Location: The Champs Elysées Avenue is located in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris in France. The almost 2 kilometre long avenue runs between Place de la Concorde and Place Charles de Gaulle at the width of 70 metres. The avenue leads to the Arc de Triomphe and ends there. It is situated at a 2 km distance from the Eiffel Tower, and 3 km from the Louvre Museum.
Timings: The Avenue itself is open 24 hours. However, most of the shops at Champs Elysées are open from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.
Pricing: The entry fee for the Champs Elysées is free. However, the museums in the neighbourhood might charge a certain fee. The entry fee for Petit Palais Museum is free for the permanent collection, the entry fee at the Louvre museum is €11 - €15 depending upon the collections you want to see.
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History of Champs Elysées
Champs Elysées is described as the most beautiful avenue in the world, with perfectly lined trees and stores running along either side of the 70 metres wide avenue. However, it was not this beautiful since its inception. In its early days, it was an open field and a grand sewer ran alongside.
During 1666, Louis XIV commissioned to build the Champs Elysées as an extension of Tuileries Garden, whereas Napoleon ordered to build the Arc de Triomphe, where the avenue ends today. In 1710, the avenue was extended to meet at the arch. As time passed, in the 18th century, the avenue was enlarged and embellished but did not receive any popularity until the early 1800s.
During the 1800s, public establishments like cafes, concert halls, and theatres were developed. As more and more companies started their shops in Avenue des Champs –Elysées. By the time the 20th century rolled in luxury brands found their way into the avenue, as the authority started up keeping the avenue to be what it is today.
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Places to visit near Champs Elysées
Along with Champs Elysées avenue, the whole neighbourhood is full of monuments and museums that you could visit while you are in Paris. Some of the places to visit near this world-famous avenue are:
1. Place de la Concorde: At the eastern end of the Champ Elysées, there is a public square called Place de la Concorde. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in the shape of an octagon in 1755, it lies to the west of Tuileries Garden. It is the largest square in Paris spread across 19 acres of land.
The obelisk of Luxor is erected right in the centre of the square. If you are interested in hieroglyphics, this 23 metres tall obelisk would fascinate you. There are also two fountains in the square, one represents the art of river navigation, industry and agriculture, while another fountain represents astronomy, navigation, and commerce.Jardin des Champ Élysées.
Located at just four-minute walk from the Petit Palais, it is a public park surrounding the avenue of Champs Elysees on both sides. This park is an extension of the gardens of Tuileries Palace designed in 1667. Today, even though the park is one of the busiest public establishments in Paris, you could still find a quiet corner to just sit back, relax and admire nature.
2. Élysée Palace: Now the official residence of French President, the Élysée Palace is a three-storey building, built during 1718-1722. Even though the authority allows visiting inside the palace during European Heritage days only, one can admire it from afar all round the year.
3. Musée Jacquemart-André: Located in the neighbourhood of Champs Elysées Musée Jacquemart-André is a private museum displaying the art collected by Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. The museum is divided into five major parts: the state apartments, the informal apartments, the winter garden, the Italian Museum, the private apartments. The museum displays art collections, paintings, sculptures from different centuries.
4. Palais Garnier: Even though this opera house is not located in the neighbourhood of 8th arrondissement, it is quite close to the Champs Elysées. Just 3 km away, in the 9th arrondissement, this grand opera can host up to 1900 people at once.
The stunning architecture inspired by Beaux-Arts, Baroque Revival, and Second Empire Architecture in Europe was built from 1861 to 1875. It also has an in-house opera library-museum where you could learn about the history of the opera and city of Paris itself.
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Tips for visiting Champs Elysees
While visiting this magnificent avenue of Champs Elysées, don’t limit your visit just to walking down the street walk running along to the Arc de Triomphe. Here are a few tips for you when you visit the world famous avenue.
1. Wake in the early morning and make some picture perfect memory as the morning rays spread over the sky gives you an absolute view over the Arc de Triomphe
2. Click a picture from atop Arc de Triomphe
3. Visit the local shops for souvenirs and gifts. French cultured inspired jewellery makes a nice gift to take back home for tourists.
4. Visit the local eateries to taste the French fares and desserts like Soufflé, Crème Brûlée, Macaroons, etc.
5. Shop at high-end, luxury fashion shops for original styles.
6. Witness the Annual Bastille Day celebration on 14th July every year. The famous bike race, Tour de France also takes place in the avenue.
7. Avoid carrying heavy luggages around Champs Elysées. Keep heavy luggages in the hotel or whatever accommodation you are staying at.
8. Avoid, if possible, visiting Champs Elysées during the summer and weekends, as the place receives huge crowds. If you do, make sure to visit the avenue in the mornings when the crowd is light.
9. During Christmas is the best time in winter to visit the avenue, as many local vendors and shops carry French influenced Christmas gifts. Take a walk down the fairy-light lit avenue.
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