Champs Elysees attractions. Champs Elysees in Paris

One of the most famous streets in the world, the main shopping center of Paris, the most beautiful avenue… We will tell you why you need to walk along the Champs Elysees.

By the way, Champs Elysees are located in the very and are great for living - comfortable and sometimes even. Best deals hotels on the Champs Elysees, see this link.

Where are the Champs Elysees located?

What time are the shops open until?

The shops are open until 11-12 pm. For Paris and France, this is just a record!

What interesting things happen on the Champs Elysees?

Firstly, this is the street of parades. On (July 14) there is a parade, on May 8 there is a mini-parade, in the summer there is a gay parade and that one is here. In addition, there is also a tropical carnival in August. On passes the last stage of the famous race. In December, a Christmas market opens here. In April, the Paris Marathon takes place.

Recently, the main ones also take place on the Champs Elysees.

What are the attractions on the Champs Elysees?

- themselves one of the main attractions of Paris, almost two kilometers long. The avenue starts from

At the sound of the word Paris, vivid associations arise - pictures with eiffel tower, the Louvre and the Champs Elysees. All these places occupy the top ratings among romantics who dream of seeing the city of lovers.

Why is the Champs Elysees so called?

The Champs-Elysées is called Chance Elise by the French. The fields of the dead in the Greek epic, corresponding to the Christian paradise. A place about which there are many stories and legends, which came to the created world, came to life in our reality. Much has been said about him in different times, but it is worth turning to a real story - and the myth becomes an ordinary routine, beautifully packaged reality, in which there is little room for a fairy tale.

Elysium, as it is customary to call this place among the Parisians, justifies its name with its appearance. From the very beginning of the creation of this region French capital it is believed that the beauty, elegance of Elysium surpasses everything that exists in the world. The uniqueness of the street creates the effect of being in paradise. There is no satiety with religion, the beauty is more secular, but the popularity of the street is incredible. Every guest of the city wants to visit the Champs Elysees.

History of the Champs Elysees

It's hard to believe, but the history of the most famous avenue in the world is filled with ups and downs:

1. Gazing at the splendor famous street It's impossible to imagine Paris without her. The street appeared much later than the city itself. Until the 17th century, walking along the Champs-Elysées threatened to meet with wild animals or perish in the bog. Local swamps were the hunting ground for wild ducks by members of the royal family.
2. Marie de Medici decided that the Tuileries Garden did not create enough space for the nobility to stroll in the evening. She ordered to extend it with a boulevard, where they planted elms, breaking the territory into three separate alleys.
3. Louis XIV decided to continue the queen's idea. He turned to Andre Le Nôtre, asking him to continue the alley and improve the area for walking. The master created a project that connected the Tuileries Castle with Versailles. The area around the alley was drained, decorating the area with tree seedlings. Through the efforts of the architect, cozy darkened corners were created, where couples in love retired with pleasure. A little later, the alleys were changed, making them more convenient for carriages. Gas lamps appeared along the alley.
   
4. The idea of ​​Marie Medici and Louis XIV found a response in the hearts of the Parisians. The improvement of the Champs Elysees was taken up by the Duke d'Antennes, on whose initiative the magnificent alleys stretched to the Chaillot hill in the 18th century. The part of the avenue ordered by his forces is now called Charles de Gaulle Square.
5. Death d'Antenne passed the baton to the improvement of Elysium to the Marquise de Marigny. Under the leadership of a noble lady, the road stretched to the river. The changes also affected the infrastructure adjacent to the new district of the capital. Along the road, there were small shops, coffee houses. Nobles and townspeople chose the Fields for walking. The name of the avenue was officially registered after the French Revolution. Even then, magnificence and luxury reigned here, but it was far from the current scope.
6. The reign of Louis XVI turned into a dark time for Elysium. Walking along quiet alleys lost popularity, desolation reigned. The Parisians tried to cross the avenue on top speed for fear of robbery. The shops on the Champs Elysées went bust, the cafeterias closed, picnics on the Champs Elysées became a rarity. To protect the population in 1777, a guard post was organized. Now in its place is the building number 73.
7. The revolutionary masses held rallies and demonstrations on Elysium until the overthrow of the monarchy. The popularity of the avenue increased, shops and cafes appeared along the road, and the fashion for walking along Elysium was revived among the masses.
8. The war with Russia brought trouble to the streets of Paris. In 1814, enemy troops flooded the city, robbery and looting flourished. The Cossacks devastated the Champs Elysees. Restoration work by the government was carried out for several years.
   
