Uniform shoppers...

When we visited the Galeries Lafayette over Christmas it was interesting to see the number of Chinese in the store - apparently their visitor numbers have risen multiple times over recent years. As we were leaving after our roof terrace visit we saw tour buses arriving with their female passengers in turquoise 'you won't loose us'  puff coats - and the men in gold versions - very nice. It reminded me of when we used to dress our then, two sons,(think we spared Mark this) in similar outfits when we took them on holiday, so if they got lost we could just point to the one who wasn't and say "he looks just like him" - don't think we ever actually had to use this plan but we were prepared.! Don't think it scarred them unduly.

Christmas in-store...

 One of the surprising 'must see' places at Christmas in Paris is actually within a department store.The Galeries Lafayette is located in Boulevard Haussmann close to the Opera Garnier. Once you make your way through the hoards of shoppers to the Byzantine influenced dome you will be spellbound with the way it is presented at this time of year.Their central tree reaches high into its 33mtr space.

The other major benefit of a visit here is the fact that the store also has a wonderful free viewing terrace on its roofspace to help you appreciate the city of Paris.There are escalators to the last but one level so it makes for an easy climb.

The views are wonderful with all the major landmarks,including the Eiffel tower, on show.

You get a great view of the nearby opera house.

 A quite different view of the Sacré-Coeur,one of the farthest away icons.

I don't know whether it was the distance or a trick of the light but its dome seemed to have reduced in size! Took a few shots from the roof and they are all the same.