Exploring the neighborhood of Champs Elysees

written by INSIDR Team October 13, 2022

The Champs-Élysées is perhaps the best-known avenue in the world. Charming cafes, historic theaters, and luxury boutiques of all kinds line this picturesque street that runs from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The name Champs-Élysées, is a reference to the mythological Greek paradise, the Elysian fields. In suit, it’s regarded as one of the most idyllic locations in Paris.

Besides being the home of some of Paris’ top monuments, The Champs-Élysées is one of, if not the best, shopping districts in Paris. Every street along the boulevard has been carefully selected by the official Champs-Élysées board of commerce to ensure that the street remains true to its origin as the premiere shopping district in Paris. In this article, INSIDR breaks down the best boutiques, the most worth it restaurants, and the must-see attractions in and around the Champs-Élysées.

History of the Champs Elysees

Until the 17th century, the Champs-Élysées was not a boulevard but an extension of the Tuileries gardens. It was not until the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV, that the gardens were redesigned to include a wide promenade lined with rows of elm trees and flowerbeds planted in the formal style of the classic French garden. By the end of the century, the Champs-Élysées had become a fashionable avenue, surrounded by the houses of Parisian aristocracy. One of these private residences, the Élysée Palace, now serves as the office and home of the sitting President of France. These are just some of the historic moments that have made the Champs-Élysées so famous.

Where to shop in the Champs Elysees area

If you’re planning on visiting the Champs-Élysées for some world-class shopping, here are some INSIDR favorites you should definitely check out! Find more shopping recommendations and tips in our Paris Shopping Guide which you can download for free!

Dior

Located on Avenue Montaigne, the Dior boutique off the Champs-Élysées is probably the most iconic Dior boutique in the world. Their storefront always features amazing decorations that change with every season. Even if you’re not planning on shopping at Dior, the window displays alone are worth a visit. Plus, it’s a great way to get outfit inspiration before you hit the slightly more affordable shops.

Address: 30 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday, 1pm-7pm Sundays
Dior official website

Montaigne Market

Montaigne Market is a veritable charcuterie board of luxury clothing and brands. The store carries unique items from a range of your favorite designers and those you have yet to discover. All the pieces are hand-selected and curated to give you the ‘crème de la crème’ of the most current fashion trends. A peek at their instagram will give you a sense of just how diverse their selection is. From floral dresses to rhinestone encrusted tights, there’s always something new and cool to fall in love with at Montaigne Market.

Address: 18 Avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 10:30-7pm Monday to Saturday
Montaigne Market website

What to visit in the Champs Elysees area

Arc de Triomphe

After you shop till you drop, no visit to the Champs-Élysées would be complete without a visit to the Arc de Triomphe. This a great place to get a birds eye view of Paris from by climbing to the top of the monument (12€). You can download the app Affluences to get real-time updates on the size of the crowds and plan your visit accordingly. INSIDR recommends going first thing in the morning when foot traffic is slow and the morning light is perfect for taking photos. Definitely one of the Paris Attractions not to be missed!

Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 10am-11pm everyday
Arc du Triomphe website

Grand Palais

The Grand Palais is a historic site and an exhibition hall that was constructed for the Universal Exposition of 1900. The exhibition hall was designed in the style of Beaux-Arts architecture and is famous for its beautiful glass vaulted roof where you’ll always find the French flag erected. Occasionally, Grand Palais features several ‘salons’ or large rooms that host a rotating cast of art exhibitions and events like the Tour de France and the Chanel fashion shows during Paris Fashion Week. It has remained one of the most important landmarks in Paris since it opened and we recommend that you pay a visit before the Grand Palais is closed for major restoration work from 2021 until the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Address: 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 10am-8pm Wednesday-Monday
Grand Palais website

Musée Jacquemart-André

A few steps from the Champs-Élysées sits one of the most underrated museums in Paris. Musée Jacquemart-André is built inside the former private home of French politician and art collector Édouard André. The museum features 17th century apartment rooms, the Sculpture Gallery which houses a collection of 15th and 16th century Italian sculpture, and a formal winter garden. Some of the notable artists included in the Musée Jacquemart-André collection include Botticelli, Donatello, Rembrandt, and Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun. Full-rate tickets start from 12€. For more museums like this, make sure you download our free Paris Museums Guide.

Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 10am-6pm everyday
Musée Jacquemart-André website

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is the primary park of the Champs-Élysées neighborhood. The park was created by the fabulously-wealthy Phillippe d’Orléans, the Duke of Chartres, and a cousin of King Louis XVI. Parc Monceau features many architectural follies including a miniature Egyptian pyramid, a Roman colonnade, and antique statues. Stately manor homes that were once owned by the Parisian aristocratic class surround the park. Today, it is a popular family spot with a big playground, spacious fields, a carousel, and even pony rides.

Address: 35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 7am-9pm everyday

Where to eat in the Champs Elysees area

There are a number of restaurants on the famous avenue and even more in its surrounding areas. Here’s are our pointers to eating from morning until late night in the neighborhood. We have a lot more restaurant recommendations in the area in our Champs Elysees Map which you can download for free!

Breakfast: Ladurée

For breakfast on the Champs-Élysées the Parisian way, head to Ladurée. This French bakery was established in 1862 and is known world-wide for their delicate, pastel-colored macarons—15,000 of which are sold everyday! At Ladurée, you can enjoy a traditional French breakfast of pâtisserie favorites, like buttery croissants and pain au chocolat with fresh fruit, coffee and juice. We also highly recommend their indulgent french toast that comes with a side of whipped butter!

Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 7:30am-11pm everyday
Ladurée website

Lunch: La Maison de la Truffe

La Maison de la Truffe is a restaurant where every dish features the luxurious truffle for you to enjoy. This restaurant, situated just steps from the Champs-Élysées, not only has truffled dishes, you can also shop for souvenirs to bring home. Signature dishes include Gnocchi with Parmesan Cream and Black Melanosporum Truffle and their very own elevated version of the croque monsieur with shaved black truffles! If you love all things truffle, this is the place for you!

Address: 14 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 12–3pm, 7–10:30pm Monday to Saturday
La Maison de la Truffe website

Afternoon coffee break: Honor Café

Honor Café is the perfect spot to take a pause and catch your breath with a great cup of artisan coffee. This is one of the many great local coffee shops in Paris right now. This concept cafe serves up specialty coffee that is sure to impress even the snobbiest of coffee snobs. The cafe is tucked into a terrace and looks like a kiosk upon first glance. The shop walls reconfigure to create various spaces including a raised patio, a traditional coffee bar, and a spacious terrace.

Address: 54 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday
Honor Café website

Dinner: Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is a classic French steakhouse where servers dressed in quasi French maid’s outfits will brusquely ask how you want your steak cooked. Don’t be shocked by this, the restaurant has no menu—only steak and fries! After ordering you’ll almost immediately find yourself face to face with a seasonal green salad. However, this is just the beginning. They will then wheel food right to your table and plate your steak frites right before your eyes. Your feast begins as soon as you’ve poured a generous helping of their famous sauce over your steak.
INSIDR Tip: make sure you arrive before the opening time to avoid a long wait for a table!

If you’d like to opt for cuisine that’s more refined and service that’s more welcoming, we recommend L’Orangerie at Hotel George V also just off Champs Elysees.

Address: 15 Rue Marbeuf, Paris, 75008
Schedule: 12–2:30pm, 7–11:30pm everyday
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte website

Late night drinks: Le Bar Kleber

To conclude your long full day at the Champs-Élysées, head to Le Bar Kléber for a sophisticated night cap. This stunning bar is part of The Peninsula Paris, a boutique hotel built into a 17th century manor house. The bar offers signature and original cocktails for you to sip while feeling like you’re a guest at a renaissance high-society salon. Be warned though, one drink can cost you as much as 32€. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion glass of champagne or a margarita made the French way. What does that mean? You’ll have to find out for yourself.

Address: 19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris
Schedule: 12pm-2am everyday
Le Bar Kleber website

If you’re interested in the city’s night scene, check out our list of the Paris’ hidden cocktail bars!

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