9. The city was restored for quite a long time, but in 1828 the buildings of Elysium were rebuilt, additional establishments appeared. The Arc de Triomphe is being created.
10. Second World War destroyed the restored beauty. Hitler's troops carried out an action to intimidate the enemy, marching in formation under the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees. The action showed the inhabitants of Paris power over the occupied country.
    
11. The post-war years were difficult for Paris, but Elysium became one of the first restored objects.
    

Real historical monument, spread out among the city, attracts tourists and strikes with its unusualness, attracts with beauty. He had to pay for such a privilege with the heavy burden of history.

Attractions

When visiting Paris, you should definitely take a walk along the Champs-Elysées. You can find out where the Champs Elysees is from any resident or guest of the French capital: this place attracts everyone. You can get here public transport. Most fast way– use the metro services and get off at the Champs-Elysées metro station.

The Champs Elysees in Paris occupy a huge area on the map. For a through passage along the street, you will have to spend at least half an hour. Visits to boutiques, cafeterias and restaurants will stretch the walk for the whole day. You can buy almost everything on the territory of Elysium, especially in the North-Western part of the avenue.

The Champs Elysees is now conditionally divided into the Northern and Southern parts, consisting of several square sections with separate names. Each of them is decorated with unique fountains designed by the royal architect:

What to visit

Champs Elysees in France is famous not only ancient buildings and magnificent sculptures. Walking along the avenue perfectly complements visiting interesting places where you can have a good time. These special items include:

1. Cafe "Fuco". Representatives gather here for a cup of coffee high society France. Once this place was the favorite restaurant of the famous comedian-actor Charlie Chaplin.
2. Restaurant "Rasputin". The building, imbued with the spirit of the Russian aristocracy, who loved to gather here in the post-revolutionary period.
3. Cabaret Lido is a paradise for connoisseurs of female beauty, music and specific dances.
4. Restaurant pavilion "Ledoyen". The establishment belongs to the oldest buildings countries. Erected in 1848, the restaurant welcomed Zola, Flaubert and Maupassant.
5. "La Femit Marbof" and "Lesser" - establishments for lovers of French "fine" cuisine.
6. The restaurant "Pierre Garnier" will satisfy the tastes of the most demanding visitors, as it is one of the six the best establishments this class in the world.
7. "Maine Ray" is the gathering place for the glamorous hangouts of Paris. Johnny Depp and Sean Penn became co-owners.
8. Nightclub "Queen" is a loud place where you can relax until 4 in the morning.
9. The Disneyland amusement park on the Champs Elysees beckons with opportunities for outdoor activities.

The Champs Elysees conquered the whole world with its beauty, elegance and uniqueness. Approximately 80,000 guests visit the territory of the avenue every hour. Photos of the Champs Elysees adorn the covers of famous books and magazines, win prizes in competitions. The sculptures in the gardens of the Champs Elysees create an incredible aura of sophistication in the beauty of flower beds and natural secluded places. Centuries have passed, but the romance and sophistication of Elysium attracts loving hearts.

Long walks around the city require certain amenities. For emergency situations public restrooms are provided. To find a toilet on the Champs Elysées, you need to visit Le Printemps or the department store on Place Carousel, which houses paid toilet Point WC. The cost of visiting is 1 euro. If you do not want to spend money on this service, by all means look for a public toilet on the street. Pay attention to the gray low booth with an oval roof. Do not forget about the fine for defecation in an unequipped place, which is 35 euros. Relax, enjoy the romance, but remember the rules of behavior in public places.

Champs Elysees in Paris can be considered the most famous street cities. In French it sounds like Champs Elysees. They start at Place de la Concorde (Concord) and end near the Arc de Triomphe itself. The avenue in the city center (1915 meters long and 70 meters wide) would be more correct to call avenue in French.

