Champs Élysées: The Most Beautiful Street in the World

Are you planning your trip to Paris? A stroll down the Champs-Élysées is a must, known as "The World's Most Beautiful Avenue." But we can't let you leave without sharing everything you need to know about Les Champs, as the Parisians call it. History, curiosities, local spots and restaurants, shopping, and events that you absolutely cannot miss.

Located in the 8th arrondissement, the most famous avenue in Paris, extending from Rue de Rivoli, is now one of the most renowned luxury shopping promenades in the world (as important as 5th Avenue in New York). Stretching over a straight length of 1,910 meters in the northwestern part of the French capital, Les Champs offers a unique perspective to those who walk it, starting from the east at Place de La Concorde (where the impressive obelisk stands), along the right bank of the Seine, to Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Place de L'Étoile), with the historic Arc de Triomphe at the west end.

The avenue is divided into two parts: the lower section, from Place de La Concorde, characterized by gardens, four historic restaurants (Ledoyen, Laurent, Gabriel, Élysées-Lenôtre), two theaters (Marigny and Rond-Point), and the Espace Cardin pavilion (a space for dining and performances), the Petit Palais, the Grand Palais, and the Palais de l'Élysée (the residence of the President of the Republic); while the upper part (from Place de Gaulle) features elegant buildings, luxury boutiques, bars, car showrooms, some cinemas, and the famous Lido, among the most renowned and frequented cabarets in Paris.

The two sides of the Champs Élysées are so different due to changes that occurred in different eras. Initially, they were simply fields until 1616, when Marie de' Medici ordered the construction of a tree-lined pathway, extending from the Louvre to the Tuileries and from 1724 to Place de l'Étoile. At the end of the 17th century, architect Le Notre designed the garden area, allowing the king, standing at the Tuileries Palace, to enjoy a beautiful view. From that moment, Les Champs became a fashionable avenue, one of the favorite places of Queen Marie Antoinette, who enjoyed taking walks here with her ladies-in-waiting.

Here, in 1931, the pavilion des Ambassadeurs was established, now Espace Cardin. Only in 1828 did Avenue des Champs Élysées become the property of the city of Paris, and since then, numerous structural and architectural changes have taken place. The other side of Les Champs, however, developed only during the Second Empire, which saw a building boom of luxury residences (only the Hotel de la Paiva, at number 25, survives today). But the legend and charm of the Champs Élysées and their bohemian elegance exploded during the Belle Époque with the opening of luxury hotels and the Guerlain perfumery.

Today, with the advance of commercial chains on the famous French avenue, much of the charm of yesteryear has been lost, although visitors don't seem to mind. The most recent attempt to restore the former glory of Les Champs dates back to 1993, with a renovation of the urban furniture to widen sidewalks and enhance walking.

Furthermore, car traffic has been limited to the central part, while shops and establishments have been required to adhere to certain stylistic guidelines. And this is just the appetizer! Get ready, because now we will guide you to discover the things to do and see and the best cafés and restaurants to eat at the Champs Élysées. Follow us!

Concorde

Champs Élysées Clemenceau

Franklyn D. Roosevelt

George V