Samaritaine

CEO

Catherine Newey

Creation date

1870

Headquarters

21 rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris - France

IdentitySAMARITAINE

Much more than a department store, Samaritaine showcases trends with a sassy chic that embodies the spirit and savoir-faire of the French capital. Bordering the Seine, just a few strides from the Louvre and Notre-Dame, Samaritaine bridges the storied Les Halles and Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhoods, welcoming Parisians and tourists avid to experience inimitable French art de vivre.Founded by visionary couple Ernest and Marie-Louise Cognacq-Jaÿ in 1870, the original store in rue du Pont-Neuf expanded over the years. Samaritaine, the smallest of the big Paris department stores, today features a selection of iconic brands and exciting young designers in the worlds of fashion, watches and jewelry. The lower level boasts the largest beauty space in Europe, bringing together prestigious names in fragrances, makeup and skincare. Samaritaine is also a perfect spot for a delectable dining pause, with a continually changing restaurant offering. Three VIP Lounges and a team of dedicated Personal Stylists are also available to propose precious fashion tips. Plus there’s a fun and refined selection for kids at the Boutique de Loulou.

+ 700
ICONIC BRANDS AND YOUNG DESIGNERS
'20 000
SQ. METERS OF FLOORSPACE, INCLUDING EUROPE’S LARGEST BEAUTY RETAIL SPACE
2021
SAMARITAINE REOPENS AFTER COMPLETION OF AN EXCEPTIONAL RENOVATION PROJECT

ICON

Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ marked the history of retail commerce. The couple quickly demonstrated remarkable business acumen, creating a retail empire whose reputation stretched well beyond France. Ernest Cognacq opened his first shop on Rue du Pont-Neuf. Near the Les Halles marketplace, the neighborhood was popular among strollers and workers who crossed the bridge each day. Ernest drew crowds with his amusing stories and quickly earned a reputation as the best salesman in the neighborhood.Later, he and Marie-Louise decided to open a bigger store on the corner of Rue de la Monnaie and Rue du Pont Neuf. They named it “La Samaritaine”. Customers flowed in by the hundreds. The store was a huge success and the beginning of a grand adventure….

INSPIRATION

Samaritaine had to close in 2005 for safety reasons. The LVMH Group decided to launch an ambitious renovation project as part of the transformation of this famous Paris neighborhood, a vital green space in the heart of the capital with numerous pedestrian streets, as well as an art hub, as numerous galleries opened. Supported by a striking metal framework, the glass roof, created in 1907, constitutes a spectacular architectural element, requiring meticulous care during the restoration. After being modified and even covered for a period, the rectangular roof has been returned to its original majestic form. Spanning 3.5 meters in height and 115 meters in length, the stunning peacock fresco that runs beneath the glass roof is considered a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. Created by Francis Jourdain, the son of the Art Nouveau building’s architect Frantz Jourdain, the fresco has been restored to the vibrant colors of its heyday thanks to the expert work of numerous artisans.

SERVICES

The lower level of Samaritaine is home to Europe’s largest beauty retail space, featuring prestigious names in fragrances, makeup and skincare, as well as the Cinq Mondes Spa and a special concept dedicated to niche fragrances. There are also talented experts for personalized hairdressing and manicure services in the Studio de Beauté. Makeup services, skin assessments and treatment cabins are all invitations to indulge in a few moments of well-being.

OUR EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS

I’m the manager of the Butchery at La Grande Épicerie de Paris. We work from whole carcasses, cutting meat according to different seasons and serving the shop’s customers. I manage a team of 15 butchers. My team is divided into three sections – butchery, preparation and sales. I choose the members of each team based on their skills and to enable them to gain expertise in all three areas. I work in all three of these métiers myself at La Grande Épicerie de Paris.