Galeries Lafayette
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Galeries Lafayette in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Galeries Lafayette stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Galeries Lafayette
Founded in 1894 by cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn in a small haberdasher's shop on rue La Fayette, Galeries Lafayette has become France's most iconic department store. The flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann opened in 1912, featuring a stunning 43-meter Art Nouveau dome designed by architect Ferdinand Chanut—a masterpiece of colored glass and wrought iron. For over 125 years, Galeries Lafayette has defined Parisian retail elegance, hosting 3,500+ brands from fast fashion to haute couture. The store's free rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Paris landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and Sacré-Cœur. Today, Galeries Lafayette operates 57 stores across France and 9 international locations.
Signature Products & Prices
Fashion (3,500+ brands)
€20–€5,000+
Beauty & Cosmetics Hall
€15–€500
Gourmet Food Hall
€10–€300
Home & Design
€30–€2,000
Macarons from Lafayette Gourmet
€2–€50
Why Shop Galeries Lafayette in Europe?
Galeries Lafayette Boulevard Haussmann is a Parisian institution offering one-stop shopping for 3,500+ brands under a stunning Art Nouveau dome. The 12% VAT refund on purchases over €100 makes luxury accessible—a €1,000 shopping spree becomes €880 after refund. The free rooftop terrace offers unbeatable panoramic views (normally you'd pay €15+ for similar views at Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe). The in-house VAT desk simplifies tax refunds, and the architectural experience alone—the 1912 dome, grand staircases, wrought iron balconies—justifies the visit.
Best Cities to Shop Galeries Lafayette
Paris
Boulevard Haussmann flagship with Art Nouveau dome and rooftop terrace, 125+ year heritage
Marseille
Canebière flagship, Mediterranean shopping destination
Lyon
Part-Dieu location, regional shopping hub
Why Shop Galeries Lafayette with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
5 Galeries Lafayette Locations
Across 4 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Galeries Lafayette Store Locations in Europe
Berlin
Galeries Lafayette Berlin
Friedrichstraße 76, 10117 Berlin, Germany
📞 +49 30 209480
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: Closed
Bordeaux
Galeries Lafayette Bordeaux
11-19 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 33000 Bordeaux, France
📞 +33 5 56 90 92 71
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Lyon
Galeries Lafayette Part-Dieu
42 Boulevard Eugène Deruelle, 69003 Lyon, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Paris
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
📞 +33 1 42 82 34 56
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:30
friday: 10:00 - 20:30
saturday: 10:00 - 20:30
sunday: 11:00 - 20:00
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées
60 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 21:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
friday: 10:00 - 21:00
saturday: 10:00 - 21:00
sunday: 10:00 - 21:00
How Much Can You Save?
VAT Refund Examples
Purchase: €1,000 → Get back €120-150 (standard refund) or up to €180 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €5,000 → Get back €600-750 (standard refund) or up to €900 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €10,000 → Get back €1,200-1,500 (standard refund) or up to €1,800 (TravelMoney)
How to Get Your VAT Refund: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before making a purchase
Request Custom Invoice
When checking out at Galeries Lafayette, request the invoice to be made out to "Travel Money" with our Paris address. This is critical for maximizing your refund.
Step 2: When making a purchase
Pay in Local Currency
Always choose to pay in euros (€) instead of your home currency to avoid poor exchange rates and maximize savings.
Step 3: After shopping
Upload Invoice & Receipt
Immediately upload your Galeries Lafayette invoice and receipt in the TravelMoney app. Don't wait until you get to the airport.
Step 4: When leaving the EU
Scan Barcode at Point of Departure
At the airport, port, or train station, scan the barcode on your TravelMoney app at customs. Bring your Galeries Lafayette purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €100.01 in total purchase value
- Eligibility: Non-EU permanent residents, under 6-month stay, purchasing goods for personal use
- Time limits: 3 months to validate at point of departure + 6 months to claim refund
- VAT Rate: 20% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Galeries Lafayette Shoppers
- →Free rooftop terrace (8th floor) open 10am-8pm daily—best views of Paris without paying for tickets
- →VAT refund desk on 1st floor next to Louis Vuitton—process détaxe before leaving France
- →12% VAT refund on purchases over €100.01 in one day (some sources cite €175 minimum)
- →Art Nouveau dome is architectural icon—visit even if not shopping, free entry
- →Lafayette Gourmet food hall offers Parisian delicacies, perfect for gifts or picnics
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Galeries Lafayette online purchases?
No. VAT refunds are only available for in-store purchases made in Europe. Online orders shipped internationally are already VAT-exempt.
Do I need to show my Galeries Lafayette purchase at customs?
High-value items (typically over €1,000) may require physical inspection at customs. Keep your purchase in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
What if I'm connecting through a non-EU airport?
You must validate your VAT refund at your last EU point of departure, not your final destination. For example, if flying Paris → London → New York, validate in Paris.
How long does it take to get my refund?
With TravelMoney, refunds are processed instantly once validated at customs. Standard tax-free services can take 4-12 weeks.
For Shoppers
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For Merchants
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