The Champs-Elysees does not need an introduction. The above photo is of my granddaughter in May 2022. My goal is to introduce as many of my grandchildren to Paris as possible and to start with the Champs-Élysées. It is a must see on the list of Paris's top attractions. Every day nearly 300,000 people come to shop, admire the majestic monuments, or get caught up in the excitement of the major festive events that are organized there. There is always something going on and it maintains its reputation as the world's most beautiful avenue, both during the day and at night.
We personally love to visit this avenue in December during the Christmas market. It is even more spectacular that the feeling one has visiting Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza in New York at the same time of year.
The Champs-Élysées is a truly lovely avenue: a picture postcard scene. Nearly 2 kilometres in length, this historic thoroughfare runs from Place de la Concorde to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. But though it has since become ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue’, the Champs-Élysées was once a swamp. It was in the 17th century that André Le Nôtre, gardener to the Sun King, traced its original path. And thus a legend was born. The avenue has only become more beautiful with every passing decade.
The range and variety of stores along the Champs-Élysées will gladden the heart of any shopper. There’s something for everyone. Get set for a fantastic day out shopping!
A stroll on the avenue (affectionately referred to by Parisians as ‘les Champs’) offers an opportunity to browse products from many renowned French brands. J.M. Weston moccasins; crocodile-logo polo shirts from Lacoste; Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage foldable bags; every French girl’s underwear basic, i.e. cotton panties from Petit Bateau, and Éric Bompard cashmere sweaters: fashion-conscious shoppers will find all these and more along the famous avenue.
This prestigious location is also home to a number of luxury brands. Legendary perfume maker Guerlain has had its premises here in a listed building since 1913, while the Louis Vuitton flagship – nothing short of a cathedral of luxury – doubles as a contemporary art museum, to the delight of visitors. The high-end American jewellery brand Tiffany & Co has also sited its boutique along the famous Paris avenue. A sister store to the flagship on New York’s Fifth Avenue, it is a setting straight out of the Audrey Hepburn film Breakfast at Tiffany’s! You’ll also find other renowned makers of designer jewellery and watches on the avenue, like Cartier and Mauboussin.
If you’re on a budget, not to worry: the avenue also has plenty of affordable ready-to-wear and sportswear brands, like Zara, Sephora and Nike, not to mention the official PSG store selling the well-known Paris football club’s merchandise.
Foodies will find many delights to sample on a stroll along the Champs-Élysées: there is a Ladurée, known for mouth-watering French macarons, while a unique sensory experience mingling fragrance and pâtisserie is to be had at 86 Champs, an innovative concept store that’s the result of a tie-up between Pierre Hermé and L’Occitane. Laduree is our favorite stop because of the thick hot chocolate. It is a memory to eat on the elegant china while sipping the chocolate.
The Champs-Élysées is a cultural hotspot, boasting cinemas, theatres, exhibition venues … take your pick!
Theatre lovers can head to the famous Théâtre du Rond-Point, which puts on contemporary plays; the Théâtre Marigny, the Espace Pierre Cardin or the nearby Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
If you’re keen to visit an exhibition, there is a Paris must-see only a short distance from the Champs-Élysées roundabout: the imposing Grand Palais. Built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, this monument hosts the supersize exhibitions held in the French capital. And, just across the street, you can admire the superb collection of artworks at the Petit Palais.
As for film enthusiasts: the avenue is dotted with cinema halls. In fact, it is the street with the largest number of cinemas in Paris – including ‘vintage’ halls dating back to the 1930s, like UGC Normandie, UGC George V and Gaumont Champs-Élysées. There are some arthouse cinemas too in the area, like L’Elysée-Lincoln and Le Balzac. And, for a unique cinema-going experience, head to the unusual MK2, tucked away inside the Grand Palais.
On Bastille Day, the avenue is the place to go: it is decked out in the French national colours to host the world-famous 14th July parade.
When it comes to sporting events, the avenue is the starting point for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (in April), and the place where cyclists riding the Tour de France cross the finish line after the final stage (in July).
In June, the Champs-Elysées Film Festival takes over the avenue, placing the spotlight on the best independent French and American films over an 8-day period with screenings, talks and showcase events. An entire week devoted to cinema, during which the rooftop of the Publicis building is opened specially for the occasion.
The year-end festivities see the Champs-Elysées lit up with seasonal sparkle, with superb illuminations to be admired all along the avenue. On 31 December, people ring in the new year on the avenue with a countdown displayed on the Arc de Triomphe.
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-champs-elysees-a708
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