dismantled during the war and stored in the country for safe keeping. It was finally returned to its home in the 1970s. The facade of the building and the stained glass dome are now registered as historical monuments. Printemps is famous for its luxury; it is one of the shops of choice for discerning Parisians. It carries the latest in fashion and accessories, along with cosmetics and jewelry.

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