- History and visit the BHV Marais in Paris
- Discover the surroundings of BHV Marais in Paris
- Transfer to the BHV Marais in Paris
History and visit the BHV Marais in Paris
The BHV Marais or BHV department store is located at 52 rue de Rivoli in the Marais, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It is part of Groupe Galeries Lafayette. With six floors, BHV is mainly dedicated to women’s fashion, DIY and home equipment. In the basement of the building is a large radius on the hardware, DIY and gardening. The store is equipped with a lift. It accepts credit card payments as : Visa, Eurocard and American Express. Apart from the different sales areas, it also contains a cafeteria, tea room and a bar. In the neighboring streets are installed some appendices to this main store such as BHV Homme and BHV Moto situated in the Rue du Temple, or BHV Bike Street Glassworks.
What do you need to know about BHV ?
The BHV Marais has several stores in France and another abroad, BHV in Beirut. BHV Rivoli Street is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am 30-20 h. Every Wednesday, the store stays open until 21 pm. This site is served by bus lines 69, 70, 72, 75, 76, 96, through line 1 station Hotel de Ville Metro as well as the A, B, D station RER Chatelet. The history of the BHV Marais began in 1852 when the enterprising hardware merchant, Xavier Ruel Lyon left and went to live with his family in the neighborhood of the Hotel de Ville in Paris.
He rented a room in a subdivision construction of the rue de Rivoli to install his shop. The latter was a great success very quickly. In 1855, he expanded his shop and named Bazar Napoleon. As his business was more successful in 1866, he rented three floors in the building at 52 rue de Rivoli to put his business. At his death in 1900, it took the name of Widow Ruel & Company and had 800 employees. Taken over by his grand-son, Henri Viguier, the company was called BHV Marais.
Key dates relating to its history
In 1912, Viguier effected major works in the area of the store having appealed to the architect Auguste Roy. This work gave the BHV most of its structure and its famous rotunda. From 1926, the BHV devoted himself to the service of development and the comfort of home. He became a public company in 1931. At the forefront of innovation, he inaugurated the first escalator in 1954. In 1960, he entered the stock market. In 1964, some BHV were opened in the Paris region. Public parking with direct access to the store was opened in 1971.
Twenty years later, he entered the Galeries Lafayette Group. In the 90s, the store was renovated both inside and outside. In addition to its core business, the BHV also conducts workshops such as DIY workshops for beginners and experienced handymen. These are held in the basement of the store every Wednesday from 18 pm 30-20: 30 pm and Saturdays from 14 am to 16 pm. These two-hour sessions offer a training program and animation.
Discover the surroundings of BHV Marais in Paris
Located in the historic heart of Paris, the BHV Marais is more than a department store—it’s a gateway to one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Just steps away, you’ll find the Hôtel de Ville, an impressive city hall often hosting exhibitions and events in its grand square. Across the Seine, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is just a 10-minute walk via the Pont d’Arcole.
Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the Marais district, filled with independent boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and hidden courtyards. Rue des Rosiers, the cultural heart of the Jewish Quarter, offers famous falafel stands and centuries of local history. For those seeking art and architecture, the nearby Centre Pompidou features world-class modern art exhibits and panoramic city views from its rooftop.
You’re also within walking distance of Île Saint-Louis and Place des Vosges, one of Paris’s oldest and most elegant squares. Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or just enjoying a coffee on a terrace, the area around BHV Marais delivers an unforgettable Parisian experience.
If you plan to explore further or arrive from an airport or distant district, booking a minivan car shuttle service ensures comfort and convenience—especially when traveling with luggage or as a group.
Transfer to the BHV Marais in Paris
The BHV Marais sits 18.5 km from Orly, 29 km the transfer from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 90.9 km from the airport of Beauvais by chauffeured car service. Choosing the best transport depends on your priorities—public transport is cheap but tiring after a flight. Taxis are direct but costly. Many travelers prefer a CDG shuttle transfer option for a balance of comfort and cost. For guests arriving from the south, the Orly to hotel shuttle ensures an efficient, no-hassle experience. To make your journey smooth, especially with luggage or a group, consider a private driver vehicle service that offers flexibility and comfort from door to door.