Paris boasts one of the most beautiful promenades in the world, a place where among centuries of history and wonderful architecture you can breathe the typical Paris atmosphere. I’m talking about Champs Élysées, 2 km of Paris which attracts thousands of tourists each year. There are many things to do in Champs Élysées, from visiting museums and monuments to shopping or simply relaxing in one of the many bars. Here are some ideas for what to see in this area of Paris.
Museums and monuments
The Avenue des Champs Élysées is part of Axe Historique, and along its 1,910 meters, but also in the immediate vicinity, are located many museums and monuments, as well as important historical sites worth to be discovered. This broad and long street offers a unique perspective of the city, in fact, it aligns the equestrian statue of King Louis XIV in the Coeur Napoleon of the Louvre, the Arc de Triumph du Carrousel, the Jardin des Tuileries and the obelisk in the Place de La Concorde, from where you can see in the distance the Arch de la Defense.
Among the many museums on the Champs Elysees that you can (and you should) visit are the GaleriesNationales in the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais Museum (which is a great incentive: the visit is free!). Nearby are the Palais de la Découverte, the Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris, and the Musée Dapper of African Art.
Luxury shopping
Shopping in Champs Élysées is not something for everyone, but is anyway one of the best things you can do along this street. Ok, there are retail chains and affordable stores like the Disney Store and Monoprix but the true shopping in Champs Élysées means visiting the Louis Vuitton boutique, which is spread over several floors, but also Dior, Cartier, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and many, many others. If you can’t afford to shop, at least admire the wonderful fashion creations of these famous designers.
Clubs, Discos, and Events
Among the things to do in Champs Élysées experiencing the nightlife is definitely a must. There are many choices, beginning with the Duplex and ending with The Queen, a legendary nightclub where David Guetta was the artistic director.
Champs Élyséesis the place where every year on July 14 the biggest French military parade attended by the President of the Republic is held. Since 1975, the Tour de France makes its last stop right on Les Champs, and since 1976 on Champs Élysées, on the first Sunday of the month of April, is given the start to the Paris Marathon, one of the five largest marathons in the world.
During the Christmas season, the Avenue des Champs Élysées is the place where to enjoy a typical market and an ice skating rink. On 31 December the promenade is completely closed to traffic to allow free movement to the thousands of people who decide to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
