Champs-Elysees Walking Tour (Self Guided), Paris

A spot at the end of the Champs Elysées Avenue was always considered fit to accommodate some sort of a landmark monument. However, it wasn't until 1806 that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte finally decreed that a triumphal arch, dedicated to the glory of his army, should be placed there. Napoleon's architectural projects made clear his desire to identify his regime with the glory of Imperial Rome, and this particular design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus.

The measure of Napoleon's audacious ambitions can be seen in the sheer size of the Triumphal Arch: a colossal 45 meters wide by 50 meters high, making it almost certainly the biggest triumphal arch in the world. Nowadays, the presence of The Great Arch of the Defense on the western horizon of Paris makes it hard to appreciate the Triumphal Arch's original impact on the cityscape. Back then, it was the most prominent and massive object for miles around – the hegemony retained until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in the 1880s.

Inevitably, the arch quickly became an object of national pride and subsequently the world-famous symbol of French patriotism. Built in the era when war was undoubtedly the "overriding argument of kings", the arch was intended primarily for triumphal entrances into Paris by victorious French troops. Napoleon himself had a chance to pass beneath its mock-up replica only once, in 1810, together with his bride Marie-Louise, the Archduchess of Austria. The other Napoleon – Napoleon III – was more fortunate in this respect, and was able to ride underneath the completed Arch of Triumph upon his ascending to the throne in 1852.

As for the proper victory march, the Triumphal Arch saw it for the first time only in 1919. The aftermath of World War I, however, shifted the French public interest away from war, and, since 1921, the arch has been solely the place of commemoration of the fallen soldiers. It has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance.

Tip:
The roundabout encircling the Triumphal Arch is referred to by Parisians as "the Star" for the 12 avenues emanating from it. Climbing the stairs to the top of the arch, you will see the star-shaped pattern of the radiating streets and enjoy a panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées leading towards Concorde Square and the Louvre Museum in the distance.

By far the most popular avenue in France, Champs-Élysées is a household name and has been described as the "most beautiful avenue in the whole world". Stretching for about two kilometers from Concorde Square to Charles de Gaulle Square, this major thoroughfare boasts exuberant shopping, luxurious dining, and world-class entertainment, not to mention some of the top photographic panoramas of the French capital.

Once a farmland, the area was made into a promenade in 1667, when it was designed as an extension of the Tuileries Garden. Originally called the "Grand Promenade," this wide boulevard lined with elm trees adopted its current name in 1709. The name “Champs-Élysées” is the French for the Elysian Fields, the resting place for dead heroes and blessed souls in Greek mythology.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the avenue saw significant expansions and renovations, becoming increasingly fashionable, flanked by noble properties such as the Élysée Palace, currently serving as the official residence of the Presidents of France. The Triumphal Arch, commissioned by Napoleon and finished in the 1830s, added grandeur to the area. During Napoleon III’s reign, it was redesigned in an English garden style, introducing winding paths and chestnut trees, while the Universal Expositions of 1855 and 1900 further transformed it, giving rise to the Grand and Small Palaces, now housing a bunch of art galleries.

Throughout French history, the avenue also has been a symbolic site of military parades celebrating victories like that in the First World War, in 1919, and the liberation of Paris in 1944. Once a year, it also sees the finish of the annual Tour de France cycling race.

As a staple destination for foodies, the avenue offers a choice of gourmet eateries fit to spoil even the most discerning gluttons. Among the places particularly noteworthy are: bistro Atelier Renault; Flora Danica – the Danish brasserie, renowned for its caviar; Fouquet's restaurant – aged over 100 years; the famous Ladurée tea room; as well as L'Alsace Bistro specializing, just as the name suggests, in the Alsace regional cuisine and open 24 hours a day.

Those craving entertainment will find it here, too, in rich supply. Cinema Gaumont, France's #1 screen for movie premiers; the world-famous cabaret Lido; the bar and club Montecristo; Le Queen nightclub with some of the top DJs in town, plus the Marigny Theatre are just some of the local entertainment options to consider.

Whatever the season, day or night, Champs-Élysées never fails to impress. And if you come around Christmas, you'll be in for a special treat!

