Boulevard Haussmann at night in Paris

Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, named after the urban planner during the reign of Napoleon III, fades away the hustle and bustle of the day in the night and transforms into a colorful French nocturne. From the gilded dome of Galeries Lafayette to the dazzling windows of Printemps, here are the most exquisite night codes of Paris.

🚇 Transportation Guide

• Metro: Take Line 7/9 to "Chaussée d'Antin" station, and you will reach the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette; or take Line 3/8/9 to "Opéra" station, and walk 5 minutes to the east end of the avenue.

• Best time: Arrive after 19:30, so you can avoid daytime tour groups and catch the time when the lights of department stores are fully turned on.

🌃 Must-see highlights

1. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

• Every night from 20:00 to 22:00, the Byzantine-style gilded dome performs a dynamic light show, with golden light flowing on the glass dome and complementing the Swarovski crystal lamps below.

• Secret camera position: Take a bird's-eye view of the dome from the fourth-floor terrace, or go to the seventh-floor cafe of Printemps across the street to capture the collision of lights from the twin towers.

2. Printemps Haussmann window display

• After 20:00, the mechanical puppets in the window begin to perform. It is recommended to stop and watch the "Alice in Wonderland" themed window display, where the hands of Mr. Rabbit's watch rotate with the music.

3. Saint-Lazare Station Light Rail

• Walk west along Boulevard Haussmann for 10 minutes to the square in front of the station. After 22:00, take a long exposure to shoot the subway train light rail entering the station, forming a futuristic picture with the glass pyramid building.

🍷 Late-night Canteen

• Le Train Bleu: A century-old restaurant hidden in Lyon Station in Paris. It serves foie gras with truffle fries before 23:00. The dome murals and retro carriage seats reproduce the golden age of the "Orient Express".

• Bouillon Pigalle: Affordable Michelin recommendation, open until 1 a.m., the signature red wine braised chicken with French mashed potatoes is only 18 euros, and you can feel the authentic Parisian bistro atmosphere in the warm yellow light.

⚠️

1. Anti-theft alert: carry your backpack on your chest, especially in the crowded dome observation deck.

2. Time-delayed surprise: After 23:00, some windows switch to "night mode", and the lights turn into quiet blues, which is suitable for shooting cyberpunk-style blockbusters.

3. Cultural Easter Egg: On Thursday nights, you can occasionally encounter street performers playing the accordion version of "Champs Elysees". The crisp sound of coins falling into the case is the best accompaniment to the Parisian nocturne.

The night of Boulevard Haussmann is a poem of desire in the windows of luxury goods, and it is also an industrial romance of light and shadow in front of the old station. When the lights of the gilded dome are in the mist of the Seine, you will understand why Parisians always say: Daytime belongs to tourists, and night is returned to Paris.

#5月好去处2025