Ah, les Champs Elysées! As soon as you hear this, images of the Parisian lifestyle, fancy shops, and the atmosphere filled with thrill comes to your head. Imagine this: you are walking on one of the most famous avenues in the world, with the smell of freshly made pastries in the street, surrounded by trees, and historic buildings.
It is a place that makes you want to wander, eat, and just enjoy the charm of Paris. So, what is there to do on the Champs-Élysées alone? Hold on tight, as I take you through my unforgettable day along this iconic avenue, while sharing some tips on facilities, pricing, and quality that will make your work easy for planning purposes.
Top Things to Do on the Champs-Élysées
Let’s have a quick overview of the best activities that one can do on the Champs-Élysées.
- Triumphal Arch
- Concorde Square
- The Grand Palace
- Lido de Paris
- Petit Palais
- Shopping
- Cafes
- Theater Marigny
- Jardins des Champs Elysée
- Tours de Bateaux Mouches
Highlighting the Major Destinations
Arc de Triomphe
What is there to do on the Champs-Élysées apart from visiting the popular arc? Throughout the entire length of the Western side of the structure is the arc that pays tribute to those who fought for France.
Even if you haven’t done much in Paris yet, take the time to hike it since it offers stunning vistas across the region. It doesn’t spare any breakout points! Entrance fee is roughly going to cost you about Euros 13, however if you are 26 and below and are in the EU you won’t have to pay a fee.
Place de la Concorde
Similarly geographically positioned close to the Champs-Élysées is place de la concorde where historic narratives are erected all over the streets in the form of fountains and other notable landmarks such as the Egyptian obelisk.
There may be a bustle of activity all around you, but finding such a nice spot to have a calm and relaxed coffee break seems ideal. Try some coffee from one of a number of cafes that are in the area and relish the atmosphere.
Grand Palais
Our next stop is the Grand Palais, an architectural wonder in which a variety of exhibitions and events take place. Make sure to check their calendar ahead of time as the entrance fee can be anything from free to approximately €15 based on the exhibition.
Lido de Paris
On the other hand, if you are looking for some fun in the evening, head over to the Lido de Paris. This well-known cabaret has an incredibly cheerful show with a variety of stunning things to look at. One can book a room and enjoy a meal and their performance for around 100 euros, trust me, it is something you will remember!
Petit Palais
A site that should not be missed out on the art architecture of Petit Palais is worth exploring. It has a lovely collection of fine arts to offer and guess what, its entrance is free! I would say that it is an ideal combination of art and peace with lovely gardens to walk around after that.
Luxury Shopping
So, shall we speak about the epitome of the shopping area on Croissants? I mean, shopping can get quite crazy during this time of year with the flag stores of Louis Vuitton and Cartier as well as other designer shops all lined up together, but it can also be quite fun looking through the shops. The prices are all over the place, whether you are in a leisure shopping mode or ready to do some serious spending there is definitely a place for you.
Café Culture
You can’t visit the Champs-Élysées without indulging in its café culture. I found myself at Café de la Paix, where I enjoyed a croissant and a café au lait while watching the world go by. Expect to pay around €8-15 for a meal, and don’t forget to try a macaron from Ladurée—it’s heavenly!
Theatre Marigny
For those who enjoy live performances, the Theatre Marigny offers a variety of shows throughout the year. Prices for tickets usually range from €30 to €80, depending on the performance.
Champs-Élysées Gardens
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape amidst the hustle and bustle, the Champs-Élysées Gardens offer a serene oasis. Perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, these gardens are free to enter and provide a lovely backdrop for photos.
Bateaux Mouches Boat Tours
End your day with a romantic boat tour along the Seine with Bateaux Mouches. Prices start at around €15 for a simple cruise, and it’s a fantastic way to see the city illuminated at night.
My Personal Experiences
As I wandered down the Champs-Élysées, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Each landmark tells a story, each café beckons with the promise of delicious pastries.
Locals and tourists alike share in this vibrant atmosphere, from the street performers entertaining passersby to families enjoying a day out. I remember sitting at a café, feeling the energy of the avenue, and thinking, “This is Paris at its finest.”
It’s the little moments that made my experience special—the friendly chatter of locals, the laughter of children playing in the gardens, and the breathtaking views from the Arc de Triomphe. Each interaction felt like a brushstroke on the canvas of my Parisian adventure.
My personal Recommendations
Here’s a helpful table with some accommodation options near the Champs-Élysées. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, there’s something for everyone.
| Hotel Name | Location | Type | Pricing (Approx.) | Standout Features |
| La Clef Champs-Élysées | 52 Avenue des Champs-Élysées | Luxury | €300 – €500 | Rooftop views, walking distance to sites |
| Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées | 12 Rue de Marignan | Luxury | €250 – €450 | Chic design, near luxury shopping |
| Hotel Rochester Champs-Élysées | 92 Rue de la Boétie | Mid-range | €150 – €250 | Cozy atmosphere, breakfast included |
| Hôtel des Champs-Élysées | 243 Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré | Budget-friendly | €100 – €150 | Convenient location, great value |
| Hôtel du Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées | 24 Place de l’Etoile | Budget-friendly | €90 – €130 | Simple, clean rooms, close to attractions |
There are many luxury hotels situated around the place where ideally you want to stay when visiting France. For example, Ibis and Edmond Servan Hotels and even more robust ones such as Hotel des Invalides and Aparthotel Adagio Access Paris Maisons.
If you are not on a tight budget, kindly get a room on the top floors with a balcony in Ibis, this will grant you a once in a lifetime breathtaking sight of the Eiffel Tower whilst sipping on champagne.
One can say the whole of Paris is on the Champs-Élysées. The people, their personalities and their collections of magnificent stories make this place so special.
Is it just the expensive shopping, exquisite food served in a small terraced restaurant or the overall view of the city that makes one feel giddy? One thing is for sure though Paris is an out of the world experience.
To answer the question, What is there to do on the Champs-Élysées alone with one suggestion?, I hope this guide shall motivate you to go out. Pack that bag, Alternative to grab your camera, get ready to explore Paris, and trust me, you will remember it for the rest of your life. Bon voyage!
FAQs:
1. How long does it take to walk across the length of Champs?
With no breaks, and just a walk, it takes around 30 – 45 minutes to cover the distance of the entire avenue, from one end to the other.
2. Do the traders on Champs have off Sundays?
Yes. A large number of traders are open on Sundays, but always good to confirm Store deep closure.
3. Which time is best to go up the Avenue des Champs-Élysées?
The best time will be around early morning or around late afternoons as it helps one to bypass the areas that are surrounded by excessive mobs of tourists.
4. Is there a need to pay a lot of money, or it’s cheap, for food or items on the Champs?
The price ranges can be unnecessary to other areas in Paris, mostly in restaurants, luxury boutiques, but there are cheaper alternatives to other stores.
5. Is it possible for one to view the Eiffel Tower from Champs-Elysee?
Certainly, there are points along the avenue where it is possible to see the Eiffel Tower in the distance although it will not be close.
