Tour de Champs Elysees and the Grand Old Maison de Guerlain


Champs Elysees- the great Parisian avenue that culminates at the famous monument of Arc de Triomphe (the Classic Victory Arch commissioned b Napoleon Bonaparte) also has equally famous brands in luxury sitting tethered on either side. A beauty tour brings up perfumeries like Sephora and Marionnaud and the flagship stores of luxury houses like Louis Vuitton and fragrance and cosmetic brand - Guerlain. The Yves Rocher (a French beauty brand) store with it’s treatment rooms is also uniquely placed on the Elysees. On a random day, Beaute Espace found Sephora buzzing with activity whereas Marionnaud (now a part of the AS Watson Group) calmer. The Guerlain store- suitably referred to as “La Maison Guerlain” emanated a stateliness of it’s own with the interiors exuding luxury from the glittering golden walls to the product packaging that had signature Guerlain gold caps whether they were lipsticks or perfume bottles. The store occupies 600 sq.m. on three levels at 68, Champs Elysees and has been there since 1914 by Architect Charles Mewes whereas the brand itself goes back to 1828. The store has been redesigned by a female talent – Andree Putman whereas the architect this time is Maxime d’Angeac. Curtains of glass beads to capture the subtlety of droplets of fragrance, an enormous chandelier, and mirrors to reflect the curves of perfume bottles. Level One is the boutique, Two with small partitioned rooms and Three houses the Guerlain Institute. The store has a unique gallery – entirely done in gold – on the floor, walls, ceiling with a total of 350,000 gold squares. The first floor is devoted to fragrances with the perfume fountain, a unique and intriguing feature . A space devoted to the art of living displays fragrant candles and on the other side is the area devoted to skincare and make-up. There are two lounges for
personalized treatment. Guerlain has 11 exclusive shops in Paris and as a matter of principle the brand does not retail out of other outlets (except its own) in Paris.