This long and wide boulevard is one of the most famous and busiest streets in Paris. It is one of the most expensive in the world in terms of rent.
The street is less than 2 km long, 70 m wide and connects the modern and historic parts of the city. It is terminated on one side by the Arc de Triomphe and on the other by Place de la Concorde near the Louvre.
From the marshes along the bustling boulevard
In the mid-17th century, the site of today's Avenue des Champs-Élysées was still a marshland and a fringe area of what was then Paris. It wasn't until 1670 that the redevelopment and drainage of the area was completed, creating a wide avenue, originally just an extension of the Jardins des Champs-Élysées, later a major exit from the centre of Paris and today serving as one of the main centres of the city.
The boulevard takes its name from the mythical site of Elysium in Greek mythology, where the gods would transport the souls of great heroes.
A classroom full of fun
The upper part of the Champs-Élysées boasts many cinemas, cafés, restaurants and luxury shops of the world's most famous brands. In contrast, the lower part is home to the Elysee Palace (the residence of the French President) with the Jardins des Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais.
If you're in Paris on 14 July, you have the chance to experience the French army's military parade, held to celebrate the storming of the Bastille. This parade is one of the most famous of its kind in the world.
The Champs Elysees are one of the main symbols of the country. French people gather here in times of major crises, demonstrations or strikes, but also to celebrate important national holidays or sporting events. Every year, for example, the famous Tour de France cycling race ends here.
The Champs-Élysées has a unique charm during the Christmas period, when the hundreds of trees lining it are lavishly decorated.
Hotels on the Champs-Élysées
If you want to experience Paris without compromise and stay on one of the most famous streets in the world, then your steps will head to the hotels here. It is logical that you have to count on higher prices, on the other hand, you could not have chosen a better place from a strategic point of view. For example, we would recommend the following hotels on the Champs-Élysées:
- Hotel Elysée Secret - This modern boutique 4* hotel is not directly on the Champs Elysees, but literally around the corner on a parallel street. It offers unbeatable value for money in the wider area, with room rates starting from 143 eur for 2
- Hôtel GalileoChamps Élysées - A relaxed 3* hotel with good value around 125 eur per night can be found on a side street about 50 metres from the main boulevard
- Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées - a great 5* aparthotel located right on the Champs Elysees and with a price of around 275 eur per night for 2 is one of the cheapest in its category
- Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's - Gourmets staying in one of Paris' best 5* hotels can expect prices from 770 eur per night for 2
Transport and location
Metro 1 runs under the entire street, which is the best connection. Under the Champs-Elysées, this line stops directly at 4 stations: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau, George V and Franklin D. Champs-Élysées, Champs-Élysées, Charles Roosvelt and Roosvelt.
Metro 1 will take you in the following directions:
- Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Petit + Grand Palais, Chatelet, Hotel de Ville, Le Marais, Bastille, Nation, Chateau Vincennes, La Défense
- Gare de Lyon
At the top, near the Arc de Triomphe, it's Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station with lines 2, 6 and the RER line A, in the middle, near the palaces, Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau station, and at the bottom, Concorde Square, with lines 8 and 12.
What to see around
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