The Samaritaine is a famous department store in Paris (near the Pont Neuf) originally created at the very begining of the 20th century by Ernest Cognacq and his wife Louise Jay (their name is still famous in Paris for everybody knows the Rue Cognacq-Jay where the first television studios were installed). As you can see from this 3D picture that can still be seen on the top floor of the store, it all started with a small shop arround the corner...

The name "La Samaritaine" comes from the name of a waterpump that was located by the bridge and were Parisians used to get water from until 1813.


On the top floor, you can have a drink on a very nice Terrace - a bit touristy, of course... - where you can see the typical roofs of Paris and a magnificent view on the river Seine. I went there last week-end for the first time in my life!! - I probably would have never gone there if it weren't for this blog!