Paris gets new shopping hub

McArthurGlen has recently made an addition to its portfolio with Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy, shares Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group.

Could you tell us more about the new MAG centre in Paris?

Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny is McArthurGlen’s new luxury and premium shopping destination, located just to the west of Paris. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy.

Spanning over 20,000 square metres, the centre boasts a thoughtfully curated brand mix of international fashion favourites including Missoni, Stella McCartney, Moncler, Philipp Plein, Vivienne Westwood, BOSS, Furla, Karl Lagerfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Maje, Angelo Vintage, New Balance, Adidas, Claudie Pierlot, L’Oréal and Roberto Cavalli at a minimum of 30 per cent off.

It also plays host to an exceptional line up of food and beverage options, including the globally recognised luxury Parisian establishments Ladurée and Angelina, famous for their delicate macarons and iconic hot chocolate respectively. For guests looking to treat themselves further, French gelato brand Amorino and an elegant champagne bar offer the perfect places to pause and relax while shopping, and the popular American burger chain Five Guys caters to customers craving a quick bite between visiting their favourite stores.

How is this different to other centres?

Not only does Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny have the McArthurGlen DNA, delighting visitors and providing them with an extraordinary day-out experience, it is also home to an exclusive Maison des Métiers d’Art, GVRNY, newly launched in June.

Conceived by the world-renowned designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the Maison des Métiers d’Art is an immersive space dedicated to showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the Normandy region where the centre is located. GVRNY combines the characteristics of a concept store and exhibition space, featuring a one-of-a-kind space managed by cultural concept-store experts, ARTEUM, where guests can peruse the many high-quality, exclusive products on offer. From ceramics to jewellery, glass and floral art, goods made of leather, wood or linen, and even card making and soap, the Maison des Métiers d’Art seeks to celebrate the rich and diverse know-how of the region.

In addition to the store, visitors can also spend time on the bright mezzanine and take part in scheduled practical workshops, events and demonstrations. Presenting a unique opportunity to interact directly with the expert artisans who have made Paris-Giverny their home, guests can discover exactly what goes into their purchases and how they are made. The space enables visitors to learn more about the sustainability credentials of their products and depth of technical skill required to create them.

Developed in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (The CCI) and the Chamber of Crafts and Artisanship of the Eure (The CMA), GVRNY enables the centre to support its local area by stimulating the economic development of Normandy and highlighting regional excellence.

What is the USP of the centre?

Located just 45 minutes from the Arc de Triomphe, Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny provides the ideal day out for discerning shoppers to explore the brands they love at irresistible outlet prices all year round. The centre is home to a desirable mix of high-end and premium brands, from Calvin Klein and Coach to Sandro and Zadig and Voltaire.

Paris-Giverny’s luxurious proposition is elevated by the centre’s contemporary and elegant architectural style, providing visitors with beautiful surroundings in which to shop, eat and relax. Striking living walls by the French artist and botanist, Patrick Blanc, and expertly implemented by Biotecture, are complemented by an expanse of green roofing and lush landscaping to create a real shopping oasis.

Alongside its Maison des Métiers d’Art, GVRNY, which champions the Normandy region’s vibrant community of master craftsmen, Paris-Giverny also seeks to celebrate art and culture. The centre is home to permanent art installations that enrich the experience for guests. Art pieces including ‘Moonlight’ – Horse at Water by British artist Nic Fiddian-Green and Penelope Waiting by the French sculptor Emile-Antoine Bourdelle will be on display.

Further cementing the centre as a destination for culture, visiting aesthetes can explore a dedicated gallery space from internationally renowned experts in sculpture, Sladmore, and discover creations by local talent curated by The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny. For the centre’s opening in April, as an example, visitors were treated to an exclusive exhibition of work by the Norman contemporary artist, Seb Toussaint.

Is it family friendly?

Paris-Giverny boasts a bespoke, covered outdoor children’s play area, offering the centre’s very youngest guests the perfect place to experience their own McArthurGlen adventure. With the centre’s proximity to Monet’s Giverny, the playground’s design takes inspiration from the Impressionist art movement to provide a visually stimulating and tactile environment for children of all ages to explore.

With something new to discover around every corner – from tunnels, a spectacular multi-storey slide and climbing towers modelled after Monet’s Waterlilies, to swings, trampolines and merry-go-rounds – the play area is designer to thrill and spark the imaginations of young minds.

How can guests reach the centre in groups and fit’s.

From Paris:

• By Shuttle with a free service from Trocadero to the centre (only during the summer, available 3 days per week).
• By Shuttle with a ParisCityVision tour, including stops at the Monet Foundation and McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny, with a departure from Pullman Eiffel Tower available every day until 31st October.
• By Train from Gare St Lazare Station to Vernon-Giverny station where guests will be able to jump onto a dedicated shuttle (5€/way) to the centre.
• By Car or Bus on the A13 highway, turning off at Exit 16. The centre is located only a 45-minute drive from Rouen, Versailles and Paris. Electric vehicle charging is available at the centre.

From Vernon:

• From Vernon Giverny train station by Shuttle Bus (scheduled on SNCF timing).
• We are currently negotiating a free Shuttle Bus from the car/bus parking area of the Giverny Musée des Impressionismes & Monet Foundation to the centre (available in the summer only).

Sustainability is a key focus today, how does this centre conform to sustainability practices?

Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny is guided by McArthurGlen’s sustainability programme, Evolve, which has been designed to minimise negative impact on the planet, maximise positive impact on our communities and embed sustainability in every aspect of the Group’s business.

The centre has also obtained an NF HQE (High Environmental Quality) certification at the “excellent” level. This certification, issued by the French organisation CERTIVEA, guarantees the sustainable construction and operation of our centre, assessed across four key areas: eco-construction, eco-design, comfort and health.