The history of the street is quite interesting. It was first mentioned in documents subsidized in the 16th century. In those days, this place was swampy and densely planted with trees, served for hunting and was a kind of border between the Tuileries gardens and the Louvre. Marie de Medici did not like this proximity to the "wild" forest, and in 1616 she was instructed to ennoble the territory. And by the middle of the 18th century, the first residential buildings appeared here.

The very territory of the Champs Elysees can be divided into two parts: shop and park. On the Place de la Concorde, from the Ferris wheel, for only 8 euros, you can enjoy a view of the Louvre and the Tuileries Park on one side and the Champs Elysees on the other (the attraction is open from 10.30 to midnight). Starting your walk from Place de la Concorde, you should pay attention to the famous sculptural group of Cony Marley by Guillaume Coust. A majestic work of art commissioned by Louis XV to decorate the terrace of the Château de Marly. Although, it should be noted that this is just an exact copy of that monument, and the original itself was transferred to the Louvre for preservation.

From the monument to the Round Square (Rond-Point) stretches a park for walking. On weekends and Wednesdays, street actors perform puppet shows for children. Next comes the Theater (or Square) of the Ambassadors. Recently, the famous fashion designer Pierre Cardin chose this place to organize the Espace Pierre Cardin cultural center. The buildings of the hotels, which were built by Ange-Jacques Gabriel for the diplomatic persons of other countries, add grandeur to this place.

famous restaurants

Here on the left is the legendary restaurant Ledoyen, which dates back to the era of Louis XVI. Robespierre often liked to visit it. Its walls remember Maupassant, Flaubert and Zola. It was here that Jean Cocteau founded his famous New French Journal (NRF). The restaurant's menu features modern French cuisine, and a special dish is pheasant with truffle sauce, smoked bacon and seaweed. The menu will cost the visitor from 145 euros. The restaurant is open all the time and closes for lunch on Mondays.

As for the cuisine, Ledoyen is not the only place. If the nostalgia is too strong, then you can visit one of the most famous Russian restaurants "Rasputin". Although, it should be noted that the prices here are not affordable for everyone. And for fans of Charlie Chaplin, Le Fouquet "s" is always open, with its original cuisine.

There are a lot of places where you can relax here. This is the famous cabaret "Lido", and cinemas, which are famous for frequent world premieres.

Monuments and palaces

A bronze statue of the former President of France rises in the square named after him as a tribute to the French for the victory in the First World War. From here you have a magnificent view of Churchill Avenue and the Pont Alexandre III, which leads to the ensemble of the Invalides. The bridge is named after the Russian emperor and symbolizes the union between France and Russia. The decorations of the bridge in the form of angels, pegasi and nymphs make a lasting impression and are great for memorable photographs. And the kiss of lovers here, according to legend, will bring them a long and happy life together.

Along Churchill Avenue there are monumental, with high colonnades and voluminous sculptural groups, the Small and Grand Palaces. Their construction is associated with the World Exhibition held in 1900 in Paris. The Grand Palais (Grand Palais) is best known as an exhibition and Cultural Center. The exposition area is approximately equal to 5000 square meters. Here show the largest art exhibitions. West Side is called the Palace of Discoveries and houses a museum of science. In the southern part there is a branch of the Sorbonne University. The Small Palace is completely given over to the museum of sculpture, painting and works of arts and crafts.

Well, how can you ignore the Elysee Palace itself (PALAIS DE L'ELYSEE)? The first building, built in 1718, was a modest two-story building with a garden and courtyard. Madame de Pompadour, Emperor Napoleon III, his ex-wife Josephine, Napoleon's sister Caroline Murat, this is an incomplete list of the owners of the palace. It is gradually being upset, decorated, and, finally, since 1873, it has become the residence of the President of France.

The Rond-Point square already mentioned above is decorated with a theater of the same name. On the left you can see the editorial office of the newspaper Jour de France, and on the right - Figaro.

For shoppers, the Champs-Elysées is full of shops and department stores that feature global brands. Prices here are fully consistent with the status of one of the most expensive places in the world. The shopping part of the street ends with the Square of the Star and another attraction of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe.

