Galeries Lafayette

It was as though a spaceship had landed in Berlin. The outside was entirely made of glass. Inside, elegant scarves were offered alongside typical French escargot. The Galeries Lafayette ushered in a new love for everything French in 1996.

After seemingly endless demolition, building, excavation and cleanup work, the Galeries Lafayette put the first spot of colour to the old and new shopping mile Friedrichsstrasse. The light, elegant glass temple designed by architect Jean Nouvel, so very different from the usual Berlin block construction, has become a major public attraction.

The five floors offer mainly fashion, delicatessen and art de vivre. The basement contains Lafayette Gourmet, a delicatessen with French delicacies, where around 2,000 oysters a week are consumed.

The other floors focus on fashion, accessories and cosmetics from big international brands. The store often gives new young designers the opportunity to show their fashion creations. The Berlin Galeries are, incidentally, the only Lafayette branch outside France.