Department Stores at ChristmasPrintempsXmas This is a photograph of the Christmas decorations at the famous Printemps department store, one of the traditional “grands magasins” (“great stores”) in Paris in the area near the Opéra Garnier.All of these department stores spend huge sums of money each year to decorate for Christmas, with the results you see here. Printemps was lit for 2000 in colors of pink and blue,with lots of sparkling lights; a very pleasing sight to which this photo does not do justice. The trees along the boulevard are also strungwith lights and ornaments of matching colors. In addition, all of these stores set up complex, animated window displays intended especiallyfor children (complete with tiny stairs to help them see into the windows). It is a traditionin Paris to take one’s children to the department stores and spend time watching thedisplays in the windows. The large department stores are enormous: Printemps alone contains four buildings andnine floors, and can easily occupy a shopper for a day or two (or three). Prices are notcheap, but merchandise is of the highest quality, and extensive services are available tohelp foreign tourists and visitors. All of the stores are worth a visit, if you have the timeand love to shop, and Printemps ismy personal favorite (others include the Galeries Lafayette, just up the street fromPrintemps in the background of this photo; Au Bon Marché on the Left Bank; andSamaritaine near the center of town with its rooftop restaurant overlooking theSeine river). Photographed onDecember 14, 2000. |