Budget hotels near

Of course, hotels on the Champs Elysees are not cheap. But if you book a room in advance and spend some time searching, you can find acceptable options. For example, hotels Pavillon Pereire Arc De Triomphe 3* And Pavillon Courcelles Parc Monceau 3*, located 1-2 kilometers from the Champs Elysees, can provide rooms for 50 euros. A Villa Eugenie 4* and Hotel Royal Elysees 4 *, located 2 kilometers away, have rooms from 70 to 107 euros.

All Champs-Elysées hotels– compare prices

Annual events

In April, on the Champs Elysees in Paris, you can witness the annual large-scale marathon. About 30,000 runners take part in it. On July 4, a solemn parade and evening fireworks in honor of Bastille Day are held here. And at the very end of July, it is on the Champs Elysees that the Tour de France ends.

About 500,000 tourists visit the Champs Elysees every year. This is the most popular place in France. But it is worth remembering that more than half of the thefts in Paris are on the Champs Elysees, so you should not forget about the safety of your property.

Significant attractions in the area (opening hours and prices for visiting)

Around the Champs-Elysées there are many interesting sights of Paris.

You can walk to the Louvre in 15 minutes through the Tuileries Garden or along the embankment of the same name. The museum is open daily except Tuesday from nine to eighteen o'clock (Wednesday and Friday until ten in the evening), admission 11 euros, for persons under 18 free of charge. Tourists can join the tour in Russian for 35 euros.

Walking north from Place de la Concorde along Rue Royal and Boulevard Madeleine for 15 minutes, you will find yourself at the Place de l'Opéra. You can see the Grand Opera building from 10 am to 5 pm for 9 euros. A ticket to the performance will cost you no less than 125 euros.

Directly behind the opera, on Haussmann Boulevard, is the Lafayette Gallery - a huge department store that is a monument of architecture.

If you walk from the Arc de Triomphe along Jena Avenue to the square of the same name, you will see the Guimet Museum of Oriental Arts (open from ten to eighteen, tickets cost 7.5 euros, and children under 18 are free). Walking 300 meters to the left from this museum along President Wilson Street, you can visit the Paris Museum of Modern Art. The exposition is open every day except Mondays and public holidays. Inspection of the building is free.

Transport

Getting to the Champs Elysees is very easy. Along the entire avenue runs the line La Defense - Chateau de Vincent. Five metro stations, starting from Charles de Gaulle - Aetoli and ending with Concorde, will take you to different places this street.

Video review of the Champs Elysees

Address: France, Paris, 8th arrondissement
Length: 1910 m
Width: 70 m
Stretched from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle
Coordinates: 48°52"14.7"N 2°18"16.4"E

In almost any tourist brochure for Paris, on its first pages you can find detailed description the largest street of the capital of France called the Champs Elysees.

It is truly wildly popular not only among the guests of one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, but also among its native inhabitants. The Champs-Elysees (Shan-Elise) was mentioned more than once in novels, poems and poems of the most famous writers and poets. By and large, in Paris, according to its inhabitants, there are two hearts: the first, as you know, is Notre Dame Cathedral, and the second is the unique and magnificent Champs Elysees. Without this street, which is just over 1915 meters long and 71 meters wide, it is simply impossible to imagine modern Paris.

View of the Champs Elysees from Arc de Triomphe

There is nothing surprising in the fact that on the legendary Champs Elysees in Paris you can constantly meet huge crowds of people. It cannot be otherwise: after all, the name of this street comes from the Greek language (the word Elysium), and it is precisely this that characterizes the highway, located in the 8th district of the capital of the wonderful European country. Almost all linguists and historians agreed that the name of the Champs Elysees means a mystical country with a beautiful field, where, after all the trials of life, an immortal soul enters, and where there is no pain, no worries, no suffering: after their death, everyone on this field stays in the eternal bliss. As they say in one of the ancient Greek myths, from which the name of the giant avenue of Paris came from, on the Champs Elysees (blissful) fields it is always warm in spring, there are no diseases, torments and torments.

