Furnished apartment rental in Champs Elysees neighborhood

A Guide to Visiting the Champs Élysées in Paris

The Champs Élysées is one of the iconic boulevards in Paris. It is located on the western side of the 8th arrondissement of Paris. This 1.9 km long avenue begins at the Place de la Concorde and ends at the Place Charles de Gaulle. The Champs Elysées is also characterized by the presence of important museums such as the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, the Louis Vuitton Cultural Center. Since March 12, 2019, the fountains of the Champs-Élysées roundabout have been resplendent thanks to the Bourroulec brothers. Highlights of visiting this district : Climb the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy a spectacular panorama ! 

  

The Champs Elysées district is limited to the north by the beautiful avenue Matignon and avenue Gabriel. It is bounded by Place de la Concorde to the east, the Seine to the south and avenue Marceau to the west. The Champs-Elysées district is the most popular with tourists from all over the world. It is the least populated district of the eighth arrondissement of Paris, with only 4,453 inhabitants. Many offices and luxury commercial premises are also installed there for its unique view of the Champs Elysées, the most beautiful boulevard. 

 

Historical Importance

Completed in the seventeenth century, the avenue has  hosted several military parades including a march by the American troops of the 28th Infantry Division on August 29, 1944, and the Free French 2nd Armored Division on August 26, 1944.

The French military parade also passes down the avenue every year on Bastille Day to mark France’s national day.

Things to do When Visiting the Champs Élysées

While the avenue is known for its beautiful thoroughfare, it also has plenty to offer in terms of history, food, shopping and sights for tourists. The must-see places in the neighbourhood include:

1. Arc de Triomphe

In 1806, Napoleon ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in honor of the army. Inspired by ancient vaults, this emblematic monument bears the names of the Revolution and the Battle of the First Empire and the General. There is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose flames rekindle each night. From the terrace, you can enjoy a unique panorama of the Champs Elysées day and night. 

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most visited monuments in the capital. It was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The arch also commemorates other important French military victories and soldiers who fought and died in battle.While this Roman-inspired arch doesn’t stand as tall as the Eiffel Tower, it offers amazing views of the Champs Élysées.

2. Grand Palais and Petit Palais

The Grand and Petit Palais are a must-see when visiting Paris. They were built for the 1900 Universal Exposition as a showcase of Paris’s splendours to the world. The buildings feature Beaux-Arts architecture and splendid geometrical glass rooftops.The Grand Palais houses a science museum and regularly hosts fairs, exhibitions and events. The Petit Palais, on the other hand, has a fine arts museum that houses more than 1,300 works of art from classical antiquity to modern times.

The Grand Palais is one of the most emblematic monuments of Paris. Built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, the exposition is famous for its large glass dome lined with the French flag. A masterpiece of stone, steel and glass architecture, listed as a historic monument since November 2000. It consists of three main buildings : the Nave, the National Gallery and the Palace of Discovery. The 240 meter long transept hosts major national and international events in various disciplines (horse riding, contemporary art, amusement parks, etc.). The National Gallery hosts major exhibitions on artists who have made art history (Picasso, Hopper, Renoir, etc.). The Palais de la Découverte is a science museum and a cultural center where children enjoy permanent and temporary exhibitions. A three-in-one must-see attraction just a stone's throw from the Champs Elysées. 

3. Lido Cabaret

Lido is one of the city’s famed cabarets and one of the few historical nightspots to have survived the modernisation of the Champs Élysées. It is famous for hosting breathtaking performances, shows, events, and concerts.

Notable people that have performed at this cabaret include Elton John, Edith Piaf, Laurel and Hardy, Maurice Chevalier and Kessler Twins. This venue is great for an evening out during your stay in Paris.

4. Théâtre des Champs Élysées

A visit to Paris would be incomplete without a visit to Théâtre des Champs Élysées. This theatre was opened in 1913 and has since become a famous venue for opera, dance, and contemporary music.

5. Concorde

Place de la Concorde is at the foot of the Champs Elysées. It now houses the obelisk of Luxor (built 3,300 years ago and installed in May 1998), the prestigious hotels that surround it, and two monumental fountains (Fontaine de Mer and Fontaine de Fleuve). Founded in 1772, Place de la Concorde was first known as one of the places of execution during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (especially) were beheaded there. Between 1836 and 1846, architect Jacques Inhaschtorf designed the square as we know it today. 

Eating and Drinking

The boulevard is packed with eateries ranging from neighbourhood bistros to upscale restaurants. Popular haunts include Le Clarence, Chez Gabrielle, Caffè ArtCurial, Miss Kô, and Tosca. You can discover the signature dishes of Aveyron, hearty dishes, and the French brasserie, Brasserie Chef Lots (2 rue Cambon, 75001), which offers perfect service. If you wish, you can easily walk to the apartment for lunch or a light meal before visiting the neighborhood. For dinner, you can go home after this beautiful day and take a break in your apartment to prepare your meal. For others, we recommend the restaurant l'Oiseau Blanc (19avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris), which serves refined French cuisine under a large glass roof with a magnificent view. 

Where to Stay

While hotels are popular in this district, there are apartment rentals in Champs Élysées that are ideal for families seeking a home-like environment. To help narrow your search and get an apartment that suits your needs, we recommend using a real estate agent. A reputable agency like Winston & Léon agency can help you find the best apartment in Champs Élysées. With the agency, you can search a wide range of Champs Elysees apartments rentals and book one that suits you.

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