AVENUE DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES

Description

Essentials about the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in brief

It is the most famous street in Paris and definitely one of the most beautiful in the world – Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The 70-meter wide and almost two-kilometer long boulevard not only has monumental dimensions, but is also architecturally and urbanistically very impressive. After several name changes, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées got its current name in 1789. By the way, the “Avenue of the Elysian Fields” is derived from the blessed realm of Elysia, where, according to Greek mythology, chosen heroes were transferred.

The location of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées, as it is usually referred to in its abbreviated form, connects two of the most famous and important squares in Paris – the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles-de-Gaulle. It forms the central part of the monumental Axe historique (meaning “historical axis”) of Paris, which offers a phenomenally beautiful view along some of the French capital’s most famous landmarks for many kilometers. The Axe historique begins at the Palais du Louvre and runs through the Jardin des Tuileries, the Place de la Concorde, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Place Charles-de-Gaulle with the Arc de Triomphe and finally ends at the Grande Arche in the La Défense district.

Shopping and events on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is not only a boulevard, but offers walkers countless restaurants as well as the flagship stores of many international brands. It also serves as the setting for some of France’s biggest public events each year, such as the military parade on the occasion of France’s national holiday on July 14 and the finish line for the Tour de France. Last but not least, the Champs-Élysées is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, including the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais and, of course, the Arc de Triomphe.