Champs-Elysées
For many tourists, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the sights in Paris, created in 1667 by Louis XIV to improve the view from the "Tuileries" garden. This elegant and wide avenue was extended towards the end of the 18th century and now runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It is now considered one of the most prestigious and luxurious shopping streets in Paris.
At the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées is the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris with fantastic views in all directions. This square, also called Place de la Revolution, is where the French King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and many others were guillotined during the Terror. The large Egyptian obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde was taken from the Luxor Temple.
L'Arc de Triomphe
This iconic triumphal arch forms the focal point of Paris' main thoroughfare between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense to the west. The monument was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 as a tribute to his victories as Emperor of France and finally completed in 1836, long after his death. The Arc de Triomphe, 50 m high and 45 m wide, is decorated with battle scenes and battle sculptures. More recently, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed under the arch in 1920, where an eternal flame burns in honor of the French dead of both world wars. The arch is surrounded by a large roundabout, aptly known as "L'Etoile" - the Star - from which 12 thoroughfares lead off.
Visitors can buy a ticket to climb to the top of the arch, from where a magnificent view stretches across the west of Paris. Admission to a small museum dedicated to the history and significance of the monument is included. The central island and arch are accessible through an underground passage. Do not attempt to cross the busy street surrounding the Arc de Triomphe on foot. It is very dangerous as cars drive at very high speeds.
Shopping on the Champs-Elysée
There are various opportunities to go shopping on the Champs-Elysée. The most important fashion brands in the world come from Paris and usually have their headquarters in Paris. You will notice that on the Champs-Elysée you will find collections that you would not find anywhere else in the world. It is not for nothing that Paris is considered the Mecca of fashion, where the brands are the first to present their clothes and offer them for sale.
Moreover, you can discover the culinary side of France in various restaurants on the Champs-Elysée. There are local restaurants that offer many dishes from the French cuisine or also well-known fast food restaurants.
