French luxury conglomerate LVMH has reopened the Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf luxury departmental store, following a 750 million euros (US$894 million) restoration lasting 11 years.
The much-anticipated luxury department store was lauded by French President Emmanuel Macron as a "wonderful French treasure", according to a CNN report.
The Art Nouveau icon sits on the Right Bank along the Seine, with other Parisian iconics the likes of the Louvre museum and Notre Dame Cathedral minutes away on foot.
Five-star hotel Cheval Blanc Paris, along with its four restaurants and Dior spa, are set to open in the Samaritaine in September. The hotel's 72 rooms and suites will overlook the Seine, with rates starting at 1,500 euros.
Spanning across seven levels and multiple buildings, the 70,000sqm luxury department destination houses 600 retail brands, 12 restaurants, the largest beauty space in continental Europe, a beauty studio and spa, a 'Voyage' zone which blends gastronomy with art, and a nursery accommodating 80 children .
The building's heritage features, such as the grand staircase, soaring glass roof and peacock frescoes, have been refurbished to match the original decor.
Apart from the 20,000sqm of retail floorspace, there's also 15,000sqm of offices, while the 5,000sqm pedestrian square leads straight out to the city's famous Pont Neuf bridge.
The historic 19th century Parisian landmark closed in 2005 citing safety reasons before being acquired by LVMH in 2010.