8th Arrondissement

Champs-Élysées is the widest avenue in Paris, France and runs through the 8th arrondissement. A lot of fashionable and high-end boutiques line this avenue, making the thoroughfare the most expensive in terms of real estate. It was named after the Eleysian Fields, attributed to be the resting place of heroes in Greek mythology.

The Arc de Triomphe is located on the western end of Champs-Élysées. A magnificent monument that is located in the Place de l’Étoile, it was built to honor the soldiers who died for the country.

Also located within the 8th arrondissement is the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a smaller thoroughfare that is also lined with fashionable brands, thus, making it one of the most popular places to go shopping.

Sights & Activities

The Place de la Concorde is a huge square located in the eastern end of Champs-Élysées. The eastern side of the square marks the beginning of the Tuileries Garden. At the center of the square is an obelisk that was one of the three structures named Cleopatra’s Needles. Transported from Egypt in 1833, the obelisk stands on the site where the guillotine that beheaded many individuals during the French Revolution once stood. Flanking the obelisk are two fountains while statues were erected in the four corners of the square.
A short distance from the square and still located along Champs-Élysées is the Grand Palais. This great exhibition hall was built at the turn of the 20th century for the Paris Exhibition in 1900. Visitors should take the time to stop by this particular landmark, if only to appreciate its unusual architecture that combines Classical and Art Nouveau styles. In its eastern side is the Petit Palais, an impressive structure that contains the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. This establishment showcases paintings, furniture, and other objects of art.

On the western end of Champs-Élysées is the Arc de Triomphe, a monument that was built in the early part of the 19th century. The Arc bears several sculptures, including the famous Le Marseillaise by François Rude. The names of French generals are also inscribed in its walls, as well as the major battles that occurred during the Napoleonic Wars. Under the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a torch bearing an eternal flame to honor the unidentified soldiers who died during World War I and II. Visitors are encouraged to use an underpass to get to this monument, where they can ride the lift or walk up the stairs to the top of the monument.

Champs-Élysées is the venue of the largest annual military parade in the continent, done on Bastille Day. Visitors lucky enough to visit the area during the holiday season will see the avenue lighted up. The area also comes alive during New Year’s Eve.

The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is a street located north of Champs-Élysées and is the second street running parallel to it. This street is home to a number of fashion and clothing shops from all over the world. It is also the address of several foreign embassies such as the United Kingdom on no. 35 and that of the United States on no. 41. It most prominent landmark, however, is the Élysée Palace, on no. 55. This is the official residence of the President of the French Republic. The palace also has an extensive garden behind it, which crosses over the Avenue Gabriel and ends along Champs-Élysées.

Eating Out

Numerous restaurants are located along Paris’ broadest avenue, providing a lot of dining choices for visitors and locals who frequent the area. Among the notable restaurants located on Champs-Élysées are Chez Clement Elysées, the famous Laduree, Planet Hollywood, and the Montecristo Café. Near the Arc de Triomphe are the Cap Vernet on Avenue Marceau, the Sir Winston gastro pub on Rue Presbourg, and the Citrus Etoile on Rue Arsène. Those who goes sightseeing at the Champs-Élysées can head out to the Royce and the Le Griffonier, both located along Rue Saussales.