The Champs-Élysées is the most famous avenue in Paris and the heart of the 8th arrondissement. It became a legend in the 19th century thanks to its luxurious shops, the mansions of the Parisian rich (most of which, sadly, were torn down) and of course the Arc de Triomphe at its western end. That historic monument gives you the perfect vantage point over the city, including a close and especially impressive view of the Eiffel Tower rising proudly on the skyline, which makes for unforgettable photos.
In this article you’ll find everything you need for a visit to the Champs-Élysées and the 8th arrondissement in general, including places to stay and recommended walking routes that will help you discover all the secrets the most famous avenue in Paris has to tell.
Recommended hotels and apartments near the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is very popular with tourists and there are plenty of hotels around it. Still, prices can be high and the value doesn’t always match. I gathered the best and most reliable places for you:
🏨 Recommended hotels
My personal pick
Which place to stay suits you?
One short question, and I will pick out of the places I already checked and wrote about on the site the ones that fit the trip you are planning.
One moment, I am going over my recommendations to find what fits you…
More hotels in the 8th arrondissement
None of these available? Here’s the full list.
🏠 Recommended apartments
If you’re traveling as a family or just want to feel like a Parisian, an apartment is an excellent option:
Udi’s apartment near Place de la Concorde
A charming apartment a minute from the Champs-Élysées. Large, chic and fully equipped, run by the lovely Udi. Highly recommended!
More apartments in the 8th arrondissement
The full list of recommended apartments in the area.
Want to see what else is worth a visit in the city? I gathered all the attractions in Paris in one place, with visiting times, metro stations and what you must book in advance.
Important visitor information
Where is the Champs-Élysées?
The Champs-Élysées is a main avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris (on the Right Bank). It runs from Place de la Concorde in the east to the Arc de Triomphe (Place Charles-de-Gaulle) in the west.
How much time should I give the Champs-Élysées?
A visit to the avenue itself, including the Arc de Triomphe and a bit of shopping, takes about half a day. If you want to go deeper and also visit the museums nearby (like the Petit Palais or the Grand Palais) and Parc Monceau, give the 8th arrondissement a full day or even a day and a half.
How do I get to the Champs-Élysées?
The simplest way is metro line 1, which runs the whole length of the avenue. The main stations are Concorde, Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George V and Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (the Arc de Triomphe).
Where is the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the western end of the avenue, on Place Charles-de-Gaulle (formerly Place de l’Étoile, “the star”). You can get there on metro lines 1, 2 and 6 or on the RER A.
Is the Champs-Élysées an expensive area?
Yes, definitely. It’s one of the most upscale areas in Paris. The restaurants and cafés on the avenue itself are very expensive (and often tourist traps). On the side streets or around Saint-Lazare station you can find more reasonable prices.
Map of the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées didn’t become famous in recent years, but way back in the 17th century. In my article on the history of the Champs-Élysées you’ll learn how the avenue became a legend. Knowing this will make your visit so much better!
Recommended tours in the area
Want to get to know the avenue and the neighborhood in depth? Choose between a guided tour and exploring on your own with the routes I’ve prepared:
🚩 Explore with a guide
Chocolate and pastry
A sweet, upscale tour of the best chocolate and dessert boutiques around the Champs-Élysées.
Fashion and lifestyle
A guided tour of the Parisian fashion world in the most upscale neighborhood in the city.
Arc de Triomphe
A skip-the-line ticket to the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe, for the most beautiful view of the avenue and of all of Paris.
Looking for more tours? See my page of recommended guided tours in Paris.
🗺️ Explore on your own
The Champs-Élysées
A complete walking route along the avenue, between the famous attractions and a few secret corners only locals know.
From Place de la Concorde to Parc Monceau
A slightly different route through the 8th arrondissement that leaves the main avenue and uncovers architectural gems and an enchanting park.
Place de la Concorde
History in 3 acts: the guillotine, the obelisk and the fountains. All the stories behind the largest square in Paris.
The Arc de Triomphe
Did you know there are four triumphal arches in Paris? All about the most famous one, built in honor of Napoleon’s army.
In the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent
A stylish route following one of the greatest designers in history, who lived and worked a great deal in this part of Paris.
In the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn
A (free) walking route following the legendary actress and the movies she shot in Paris, many of them around the Champs-Élysées.
Église de la Madeleine
The fascinating story of the building that looks like a Greek temple and almost became a train station before it became a church.
La Galerie Dior
Fantasy, beauty and history in Dior’s stunning gallery, in the upscale Golden Triangle.
Recommended restaurants in the 8th arrondissement
Where should you eat?
The Champs-Élysées is full of tourist traps, but if you know where to look you can find real culinary gems.
I gathered all the worthwhile recommendations in one regularly updated article, from gourmet restaurants to quality bistros.
