Following the successful implementation of UPI for online ticket booking at the Eiffel Tower, iconic Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette has become the second major French tourist attraction to accept payments through UPI, as part of NIPL-Lyra partnership.

To ease travel-related payments and boost tourism, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a digital-payment solution and subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended its partnership with French online payment firm Lyra to another tourist attraction in France.

Under the new deal, Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store in Haussmann, Paris, will accept Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments, according to a press statement issued by NPCI. 

According to the statement, Galeries Lafayette is an upmarket French department store chain and also the biggest in Europe. Known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and world-class shopping, Paris is a favourite destination among Indian tourists.

The statement says that this new integration allows Indian visitors to make secure and convenient UPI transactions at this historic luxury department store, enhancing their overall Parisian experience.

NPCI adds that the integration of UPI at a prominent French retail and tourist destinations is set to boost its popularity among European merchants. This initiative aims to broaden UPI’s market presence in France and Europe, driving further growth and adoption as a secure payment solution.

It says that the official announcement was made in Paris in the presence of Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco, along with guests including Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, and Alain Lacour, Chairman of Lyra Group.

NPCI says that the partnership will benefit a multitude of Indian tourists visiting Paris every year, allowing them to use UPI as the integration of UPI ensures effortless shopping and seamless transactions through UPI-powered apps, enhancing the memorability of their visit to Paris. 

By simply scanning QR code at the store, Indian tourists can complete their payments with transparency in exchange rates.

The statement adds that this move comes on the heels of the success of UPI launch at the Eiffel Tower a few months ago.

Ashraf welcomed the quick conclusion of the agreement and engagement of UPI at Galleries Lafayette, specially ahead of the Paris Olympics. 

Starting July 26, Paris Olympics is expected to draw large number of Indian visitors, the statement adds. 

Ambassador says this will pave the way for wide acceptance of UPI in France and support its internationalisation as a means of digital payments. He thanked NPCI International and Lyra for their cooperation.

“Delighted to launch UPI in the world famous Galleries Lafayette in Paris. After the launch in Eiffel Tower in Jan 2024, expanding UPI across France,” Ashraf wrote on social media X.

“Our collaboration with Galeries Lafayette in Paris not only enables UPI payments at a prestigious venue but also boosts UPI adoption as a convenient and secure cross-border payment method for Indian tourists,” says Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International.

“We are confident that UPI will continue to gain traction as a reliable and efficient payment option, further strengthening its presence in international markets,” he adds.

“Lyra is happy to have enabled for the first time in Europe the in-store acceptance of UPI in the iconic Department stores Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris,” says Christophe Mariette, Chairman of Lyra India.

“Thanks to the collaboration with NPCI International, Galeries Lafayette and the cash register editor Lundi Matin has been done in a very short time. One more reason for Indian tourists to come to Paris for the Olympic Games,” Mariette adds.

“We are delighted to be the first department store in Europe to offer the UPI payment solution at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. By introducing UPI, we facilitate seamless and secure transactions for our Indian guests and strengthen cultural and economic ties between France and India,” says Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette.

“As the number of visitors from India is growing, we are proud to offer this innovative payment option, ensuring a convenient and memorable shopping experience. With the opening of our first Indian store in Mumbai in 2025, followed by New Delhi, this initiative becomes even more significant, symbolising our commitment to reinforcing the ties between our two countries,” he adds.