The Great Palace of the Champs-Élysées, or more commonly the Grand Palace, is a historic Parisian site, recognized as a monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Built between 1897 and 1900 for the Universal Exposition, it replaced the Palace of Industry demolished shortly before that. Its creation coincided with the construction of the Small Palace, another key attraction of the 1900 World Fair.

Designed to celebrate French art, the Grand Palace showcases a unique blend of Classical and Art Nouveau architecture. Creating its iconic 8-ton glass roof — the largest in Europe — reportedly took more steel than the entire Eiffel Tower! The Beaux-Arts façade, intricate stonework, and cutting-edge use of iron, light steel, and reinforced concrete together reflect the architectural ambitions of the era.

Four architects collaborated on the palace's design, creating a glass-and-iron pavilion ideal for art exhibitions, featuring paintings and sculptures. Over time, the structure also hosted innovative shows on aviation and automotive technology.

The palace has a storied past. Having served as a military hospital in World War I, it then housed Nazi forces and later the French resistance during World War II, which ultimately resulted in fire damage. While postwar plans envisioned replacing it with a modern museum, the Grand Palace was saved and declared a historic monument in 1975.

The building comprises three main areas: the Main Hall, the National Galleries, and the science-focused Palace of Discovery. Seasonal attractions include a cinema, restaurant, and even a skating rink. Curiously enough, the facility also suits for and, in fact, regularly hosts... horse shows!

At night, when brightly illuminated, the Grand Palace becomes a stunning sight, showcasing its architectural beauty in a play of lights and shadows.

Tip:
Should you decide to visit, don't miss the Small Palace too, just across the street, while you're there!

Concord Square is Paris's largest public square, spanning 7.6 hectares at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It was created in the mid-18th century to honor King Louis XV’s recovery. The square's octagonal layout, surrounded by moats and stone bridges, originally featured the equestrian statue of Louis XV at its center.

During the French Revolution, the square gained historical significance as the site of numerous public executions including those of King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and Maximilien Robespierre, one of the most influential and controversial French revolutionary figures. The installed guillotine remained particularly busy throughout the so-called "Reign of Terror" in the summer of 1794 when in a single month more than 1,300 people were executed. Renamed Revolution Square during this period, it was rechristened Concord Square in 1795, symbolizing peace in post-revolutionary France.

Today, the square is home to iconic landmarks. The Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt, was raised there in 1836. In 1998, it was capped with a gold-leaf top. Aged over 3,000 years, this is by far the most ancient monument in Paris, originally standing at Luxor Temple’s entrance. The 230-ton obelisk is complemented by two fountains: the Maritime Fountain, symbolizing France’s seas, and the Fluvial Fountain, representing its rivers. The square’s Neoclassical buildings house important institutions like the former headquarters of the French Navy. In continuation of the nautical theme, there are 20 rostral columns throughout the square adorned with a ship prow which is part of the official Paris emblem.

On its eastern side, the Tuileries Garden connects with museums like the “Game of Palm” National Gallery (a former tennis court turned into an art gallery) and the Orangery, home to Monet’s Water Lilies painting.

Concord Square continues to host significant events, including Bastille Day parades and, more recently, Olympic celebrations. In 2021, plans were announced to make the square more pedestrian-friendly by reducing traffic, adding green spaces, and creating tree-lined areas around monuments.

Tip:
A big Ferris wheel in Concord Square is for those keen on getting a bird's eye view over the nearby river Seine, Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Champs-Élysées, Triumphal Arch, and the Eiffel Tower. This wheel turns three times faster than the London Eye and is much cheaper too!

La Madeleine is a Roman Catholic church named after Mary Magdalene and inspired by ancient Roman temples, sitting nobly in the centre of Haussmannian Paris. Leading to it is the smart and elegant Galerie de la Madeleine – a passage constructed in the 1840s that is impeccably preserved and now home to opulent boutiques and charming cafés.

La Madeleine's construction, started during the reign of King Louis XV, suffered several stoppages including a major one during the French Revolution. Eventually, in 1806, Napoleon announced the decision to make it a temple to glorify his Great Army and commissioned to the job the architect Pierre Vignon. Evidently aware of the emperor's taste for opulent imperial Roman-style architecture, Vignon came up with the idea of an enormous Corinthian temple. He was still working on the project when Napoleon was demoted. The replacing him King Louis XVIII kept Vignon on, but ordered that the temple be made into a church.

