Apple previews luxurious Champs-Elysees store in Paris ahead of Sunday launch

The shop is based in a "Haussmann-era apartment building," the facade and entryway of which of have been restored, Apple said. While the company has added its own standard design elements it also has copied some historic touches, for instance using by using Burgundy stone, and lining the upper floors with French oak parquet.

The inner courtyard of the apartment has been turned into "Apple's grandest Forum," where the shop's Today at Apple events will be staged.

"Working within a historic Parisian building is a great responsibility and a phenomenal opportunity," said chief design officer Jony Ive in a prepared statement. "Our first priority was to honor the history of the building, while thoughtfully updating it to create spaces both grand and intimate. The carefully interweaving layers are warm and light filled, celebrating the timeless spirit of the city."

A sculptured roof light is intended not just for show, but to let in sunlight and collect energy through solar panels. The building has also been given a rainwater collection system to deliver water to the store's bathrooms, trees, and green walls.

The outlet's workforce will include over 330 people, though only a little over 100 of those will actually be new recruits — the rest are coming in from stores in Paris and "around the world."

Champs-Elysees is replacing Carrousel du Louvre, which closed on Oct. 27 despite its own prominent location. The new store is poised to become Apple's French flagship, and indeed the company has been hyping up a grand opening with work by 15 artists covering the windows, and plans for special Today at Apple sessions including live art, a Music Lab with Songe and Myd, and two concerts.