Champs-Elysees – The most prestigious avenue in the world

Referred to as one of the most famous streets in the entire world, the Champs-Elysees in Paris is a sight certainly not to be missed.

Within easy reach of many of our holiday apartments, this iconic thoroughfare is adorned with an array of cinemas, fine dining establishments, chic boutiques and fascinating museums and is where you will find many of the city’s well known landmarks and attractions.

Brimming with entertainment and activity, the Champs-Elysees is one attraction that should not be missed whilst visiting the wonderful city of Paris. Spanning over almost 2 kilometres and lined with beautiful horse chestnut trees, this incredible avenue is said to be one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world and is home to some of the city’s most prominent restaurants and designer outlets. The Champs-Elysees, which translates to Elysian Fields, is a far cry from its original 16th century state which was a vast expanse of relaxing fields. Transformation began back in the 17th century, resulting in the vibrant and bustling thoroughfare that it is today. Throughout the year, the avenue hosts a selection of popular events, including a fabulous New Year’s Eve party and several military parades.

At the beginning of the Champs-Elysees is one of Paris’ most famous attractions, the impressive Arc de Triomphe, which proudly stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle and measures a huge 50 metres high, 45 metres wide and 22 metres deep. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the triumphal arch was finally completed 30 years later and was built to commemorate the casualties of various wars throughout history. As well as being an iconic landmark, the Arc de Triomphe is much-loved for its fantastic observation deck which boasts simply stunning views out over the Champs-Elysees and the surrounding neighbourhood.

A walk along the Champs-Elysees can easily take up an entire day, with a huge collection of cafes and restaurants providing the perfect places to stop and sample an authentic taste of Parisian life. It is here that you will also find numerous shops and boutiques, together with many of Paris’ designer retailers, including the well-known names Hugo Boss and Lacoste. Several cinemas and theatres can also be found along the Champs-Elysees, offering an unforgettable evening of fabulous productions. A fine selection of interesting museums and impressive buildings, such as the stunning Petit Palais which is definitely worthy of a visit, also line the avenue, ensuring that everyone’s tastes are catered for.

Alongside the Champs-Elysees are the breath-taking Jardins des Champs-Elysées, an area of peaceful gardens and decorative fountains.mThe thoroughfare continues in a westerly direction, coming to an end at yet another of the city’s much loved attractions, the Place de la Concorde. Covering an area of 20 acres, this busy public place is one of the largest squares in Paris. Boasting two magnificent fountains, ‘La Fontaine des Mers’ and the ‘Elevation of the Maritime Fountain’, the square also features eight remarkable statues, each one representing the French cities of Bordeaux, Brest, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Rouen and Strasbourg. It is here that you will also find the incredible ‘Cleopatra’s Needle’, a gigantic Egyptian obelisk which took up residence in the square in the 19th century and dates back over thousands of years.