Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Build a trip to Paris
About
Often described as 'the most beautiful avenue in the world,' the Champs-Élysées runs for 1.2 miles from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It is a symbol of Parisian prestige, hosting the annual Bastille Day parade and the finish line of the Tour de France. The lower section is lined with gardens and museums, while the upper section is a consumerist paradise of flagship luxury stores and theaters. The atmosphere is high-energy, crowded, and undeniably glamorous. Expert recommendation: Visit the flagship stores of Louis Vuitton or Guerlain for the architecture alone. Pro tip: Avoid eating at the restaurants directly on the avenue as they are overpriced; instead, walk a few blocks into the side streets (like Rue de Ponthieu) for much better quality and prices.
Highlights
- World-class luxury shopping
- Grand historic boulevard
- Major national parade route
- Iconic views toward Place de la Concorde
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Dior Gallery (La Galerie Dior)
Situated at the historic 30 Avenue Montaigne, where Christian Dior founded his couture house in 1946, this gallery is a dazzling tribute to the history of the brand. The scenography is world-class, featuring a 'colorama' staircase filled with 3D-printed miniature dresses and galleries showcasing iconic gowns worn by royalty and movie stars. The atmosphere is one of pure elegance and creative genius. Expert recommendation: Pay attention to the 'Office of Christian Dior,' preserved to look as it did when he worked there. Pro tip: Tickets are strictly by reservation and sell out weeks in advance. If you can't get a ticket, the Dior café inside the boutique next door offers a taste of the luxury experience.
Grand Palais
Built for the 1900 World's Fair, the Grand Palais is recognizable by its massive glass roof and ornate stone facade decorated with Art Nouveau ironwork. It serves as a prestigious venue for major art exhibitions, the Chanel fashion shows, and even a winter ice skating rink. The interior volume is breathtaking, filled with natural light that highlights the green-painted steel structures. It represents the height of 'Belle Époque' optimism. Expert recommendation: Even if you don't enter for an exhibition, view the building from the Pont Alexandre III to appreciate its scale. Pro tip: The building has been undergoing extensive renovations for years (slated to reopen for the 2024 Olympics/2025 season); always check current accessibility and the schedule for 'Grand Palais Éphémère' which hosts its major events nearby in the meantime.
Le Relais de l'Entrecôte
This institution is famous for having no menu. Once seated, the only question you’ll be asked is how you want your steak cooked. You are served a walnut salad followed by two generous servings of tender steak frites covered in their top-secret green sauce. The atmosphere is bustling, efficient, and very traditional, with yellow-clothed tables and fast-moving waitresses in black and white uniforms. Expert recommendation: The secret sauce is the star—don't be afraid to ask for extra. Pro tip: There are no reservations and the line is always long, but it moves very quickly. Arrive 20 minutes before opening for the first seating. Be sure to save room for their impressive dessert trolley, especially the 'Profiteroles.'
Seine River Cruise (Bateaux-Mouches)
The iconic glass-topped boats that have carried visitors along the Seine since 1949 offer the most panoramic and effortless introduction to Paris's extraordinary collection of riverside monuments—the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre's riverside wing, the Musée d'Orsay, the Pont Alexandre III, and dozens of historic bridges and elegant Haussmann riverbanks that constitute an open-air museum of architectural history. The one-hour commentary cruise available in multiple languages identifies every landmark as it passes, while the longer dinner cruises with live music and French cuisine served as the city's lights reflect on the water represent one of Paris's most romantic dining experiences. Boarding near the Eiffel Tower and cruising east toward the Île Saint-Louis before returning as the Tower's nightly sparkle display begins is the classic Paris evening.
Reviews
Visited this place? Share your experience and help other travelers.