a citizen’s guide to Champs Elysées

an areal view of the Champs Elysees and surrounding areas.

say 'bonjour' to Champs Elysées

Welcome to the Champs-Élysées, where Parisian glamour, culture, fashion, and fun all collide in one iconic boulevard. This neighbourhood is bursting with French charm and style! Picture iconic landmarks and buzzing streets – as you stroll past legendary fashion houses like Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Prada, you'll feel the pulse of the city's chicest neighbourhood. Get ready to dive into the heart of Paris, where every corner exudes elegance and every boutique promises a touch of luxury.

The name ‘Champs-Élysées’ comes from the ‘Elysian Fields’— the heavenly home of Greek heroes. Wondering why is it so famous? Not only is it known for its luxury shops, theatre and cafés, but also as the finish line for the Tour de France and the site of the annual Bastille Day parade. So, what are you waiting for? Time to dive into everything this street has to offer.

Right in the heart of Paris, the Champs Elysées sits snugly between the iconic 1st and 8th arrondissements. You can't miss it! Just hop on the metro, the bus, or take a leisurely stroll from nearby attractions. It's like the beating pulse of the city, drawing you in with its world-famous avenue, swanky boutiques, and timeless landmarks. A whole 1.9 kilometers of beautiful avenue connecting the Arc de Triomphe with the Place de la Concorde. If you're on the hunt for that Parisian flair and sophistication, look no further. So, lace up those shoes and let's dive headfirst into the magic of Champs Elysées!

the emblematic Arc de Triomphe in the centre of Paris, France, basking in a warm sunset.

things to do in Champs Elysées

Step into the vibrant rhythm of Champs Elysées, where every moment promises excitement and every corner invites exploration. From leisurely stroll along the famed avenue, to indulging in haute couture shopping and cultural delights, Champs Elysées offers something for every traveller.

  1. Take a Casual Stroll: Amble along the famous Champs Elysées, soaking in its grand buildings, posh shops, and famous sights. Don't forget to grab a pic with the Arc de Triomphe in the background!
  2. See the Arc de Triomphe: Be wowed by the massive Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of French pride. Climb up for awesome views of Paris and learn its cool history.
  3. Shop on Avenue Montaigne: Treat yourself on Avenue Montaigne, a swanky street known for top-notch shopping. Check out shops like Chanel and Louis Vuitton for some serious retail therapy.
  4. Chill at Jardin des Champs Elysées: Escape the city chaos and chill at this peaceful garden oasis. Take a serene stroll, enjoy the pretty views, and just relax in nature.
  5. Explore Grand and Petit Palais: Dive into art and culture at these stunning exhibition halls. Admire the cool architecture and check out awesome art collections and events.
  6. Feast on French Food: Indulge your taste buds in Champs Elysées' yummy food scene. From cute cafes to fancy restaurants, there's something for every taste. Try classic French dishes like coq au vin and tarte tatin for a true French foodie experience.
  7. Catch a Cabaret at Lido de Paris: Dive into Parisian nightlife with a flashy cabaret show at Lido de Paris. Sit back, enjoy the glitz, and soak up the fun right in Champs Elysées.
  8. Check out Théâtre des Champs Elysées: Get your dose of artsy vibes at this historic theatre. Enjoy classical music concerts, opera shows, and ballet performances for a cultural night out.
  9. Shop on Avenue George V: Explore more luxury shopping on Avenue George V. Hunt for designer goodies and soak in the chic Parisian vibes.
  10. Relax at a Sidewalk Cafe: Take a breather and chill at a cute sidewalk cafe. Sip coffee or wine, watch the world go by, and just enjoy the Parisian charm.

A portrait snapshot of the enigmatic French historical landmark: l'Arc de Triomph in Paris, France.

Arc de Triomphe – the crown jewel

The Arc de Triomphe isn’t just a monument—it’s a Parisian icon sitting in the heart of the city’s most chaotic roundabout (good luck crossing that!). Climb to the top for stunning views, but here’s a secret: twice a year, usually one day in May and one in August, the sun sets perfectly in the center of the arch—talk about Instagram gold. And on New Year’s Eve, the arch turns into a giant countdown clock, topped off with stunning views of fireworks to kick off the Parisian celebrations in style!

a Parisian street with typical buildings along side it.

why is Champs Elysées famous?

Back in the day, Champs Elysées wasn't just any old street – it was the place to see and be seen for Parisian aristocracy, with its lush greenery and majestic walkways. Fast forward to today, Champs Elysées has evolved into a mecca for fashion lovers, with centuries of history etched into its glamorous facade. From its humble beginnings as a royal garden in the 17th century to its present-day status as a global fashion hub, it's witnessed revolutions, hosted grand exhibitions, and provided the backdrop for countless fashion shows and events. But even though it's really posh now, it still keeps that old-fashioned charm that made it famous. So, when you walk along this famous street, it's not just about clothes – it's like going back in time and soaking up all the history and charm that made it famous in the first place.

fashion paradise in Champs Elysées

  • Designer Boutiques: On Champs Elysées, you'll find fancy shops from big-name fashion brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci. They've set up shop in stunning buildings along the avenue, showing off their latest fashion trends and fancy collections.
  • Luxury Shopping: If you're into luxury stuff, Champs Elysées is the place to be. People come from all over the world to shop here for high-end fashion, fancy jewellery, and luxury accessories. The shops here have everything you could ever want, and they make you feel super posh.
  • Fashion Shows and Events: Champs Elysées is where all the cool fashion stuff happens. It's like a VIP spot for fashion shows, product launches, and fancy events. Celebrities, fashion experts, and fans come here to see the latest trends and celebrate style in a big way.
  • Historic Legacy: Champs Elysées has a long history of being associated with glamour and fancy fashion. It used to be a hangout spot for rich people in Paris, and now it's where all the top fashion brands want to be. It's like a symbol of French fashion and style that's been around for ages.
  • Influence on Global Fashion: Champs Elysées doesn't just influence fashion in Paris – it's a big deal all over the world. The styles and trends you see here have a big impact on what people wear everywhere. It's like a trendsetter that inspires designers, influencers, and fashion fans all around the globe.

So basically, Champs Elysées isn't just a street – it's a symbol of fancy fashion and style. Its history, amazing shops, and influence on fashion make it a must-visit spot for anyone who loves fashion.

a colourful and cosy outdoor space at the Champs Elysees citizenM hotel featuring Vitra furniture.

where to stay in Champs Elysées

When your feet are begging for a break, strut straight off Champs Elysées and into the comfort of citizenM Paris Champs Elysées! Our hotel is smack bang in the middle of all the action, so you can go from shopping spree to snooze mode in no time. Plus, when you're done with the hustle and bustle, unwind in our quiet courtyard or head up to our rooftop bar. From there, you can sip a drink and catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance. With artsy living rooms, XL beds, and top-notch service, we've got everything you need for a fab stay. Don't wait – book your spot now and dive into the heart of Parisian chic with us!

book Champs-Elysées