La Samaritaine's architecture is a delightful blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. The store isn't as high-fashion as Galeries Lafayette or Au Printemps (more casual than haute-couture), but with a wider selection of contemporary kitchen appliances, china, furniture, linens and housewares.

The store takes its name from a hydraulic pump near the Pont-Neuf which was decorated with a bas relief of the good Samaritan. Visit the top floor for a glimpse of the peacock mosaic around the glass roof and the cafe on the roof that offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris.

19 rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris
Metro: Pont Neuf
Tel: 01-40-41-20-20
http://www.lasamaritaine.com