According to statistics, The Champs Elysees in Paris is rightfully considered one of the most visited attractions in Paris.. Here you can meet travelers from all over our vast planet. They walk sedately along the historical axis of the capital and cover a distance of almost 2 kilometers to admire the most picturesque landscapes and freeze in amazement at the genius of the architect Le Nôtre, thanks to whose talent the avenue appeared that connects Place de la Concorde and the legendary Arc de Triomphe. If you carefully study the numerous works of architects, designers and brochures compiled by professional guides, you can draw a definite conclusion: the Champs Elysees in Paris is the most beautiful street not only in France, but throughout the world. Naturally, this version also has opponents, but you instantly forget about their opinion when you find yourself on the cozy and thought out to the smallest detail, the majestic and beautiful Shan-Elise.

View of the Arc de Triomphe from the Champs Elysees

Champs Elysees in Paris: the emergence of one of the most beautiful places on the planet

By carefully studying the ancient documents that have survived, despite the inexorable course of time, to this day, you can see that for the first time the territory on which the Champs Elysees currently stretch was a wetland. Among the bumps and sparse forest french kings and the nobility organized duck hunting. Significant and luxurious appearance this area received thanks to Maria Medici, who gave the order to equip the territory and make it, in a way, a continuation beautiful park Tuileries. There is also an official document, which says that Louis XIV, already at the end of August 1667, orders to build three roads here at once. On them it was possible to easily and comfortably get from Versailles to the Tuileries Castle. The view that opens up to the riders could put anyone into a stupor with its splendor and virgin nature.

Enjoyed the trip from one residence to another so much Louis XIV that he soon made an order to the greatest landscape architect (now he would be called a landscape designer) Andre Lenotre for the arrangement of the territory that was adjacent to the very three roads. Lenontre did not think long about the project: in just a few years, at the cost of incredible efforts, the swamp was drained, and in its place there were areas for walking and shady alleys, where couples in love preferred to retire. After all the work on drying the area, according to the plan of the courtier Andre Le Nôtre, three roads are strengthened, and near them ... a lot of gas lanterns are installed. After that, the Champs-Elysées became a favorite place for walks of the nobility and the indigenous population of Paris.

Already in the 18th century, the road among the picturesque fields, where the human soul rests from all adversities, became even longer: Duke d? royal gardens, decided to complete it to the Chaillot hill: in our time, this section, to which the road was laid, is called Charles de Gaulle Square. It was far from the last reconstruction of the roads. Immediately after the death of the Duke d? Anten, the Marquis de Marigny makes it even longer, and it ends at the bridge of Neuilly. The well-arranged territory, where already in those days one could find cozy coffee houses and briskly selling shops, attracted the attention of not only Parisians, but also all guests of the capital. The Russian writer Nikolai Karamzin describes the fields quite interestingly in his famous “Notes of a Traveler”. “Here on weekends it is always fun and light in a special way, beautiful lawns, huts that suddenly appear out of nowhere, in which they offer coffee. It seems that after a hard working week, all Parisians gather here to have plenty of fun, listen to music, watch dances or just dine right on the grass, ”the travel writer spoke about the beautiful fields like this.

Its name is "Champs Elysees", amazing beauty avenue, received only after the start of the French Revolution. Under the reign of Louis XVI, this area was generally abandoned for a while: only a desperate person would risk taking a walk along Shan Eliza.

Champs Elysees at night

Robbers were hiding in shady alleys, ready to attack their victim at any moment. As a result of this state of affairs, a guard post was built on the Champs Elysees. This helped to somehow curb the growth of crime in great place revealed to the world by Andre Le Nôtre. By the way, this post is connected with one very interesting story…. In June 1791, the royal family was forced to flee from rebellious Paris. At the guards post at that moment there was a large detachment of soldiers who held banners in their hands stating that the king should not be applauded and offended by a crowned person. These posters also reported on the punishment that threatens everyone for violating the order. Those who praised the king were to be beaten with sticks, and those who offended members of the monarch's family would be immediately hanged.

Champs Elysees: a complicated story

In 1810, Marie Louise, who managed to become an empress, entered Paris with special brilliance precisely through the Champs Elysees. They have already become a kind of symbol of power over the country and its capital. Four years later, the Russian Cossacks, at the command of Alexander I, took Paris with a fight. They set up camp, of course, on the beautiful Champs Elysees. After their atrocities, almost everything on the territory was destroyed. It took several years to restore Shan Elise. In 1828, on the reconstructed and transferred to the municipality of Paris, the Champs-Elysées began mass building and beautification of the territory: new pavilions were built, and 8 years later the famous Arc de Triomphe appeared.

