Don't be fooled by the name ("low-budget" or "cheap") of this two-part Left Bank department store -- for about 20 years, it has worked hard to position itself in the luxury market, selling fashion for men, women, and children; furniture; upscale gifts; and housewares. Some visitors compare it to Bloomingdale's with a French accent. This is the oldest department store in Paris, dating from 1852. Of course, it can't compete with the grand magasins like Galeries Lafayette , except in one category: Au Bon Marché has a superior rug department, which it has fine-tuned as its specialty since 1871. It also has one of the largest food halls in Paris.