The World-Famous Champs-Élysées

Did you know that the world-famous Champs-Élysées is visited by about 300,000 people each day? People flock here from all over the world to admire the monuments, take in the sights, enjoy a shopping spree, grab a scrumptious meal, or participate in the special events that take place here. The Champs-Élysées is an avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It stretches 1.2 miles long and is 230 feet wide running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle . The avenue is known for its upscale shopping, cafes, theatres, and the annual Bastille Day military parade.

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History of the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées dates back to 1667 when it was designed by a French landscape architect, André Le Nôtre, whom also designed the gardens of Versailles. The original design was called the Grande Promenade and featured a wide promenade lined with elm trees and symmetrical flower beds.

During the 1850s through 1870s, Napoleon III reconstructed the French capital. He demolished the medieval city-center and replaced it with wide tree-lined boulevards.

Throughout history, the avenue has been the site for many military parades. Every year on Bastille Day (July 14), the largest military parade in Europe makes its way down the avenue.

The Avenue Today...

It is estimated that more than 3,000 vehicles per hour drive down the bustling avenue. This has led to nitrogen dioxide levels twice as high as the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization.

In 2021, the Mayor of Paris announced that the city would be transforming the avenue into “an extraordinary garden” that would add more green space, pedestrian space, and traffic in half. There are also plans for a walkway that would stretch between the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde, and the Tuileries Gardens. The project will not begin until the 2021 Summer Olympics have taken place in Paris. It is expected that the project will be completed by 2030.

In the meantime, cars are now banned from the avenue on the first Sunday of each month to help cut down on the air pollution. The avenue is even more enjoyable when it is car free!

Highlights of the Champs-Élysées

Even if you aren’t into upscale shopping, a trip to this popular avenue is a must while you’re in Paris. And honestly, there are several affordable shops and restaurants lining the street, as well. In fact, there are more burger joints than I can count!

There are two schools of thoughts as to where you should start. Some say you should start at the Place de la Concorde and walk towards the Arc de Triomphe so that you get the full view of the arch as you walk down the avenue (this involves walking uphill). Others suggest that you start at the Arc and walk downhill to the Place de la Concorde. Personally, I prefer walking towards the Arc. I suggest starting at the Place de la Concorde, walking to the Arc and then taking the metro back.

Arc de Triomphe– an iconic triumphal arch built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories.
Shopping
Dining
Jardins des Champs-Élysées– formal gardens landscaped by André Le Notre in 1667.

Where is the Champs-Élysées located?

The Champs-Élysées is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.

Metro Stops:

Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12)

Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (lines 1, 13)

Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9)

George V (line 1)

Charles de Gaulle Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6).

The nearest RER station is Charles de Gaulle Étoile.

What is There to do Nearby?

Musée de l’Orangerie- a 20th-century European art museum featuring 8 of Monet’s water lilies.
Tuileries Garden- a 17th century formal garden decorated with statues.
Statue of Joan of Arc Paris- a gilded statue of Joan of Arc.
Louvre- the world’s largest art collection.
Musee d’Orsay– an art museum featuring 19th and 20th century European art.
Sainte-Chapelle– a 13th century Gothic chapel.
Notre Dame Cathedral– 13th century cathedral with flying buttresses and gargoyles.