Night illumination on the Champs Elysees

Paris, however, like the whole of France, has always been considered a tasty morsel for all conquerors without exception. During the first occupation of Paris by the Germans in 1870, the Champs Elysees became the place where the invaders held almost daily parades. In 1940, the Nazi troops, who treacherously invaded France, marched bravely to the sound of their anthem through the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs Elysees. Such a procession was not accidental, it was approved by Hitler himself: in this way he showed the French that the Nazis had unlimited power over Paris and the country.

Champs Elysees today

The modern traveler who is brought to Paris must certainly visit the Champs Elysees, with their many boutiques, restaurants, pavilions, gardens and palaces. It is no coincidence that any Frenchman will say to a guest of his city: “If you have not seen the Champs-Elysées and have not approached the Arc de Triomphe, you have not been to Paris and you know absolutely nothing about our majestic city, a city where literally every street is saturated with an atmosphere of romanticism.”

You can walk along the Champs Elysees in only an hour, and this despite the fact that the tourist will not go to restaurants, bars and luxury shops that sell everything from small souvenirs to clothes from the latest collections of the most famous couturiers.

View of the Luxor obelisk from the Champs Elysees

“Why does it take so long to walk along the Shan Elise, because its length is only 1915 meters?”, A traveler who has never been to the Champs Elysees may ask. The point is that the walk pedestrian zone often turns into a real test: in one of the most popular places in Paris you can always meet huge crowds of tourists who take pictures of literally everything that they meet on their way with their cameras. There is nothing surprising in this, here every house, every palace and every alley has its own interesting history.

However, before walking along the Champs-Elysées, it is necessary to carefully study the tourist brochures and choose for yourself the most important objects that you should definitely see and capture as a keepsake. First of all, this is undoubtedly the Arc de Triomphe. You should definitely visit the oldest restaurant on the Champs Elysees called Ledoyen: it was there that Maupassant, Emile Zola, Flaubert and other equally famous personalities whiled away their time with a cup of coffee. True, you can sit in it only if the budget allows it: even for coffee, the prices in it are unusually high. Behind the hedge you can also see the Champs Elysees, which is currently considered the official residence of the president. True, you can get into it only on one of the weekends in September: the head of state does not want to see numerous tourist groups in his apartments.

Night illumination on the Champs Elysees

The Champs-Elysées walking area ends at the Ron Point Theatre, which will undoubtedly arouse the interest of all lovers of high art. Right behind this theatre, which employs a troupe of artists organized by Jean-Louis-Barrot and Madeleine Renaud, a branching into two alleys begins. On them you can find a lot of banking institutions, expensive boutiques and airline offices. It is also interesting that until 2002 a portrait of V.I. Lenin. No, the French did not respect him, he just decorated the cashier with himself, we all feel good famous airline Aeroflot.

Tourists who have already visited the Champs Elysees say that if a traveler has a feeling of hunger, and his budget does not allow him to dine in expensive restaurants, you can have a bite to eat in a huge McDonald's, which also found a place on the main artery of Paris. By the way, about restaurants, on the Champs Elysees, the Le Fouquet "s institution, which Charlie Chaplin visited almost daily, has miraculously survived to this day.

You can talk about shops on the Champs Elysees forever: what is the world's largest supermarket selling exclusively sportswear and accessories of the Adidas brand and the largest department store ... Louis Vuitton, where prices start at 1,000 euros per item. It would be fundamentally wrong to think that the Champs Elysees in Paris in the 20th century were turned into a huge "market". This is not at all true: to build something on one of the most visited attractions of the French capital, any company will have to collect an unimaginable amount of permits and pay a huge tax.

The traveler who gets to the Champs Elysees on the day of one of national holidays France. For example, on August 26, when a grandiose parade takes place here in honor of the liberation of the country from the Nazi invaders in 1944. However, it is worth remembering that even on a day when the weather is not conducive to walking, Shan Elise is visited by just over 300,000 people ... a day! The average attendance of the main avenue of the capital is about 450,000 people per day. Why per day? Yes, because on the Champs Elysees, life and celebration do not stop for a minute: even at night and in the predawn hours in this beautiful and amazing place you can see numerous guests of the city and Parisians enjoying the atmosphere of romanticism and luxury. And how could it be otherwise on Shan Elise, which is sung in the immortal song of Joe Dassin ...

