Visiting the Champs-Élysées: An unmissable experience in Paris

The Champs-Élysées, the most beautiful avenue in the world! Located in the heart of Paris, the Champs-Élysées avenue is considered to be the most beautiful avenue in the world. It stretches for almost 2 kilometres. Linking the Louvre, the Pyramid and Carrousel du Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, it forms part of the capital's historic axis. Lined with luxury boutiques, restaurants, theatres and cinemas, it attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.

An exceptional promenade for pedestrians

The Champs-Elysées are reserved for pedestrians one Sunday a month giving you the chance to discover this iconic avenue in a different way. A car-free stroll allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the area and take souvenir photos in front of the Arc de Triomphe without being bothered by traffic.

Even when the avenue is open to traffic, the pavements are wide enough to accommodate thousands of visitors. Therefore, all year round, you can walk along the avenue, enjoying its gardens, shops, restaurants, and museums.

In December, the magnificent Christmas market takes place here. There are plenty of activities for young and old alike, including an ice rink and puppet shows, not to mention the spectacular Christmas lights in the trees. The very chic avenue Montaigne, next door, is also decorated for Christmas, with a refinement that suits it so well.

The avenue des Champs-Élysées regularly hosts national and international events.

Every year on the of 14th July, the French National Day, the famous military parade takes place here. Since 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has stood at the top of the avenue, beneath the Arc de Triomphe.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the site of all the major popular gatherings. At the end of the Second World War, General de Gaulle and the Allied troops entered Paris by descending the avenue.

After the victories of the French national football team in the 1998 and 2018 World Cups, millions of French people gathered in the Champs-Élysées to celebrate their team's victory!

At the end of July, it hosts the Finish Line of the Tour de France, also known as the "Grande Boucle". The Tour de France is the most prestigious cycle race in the world and one of the most watched sporting events on the planet (after the football World Cup and the Olympic Games). The final stage is traditionally held in Paris, with the spectacular final sprint taking place on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

In July and August 2024, the Champs-Élysées will be one of the central points of the Paris Olympic Games. The Place de la Concorde will be the site for breaking, 3X3 basketball, BMX and skateboarding, while the Grand Palais will host the taekwondo and fencing events. Not far away, on the Esplanade des Invalides, the archery competitions will see the world's best archers competing against each other.

The avenue des Champs-Élysées regularly hosts national and international events.

Every year on the of 14th July, the French National Day, the famous military parade takes place here. Since 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has stood at the top of the avenue, beneath the Arc de Triomphe.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the site of all the major popular gatherings. At the end of the Second World War, General de Gaulle and the Allied troops entered Paris by descending the avenue.

Following the French national team's victories at the 1998 and 2018 World Cups, millions of French fans gathered here!

At the end of July, it hosts the finish of the Tour de France. The Tour de France is the most prestigious cycle race in the world and one of the most watched sporting events on the planet (after the football world cup and the Olympic Games). The last stage is traditionally held in Paris, and the spectacular final sprint takes place on the avenue.

In July and August 2024, the Champs-Élysées will be one of the central points of the Paris Olympic Games. The Place de la Concorde will be the site for breaking, 3X3 basketball, BMX and skateboarding, while the Grand Palais will host the taekwondo and fencing events. Not far away, on the Esplanade des Invalides, the archery competitions will see the world's best archers competing against each other.

To make the most of your visit to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, here are a few places not to be missed:

• L’Arc de Triomphe: An emblematic monument of Paris that offers a panoramic view of the city from its terrace.
• Le Grand Palais: A majestic building that regularly hosts large-scale exhibitions and cultural events.
• Le Petit Palais: The city of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, also known as the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housing a collection of European and French artworks.
• Le Théâtre Marigny: A historic theatre offering a varied programme of plays, dance performances, and concerts.
• Luxury boutiques: The top Paris shopping area with renowned French and international luxury brands along the avenue.

Whether you're a Parisian or a tourist, a stroll on the Champs-Élysées is an experience not to be missed to discover the cultural, architectural, and historical richness of the French capital.

Extend your experience in the heart of chic Paris! Starting from the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, there are some wonderful day trips to be made, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. Several circuits and activities are possible between the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Place de la Concorde, for instance:

• • L’Avenue Montaigne: Perpendicular to the Champs-Elysées, this is known as the avenue of luxury. It was here that Christian Dior opened his first boutique and held his first fashion shows, marking the birth of the New Look. The success was immediate, and other luxury brands joined him on the Avenue Montaigne. Today, the Dior boutique covers 1,200 m2 and includes a museum. The haute-couture workshops are still located on the upper floors of the shop. Dior chose this location strategically, just a few steps away from the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, one of the most famous palaces in the French capital, to attract an international and particularly wealthy clientele. The palace was created in 1913, the same year as its neighbour, the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
• L’Hôtel des Invalides: As its name suggests, this was a military hospital built in the late 17th century under Louis XIV. Today, this monumental architectural complex houses not only the hospital but also the Musée de l'Armée and military offices. Under the gold-leafed dome of its church, you can pay your respects to Napoleon I (Bonaparte) in his tomb.
• La Place du Trocadéro: Located on the heights of the Chaillot Hill, the square was redesigned when the Palais de Chaillot was built for the 1937 Universal Exhibition (World Fair) in Paris. The square is home to numerous restaurants and cafés from where you can admire the eternal elegance of the Eiffel Tower, known as la Dame de Fer (the Iron Lady).
• L’Avenue du Président Wilson: With its many museums, it is a cultural hub. The Palais de Tokyo, a contemporary art centre (probably the most interesting in Paris) and the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris were built for the 1937 Universal Exhibition. Although very interesting, the Musée d'Art Moderne is not as busy as the major museums in Paris, making it easier to obtain tickets, especially because admission to the permanent collections is free. The Palais Galliera, now a fashion museum, was built by the Eiffel workshops (at the same time as the Tower!) and has had a unique history. The Musée Guimet, located at the end of the avenue, houses a collection of Asian art.

Whether you're a Parisian or a tourist, a stroll on the Champs-Élysées is an experience not to be missed to discover the cultural, architectural, and historical richness of the French capital.

The best way to visit the Champs-Elysées with family, children, as a couple, or with friends is in a PARISI TOUR vintage car: Citroën 2CV. For more information about the tours we offer on and around the Champs-Elysées, contact the PARISI TOUR team