Champs-Élysées: shopping in Paris

What to do in the famous shopping street of Paris?

Visit Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the famous shopping street with luxury shops in Paris, starting from Place de la Concorde towards the Arc de Triomphe.

Sightseeing and shopping at Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris must be the best-known avenue in all of France. The long avenue (1.9 kilometers) connects Place Charles de Gaulle with the Arc de Triomphe in the east to Place la Concorde in the west. The historic Obelisk of Luxor is located at Place de la Concorde, and the Arc de Triomphe is located at Place Charles de Gaulle. Avenue des Champs-Élysées looks highly elegant since all of the billboards and branding along the avenue are white. You can visit chic boutiques for high-end fashion houses, luxury shops and spacious flagship stores for well-known chain retailers (like Louis Vuitton and a Disney Store). Also, there are many options for dining, such as classy cafés and restaurant, or simply stroll under the shade of its tree-lined sidewalks.

^{Visit Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France}

^{Place de la Concorde with the Obelisk of Luxor}

History of the Champs-Élysées in Paris

Avenue des Champs-Élysées has existed since the 17th century as anextension of the Tuileries Garden; construction of the avenue started around 1667. The avenue was not given its name until 1709. During the years, the avenue has been extended and embellished. Napoleon III made considerable improvements to the city’s infrastructure and elevated the avenue to a prominent location.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées, today

When French people gather in Paris, chances are this will be on the Champs-Élysées. Every year on New Year's Eve, Parisians gather here. The same thing happened when the French won the World Cup in 1998. Furthermore, Avenue des Champs-Élysées serves as the annual finish line for the Tour de France. The Champ-Élysées also play a significant part in the celebration of Bastille Day in France. Every year, on July 14th, the French remember the start of the French Revolution. On Bastille Day, a military parade passes down Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

^{Visiting Avenue des Champs-Élysées: at the end Place de la Concorde}

^{What to see near the Champs-Élysées: Hôtel de la Marine}

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, is a stunning blend of history, architecture, and grandeur. It is located between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden. Designed in the 18th century, the square is famous for its striking landmarks, including the Luxor Obelisk, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian monument gifted to France in the 19th century. Two magnificent fountains, the Fountain of the Seas (Fontaine des Mers) and the Fountain of the Rivers (Fontaine des Fleuves) reflecting the neoclassical style of the era. The square witnessed pivotal moments during the French Revolution, including the execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, Place de la Concorde symbolizes the city's resilience and evolution.

Another landmark located on Place de la Concorde is Hôtel de la Marine, a stunning neoclassical masterpiece with a rich history. Once the headquarters of the French Navy, this elegant building now serves as a cultural treasure, showcasing exquisite 18th-century decor and historical exhibits. Visitors can explore its beautifully restored salons and learn about its role in French history. When you book this ticket you can visit some of the ceremonial salons and exhibitions of Hôtel de la Marine.

Activities near the Champs-Élysées

More places to visit near the avenue

When you start walking from Place de la Concorde towards the Arc de Triomphe, some nice places to visit near the Champs-Élysées:

• Jardins des Champs-Élysées: A tranquil green space to relax between fountains, sculptures and charming pathways.
• Petit Palais: A stunning art museum located near the Champs-Élysées. Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, it showcases fine art, sculptures, and decorative pieces from antiquity to the 20th century. Its elegant architecture and free permanent collections make it an interesting landmark. More info 'Petit Palais'.
• Grand Palais: The impressing Grand Palais in Paris is renowned for its iconic glass roof. Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, it now hosts major art exhibitions, cultural events and fashion shows.
• Avenue Montaigne: Known for luxury shopping, this side street features high-end brands like Dior and Chanel.
• Ladurée: An elegant patisserie known for its delicious macarons and refined atmosphere (website Ladurée).
• Lido de Paris: A famous cabaret venue offering dazzling performances. With its iconic blue feathered costumes, lavish sets, and talented dancers, Lido offers a unique Parisian entertainment experience (website Lido).
• Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's most iconic landmarks, located at the top of the Champs-Élysées. Commissioned by Napoleon to honor his victories, it features detailed sculptures and an eternal flame at its base. Visitors can climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of Paris. More info about visiting the 'Arc de Triomphe'.

^{Left: Petit Palais and Grand Palais, right: Jardins du Champs-Élysées}

^{Shopping at the Champs-Élysées}

How do I get to the Champs-Élysées?

The Paris metro is a convenient and easy way to visit Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The well-known avenue can be reached via Line 1 at the George V. stop or via Line 1, Line 2, or Line 6 at the Charles de Gaulle-Étiolle stop.