The Champs Elysees is the most popular street in Paris, up to 80 thousand people pass through it every hour! The most prominent attraction of the Champs-Elysées is the Arc de Triomphe in the Place Charles de Gaulle. The monument was erected by order of Napoleon in memory of those who fought for France during the revolutions and Napoleonic wars. At its foot, events are held dedicated to important events in the life of France, as well as holidays and folk festivals. Next to the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame. The arch is surrounded by hundreds of granite pedestals, symbolizing Napoleon's hundred-day reign. The names of generals are imprinted on the walls of the building. Here you can stop for a long time, looking at the bas-reliefs depicting battle scenes. If you climb observation deck arches (€6 for adults and free for children under 12), you can see the most elegant street in the world from a height of 49 meters in all its glory. And inside the arch is interesting museum. Twice a year, on July 14, on Bastille Day, and on November 11, on the anniversary of the First World War, the national military parade starts from the arch. The famous Tour de France bicycle race finishes here, the Paris Marathon and the Christmas market take place here. It was at the arch that almost a third of the population of the French capital celebrated the victory of the national team at the World Cup.

On Place de la Concorde, pay attention to the stele in its center - a gift from the Viceroy of Egypt to Napoleon. Before it was presented as a gift to the French emperor, the stele adorned the temple of Ramses II in Luxor for more than thirty centuries. The stele is surrounded by two fountains, decorated with figures of mythological characters.

Right there, on the square, there are 8 statues, each of which is a symbol big city France - Marseille, Lyon, Nice and others.

In 1795, two paired sculptural groups were installed here - “Horse Tamers” and “Marley Horses”. Today, copies stand in their place, and the originals, damaged by time, were transported to the Louvre.

The Elysee Palace - the residence of all French presidents since 1873, is another iconic place Champs Elysees. Among its owners at one time were Madame de Pompadour and Napoleon's wife Josephine. In the Silver Salon of the palace, Napoleon signed his abdication, and in the Golden Salon, the furnishings of which have not changed since 1861, there is Personal Area heads of France. In 1812, Russian Emperor Alexander I lived here after the defeat of France in the war. The palace is closed to tourists, you can see the life of the first person in France only on the Days of Cultural Heritage, which are held in the country on the third weekend of September.

At the intersection with Churchill Street there are two more beautiful palace - Grand Palais and Petit Palais (Large and Small). Magnificent are their neoclassical architecture and sculptural compositions. The Grand Palace houses the Discovery Museum and Art Gallery, and in Maly - an exposition of the city museum of fine arts.

Sergei Yesenin and Isadora Duncan lived at the Crillon Hotel, but the poet behaved so scandalously that he was refused a room, and then completely expelled from the country.

What to visit?

Those who wish can have a cup of coffee surrounded by French high society at the Fouquet "s (Foucault) cafe. Charlie Chaplin himself dined here!

The Rasputin restaurant attracts visitors with the preserved spirit of the Russian aristocracy. Opposite the restaurant is the famous cabaret Lido, the realm of music, seductive women and their spicy dances.

Visitors will remember for a long time lunch at the Pavillon Ledoyen restaurant - one of the oldest in France, built back in 1848. Just imagine that Maupassant, Zola and Flaubert drank coffee here!

Gourmets can taste classic French haute cuisine at La Fermette Marbeuf and Lasserre restaurants. Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire is one of the six the best restaurants peace.

Man Ray is a bohemian club co-owned by Sean Penn and Johnny Depp that gathers the glamorous party of Paris. Another popular club is Queen, which is open daily until 4 am.

The Gaumont Cinema often hosts world-class film premieres featuring famous stars.

Theatergoers will not miss the opportunity to attend a performance at the Marinier Theater and Music Hall, located in a park area.

IN cultural complex L Espase Pierre Carden features an art gallery, cinema and restaurant.

