The Parisian Starbucks Housed In A 17th Century Building
If you're a fan of the coffee giant, you may have a bucket list of special Starbucks locations to visit when traveling. And we don't blame you. There's something magical about seeing a chain store that is both eclectic and culturally fitted to the city it's located in. This Parisian Starbucks is one of these unique spots: Nestled in a huge department store building from the 17th century; this coffee shop showcases the majestic Baroque style of the era. On its ceilings, you'll find cherubs on clouds and floral details, with heavy crystal chandeliers hanging all around the store. The elegant walls and edges are flourished with golden details and dark panels. It is a wholly different experience to sip a latte or study at a Starbucks that looks like a salon in the Palace of Versailles.
You'll be able to find this special Starbucks on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, which is one of the Grands Boulevards of the city, first designed during Louis XIV's reign. The location is hardly out of the way from other premiere Paris attractions, with the Opéra Garnier nearby and an abundance of historical landmarks to see as you traverse this iconic street.
A refurbished department store
The building was originally built in the 1600s, a time when Paris had newly paved streets dotted with individual stores owned by artisans and tradesmen. Being an old building, it has seen many different developments over the last few centuries, housing various businesses and stores. It was during the 19th century that this location became an important department store that sold fabrics and textiles. These new department stores (or "magasins de nouveautés") had many retailers and items available in one large complex, organizing products by type.
It is no surprise, then, that Starbucks, a coffee chain found in almost every mall on the planet, is located in this historic department store. The murals on the ceiling have been recovered from the 19th rather than the 16th century. While you sip your coffee, you'll have a taste of what it felt like to shop in one of the oldest malls in France. But Starbucks added its own touch while preserving the glory of the old department store by adding its modern coffee bar and tables. No worries about any clashing of style, though. The dark Starbucks coffee bar, with its yellow-brass embellishments, matches the original interior perfectly. It's not every day that you step into a Starbucks boasting centuries' worth of art and innovation.