The most striking feature of La Madeleine is its enormous size, in part prompted by the surrounding monumentality of Place de la Concorde, but also, no doubt, due to the inflated ego of Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Devoid of windows, so as not to disturb the severity of the temple, the light is let in from above, via three domes open at the top, in the manner of the Roman Pantheon. Each dome is supported by four Corinthian arches with pendentives, featuring a grand imperial Roman style.

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In the basement of the church is the Foyer de la Madeleine which today plays host to some of the most fashionable concerts and wedding parties in Paris. The concerts take place several times a month on Sunday afternoon and include baroque and chamber music, as well as organ recitals and symphonic orchestral performances.

The Élysée Palace is a truly emblematic property of the French capital, located just a few steps away from the Madeleine church, not far from Champs Elysées. Constructed in the early 18th century and initially owned by the Count of Evreux, it can be found on Rue Saint-Honoré, one of the most prominent streets of Paris.

Lavishly enlarged and repainted during the Second Empire in the fashionable style of that period, the palace has retained much of its original appearance dating back to the days of its first owner. The distinguishable, vast grounds allowed the architect Armand-Claude Mollet to give it something of an air of a small castle. Later, one of the most influential French architectural theorists Jacques-François Blondel described the palace as having the "air of magnificence" and being "the most beautiful mansion in the Paris region".

Having changed hands several times, the palace finally became residence of a French President in 1873. The actual office of the head of state, the Gold Room, has changed very little since. The terrestrial globe, a significant element of the interior, was brought in by Charles de Gaulle. Today, the French Government holds regular meetings at the palace.

In the underground section, there is a room with the red button pushing which the President of France can activate the country's nuclear arsenal. The room is also fitted with large screens and communication module linking the President directly to the Minister of Defense and strategic air force commander.

It so happens that presently, with the exception of the European Heritage Days, it is almost impossible for ordinary people to get into the palace. Still, it is well worth the while to view it from the outside. So, whenever you're in Paris, just make sure to walk by.

As you step inside, you can almost transport yourself to the grand parties that once took place in this Parisian mansion. Once the home of art collectors Nélie Jacquemart and Édouard André, this opulent residence from the late 19th century seamlessly blends elements from different eras, with Greek and Roman antiquities, Egyptian artifacts, period furnishings, and portraits by Dutch masters on display. Its 16 rooms provide a captivating peek into the lifestyle of Parisian high society, from the library adorned with canvases by Rembrandt and Van Dyck to the stunning Jardin d'Hiver, a glass-paned garden room featuring a magnificent double-helix staircase.

In other words, a mansion that not only showcases remarkable art collections but also reflects the lifestyle of the 19th-century Parisian bourgeoisie.

Why You Should Visit:
This rare glimpse into the lavish life of a wealthy couple is full of surprises and offers the chance to enjoy tea beneath the ceiling decorations by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Other masterpieces on display include works by Botticelli, Boucher, and Rembrandt.

The tale of the Camondo family is a tragic and poignant one, recorded with utmost care within the walls of this exceptional museum. Patriarch Moïse de Camondo, born in the bosom of a prosperous banking family in Istanbul, crafted his crowning jewel in 1911, a mansion designed in the style of the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Within its walls, the patriarch curated a collection of the most exquisite furniture, wainscoting, artworks, and bibelots, transporting visitors back in time to the mid-to-late 18th century. However, despite his vast wealth and charm, his wife left him just five years into their marriage. Then, his son Nissim met his untimely demise in World War I. Upon Moïse’s death in 1935, the house and its contents were bequeathed to the state as a museum named after his lost son. Tragically, a few years later, his daughter Béatrice, her husband, and their two children were deported from France and cruelly murdered at Auschwitz. The Camondo name died out with them. Today, the house stands as an impeccable tribute to Moïse’s life.

Recent renovations have unlocked several rooms for public viewing, including some of the family’s private apartments, the kitchen, scullery, and the servant’s dining room. Despite being built in the early 20th century, the mansion was installed with ultra-modern conveniences, such as elevators and a built-in vacuum system. Take a moment to scrutinize the chandeliers, silver dining sets, Beauvais tapestries, Chinese vases, and needlepoint chairs, and then glide through the library, dining room, private apartments, and out to the garden. Lastly, indulge in a spot of refreshment at the chic contemporary café, complete with a charming terrace, nestled within the former garage.