Near Monceau Park is the Nissima de Camondo Museum, where you will see an exhibition reflecting the lifestyle of the French bourgeoisie of the 19th century.

On the corner of Rue Rivoli in the Gallery of Modern Art, you can look at the amazing paintings of Claude Monet.

History and general information

Until the beginning of the 17th century, on the site of the Champs Elysees there were marshy meadows where the Parisian nobility hunted ducks. In 1616, on the orders of Marie de Medici, the laying of the Queen's Boulevard, leaving the Tuileries Garden, began. Then, over the course of several decades, the street was improved, and by the end of the century, construction began here. royal palace. After the royal court moved to Versailles, the boulevard was declared a walking area and a double row of elms was planted here. In the 18th century, the avenue borrowed its name from the mythology of the ancient Greeks, where the Champs-Elysées is a place of rest, which knows neither disease nor suffering.

Widespread popularity came to the Champs Elysees during the reign of Napoleon, when many cafes and entertainment venues opened here.

The Champs Elysees (Avenue des Champs-Elysees) stretch from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The boulevard crosses diagonally the 8th arrondissement of Paris, its length is 1915 meters. If you walk along the avenue from Place de la Concorde, you will first walk along the park part of the street, where you can admire the magnificent sculptural groups. The length of the park part is 700 meters, the width is about 300. Park area divided by alleys into quarters, in each of which a fountain is built. On Wednesdays and weekends, numerous street performers put on performances and unusual shows for passers-by.

The most luxurious part of the street with chic shops, car dealerships, restaurants, cafes and cinemas stretches to the west of Rhone Point, its width is much less - about 80 meters. There is a road between the sidewalks.

Due to the high cost, almost no one lives on the Champs Elysees, there are only about 100 apartments. The buildings are occupied by embassies, representative offices and firms. Some companies rent an office for only a few hours for negotiations.

shopping

Every fashion brand considers it their duty to have a boutique on the Champs Elysees. Be prepared for the fact that shopping here will be expensive, because the street is recognized as the second most expensive street in the world after New York's Fifth Avenue. Wealthy tourists from all over the world come here for the last word from leading fashion designers. Here you can visit the stores of such fashion brands as Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, H&M, Gap, Cartier, Nike, Guerlain, Sephora, Yves Rocher, Valentino, Prada and many others. Here is the largest Adidas store. Brand stores are open until late in the evening, except weekends.

Children's products can be purchased at the Disney store.

Music lovers will be amazed by the selection of musical products in the Virgin Megastore (house 60), where you can also buy photo products.

Shopaholics should definitely take a dip in Magic world shopping at the following addresses: Galerie 34, Arcades du Lido 76-78, Galerie des Champs 84, Elysee 26, Point Show.

Monoprix department store offers an excellent selection of inexpensive and quality goods.

Video: Champs Elysees at night

Helpful information

Check out the Central Office of Tourism, where they will give you booklets about the sights of Paris and sell tickets to Disneyland Paris.

Although the Champs-Elysées is an expensive street, you can eat for 5-6€ at McDonald's. If you don’t like American fast food, then you can eat on the budget on the streets adjacent to the Champs Elysees, where prices are not so biting.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Champs Elysees and stay here for a couple of days, then you can rent a room at the Mathis Elysees Matignon hotel, the advantages of which are relatively inexpensive for this place (from 150 €) and proximity to the metro, and the disadvantages are small rooms and unfortunate views from the window.

For €50, the hotels Pavillon Pereire Arc De Triomphe and Pavillon Courcelles Parc Monceau, located a kilometer from the Champs Elysees, will give shelter.

One of the most popular among visitors to the city is Hotel Hotel Elysees Mermoz, prices start at 180€, the rooms are also small, but this is offset by excellent service and an art gallery.

The Champs-Elysées is the pickpocketing champion of Paris, so be vigilant.

How to get there

Metro line 1 to Champs-Elysees-Clemenctau (lines 1 and 13), George V (line 1), Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile (lines 1,2 and 6) or Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9) . If you want to walk along the street from end to end, it is better to get off at Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile station, located near the Arc de Triomphe and move along the Champs Elysees from here to the Louvre. If you go to reverse direction then you have to go up the hill.