Galeries Lafayette department store opens in Lille

Eurostar, the high speed passenger train operator which links the UK with the Continent, is this week celebrating the opening of the exclusive department store Galeries Lafayette. Eurostar is the principal transport operator from UK for the store’s opening, carrying British shoppers to the new store in Lille, Northern France, and the largest outside Paris.

Just 1h40 minutes away from London by Eurostar, Lille has already shown hundreds of thousands of visitors why it has well deserved reputation for shopping – with designer boutiques, art galleries and fashionable lighting and furnishing stores. With the new Galeries Lafayette located in the heart of the city, it is now even more a great destination for fashion addicts!

Galeries Lafayette adds a glamorous touch to the wide range of shopping opportunities in Lille, offering the latest and the greatest variety of high-quality fashion and accessories. More than 400 brands will be displayed throughout the three-storey, newly restored building located on Rue de Béthunes.

The store is designed to meet the needs of the most discerning shoppers. For relaxation and refreshments, there is “Le Défilé” restaurant offering superb menus and fine wines. For those wanting a lighter bite there is the “Lafayette Café” on the top floor, with magnificent views across Lille.

Travelling to and exploring Lille couldn’t be easier with Eurostar. High-speed services link London Waterloo and Lille a day in just 1h40 minutes.

Journey times will reduce from 14 November 2007 when Eurostar switches to St. Pancras International, with London - Lille in just 1h20 minutes. And from 19 November, Eurostar’s new station at Ebbsfleet International, just off Junction 2 of the M25 and near the Dartford crossing, will offer journeys to Lille in only 1h10 minutes.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director of Eurostar, said: “Eurostar has quite simply put Lille on the map for British visitors, who are flocking to the city in ever increasing numbers on day trips and weekend breaks. Our partnership with Galeries Lafayette in Paris has been hugely successful and we are delighted that the new store in Lille gives yet another reason to visit this exciting city.”

Christophe Cann, Sales Director of Galeries Lafayette said: “Lille and the surrounding region, with its growing economy and proximity to the UK, is a natural new location for Galeries Lafayette. We are delighted to be offering our UK clientele a stunning new store with an extensive fashion range and with the high levels of customer service that Galeries Lafayette is renowned for - only a short and convenient Eurostar journey away.”

For more information and bookings, visit Eurostar.com.