Stroll, Shop, and Savor: The Best of the Champs-Élysées

Discover grand monuments, glamorous shopping, and foodie hotspots all along the Champs-Élysées.

Published: May 7, 2026
Champs-Élysées

You know that picture-perfect vision of Paris? Wide boulevards, chic boutiques, grand monuments, and cafés spilling onto sunny sidewalks. The Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement is where it all comes together. This legendary avenue packs in more than world-famous shopping—it’s also home to lush gardens, secret museums, and oh-so-tempting patisseries. Whether you’re up for glitzy retail therapy, culture-hopping between must-see landmarks, or just soaking up the Parisian vibe with a coffee in hand, you’ll find it here. We’re sharing our top picks for making every moment on the Champs-Élysées dazzlingly memorable. 

Our favorite things to do on and near the Champs-Élysées include: 

  • Arc de Triomphe 
  • Grand Palais 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées 
  • Ladurée Champs-Élysées 
  • Parc Monceau 
  • Crazy Horse Paris 
  • Strolling in the Jardins des Champs-Élysées 

Arc de Triomphe 

Head to the western edge of the Champs-Élysées, where the Arc de Triomphe stands tall and proud at the Place Charles de Gaulle. This triumphal arch isn’t just a monument—it’s a living, beating heart of Parisian history. Climb the spiral staircase to the panoramic terrace, and you’re rewarded with one of the city’s most show-stopping views: twelve grand avenues fanning out like spokes in a wheel and sweeping vistas back to the Eiffel Tower and beyond. 

Why do we love it? For one, the Arc is more than just an Insta-worthy backdrop. The flame of the Unknown Soldier burns beneath its arches, with daily ceremonies keeping French traditions alive. You’ll find sculpted details, historic reliefs, and a striking sense of scale—perfect for architecture buffs and curious kids alike. Arrive just before sunset for golden-hour magic and a new appreciation for the French flair for grandeur. 

Grand Palais 

Just a stone’s throw from the avenue, the Grand Palais is all about splendor on a monumental scale. Think jaw-dropping glass domes, towering ironwork, and a history as a showplace for world’s fairs and blockbuster exhibitions. Whether you’re into contemporary art, science, or fashion, there’s always something special going on within its labyrinthine halls. 

Even if exhibitions aren’t your thing, the building is a feast for the eyes—inside and out. On sunny days, the glass roof seems to float above the city, dazzling with changing light. If you’re lucky, time your visit when the Nave hosts huge immersive installations or vintage car shows: there’s always a spectacle in store. The Grand Palais is the type of Paris attraction that surprises (and delights) around every corner. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise at Sunset

A short walk from the Champs-Élysées lands you at Pont de l’Alma, where the Bateaux Parisiens await. Nothing recharges a busy Paris day quite like gliding along the Seine, taking in the city’s greatest hits from the water. Big glass windows and open-air decks mean you won’t miss a second of the riverside drama.  

We love this experience for its relaxed vibe and ever-changing perspectives—watch Parisian life unfurl as you pass under famous bridges and wave at locals picnicking on the banks. You’ll spot grand landmarks and hidden gems, all while a friendly guide shares stories and city secrets. Whether you opt for a lunchtime cruise or a dazzling evening sail, nothing beats that breezy, champagne-in-hand feeling as Paris slips quietly by. 

Galeries Lafayette 

Retail therapy gets a major upgrade at Galeries Lafayette, a shopping destination that’s as stylish as the city itself. Step inside and the art deco architecture immediately sets the scene, while showstopping designer displays bring a playful vibrancy to your shopping adventure. 

Fashion lovers will be in heaven—think international labels, up-and-coming designers, and unique French finds, all under one roof. Even window shoppers are in for a treat, with visual displays, pop-up shops, and regular style workshops on rotation. There’s also a food hall featuring Parisian treats for a quick pick-me-up. Take a break at the in-house café, which serves excellent pastries and some of the best people-watching views on the avenue. 

Ladurée Champs-Élysées 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a sweet tooth who can resist Ladurée. This legendary patisserie is basically synonymous with Parisian indulgence—a pastel-hued, Belle Époque dream come true. Line up for a taste of their world-famous macarons in flavors like rose, pistachio, and salted caramel, all stacked in rainbow towers behind glass counters. 

Besides those dreamy treats, Ladurée’s tea room is as fancy as they come—chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and plush banquettes that transport you straight into a Parisian fairy tale. Stop in for breakfast, a decadent afternoon tea, or just a box of takeaway macarons to savor in the nearby park. Don’t miss their signature hot chocolate on a chilly morning; it’s pure, velvety bliss. 

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau

Just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, Parc Monceau is Paris at its most elegant and relaxed. This leafy park has the stately vibe of a private garden—complete with winding paths, marble statues, a vintage carousel, and even a charming little pond. Unroll your picnic blanket or grab a shady bench; locals flock here for jogs, book reading, and impromptu portrait painting. 

It’s a refreshing change of pace from the bustling avenue and a perfect spot to recharge. Don’t be surprised if you stumble across families playing, couples sharing a baguette, or city dwellers escaping for a moment of calm. For a truly Parisian moment, pick up pastries from a nearby bakery and make Parc Monceau your lunch spot. 

Crazy Horse Paris 

Looking for a touch of naughtiness with your night out? Book in for an evening at Crazy Horse Paris, one of the city’s most famed cabarets. Unlike other clubs in town, Crazy Horse dials up the artistry and spectacle, featuring avant-garde light shows, jaw-dropping costumes, and seriously impressive choreography. It’s equal parts daring and dazzling—expect sultry glamour with a big helping of Parisian wit. 

The intimate setting, glam décor, and cheeky energy make it an unforgettable night. Shows often include surprise appearances from big musical or dance stars, plus specialty cocktails that keep the party vibe flowing. If you’re seeking a classic yet contemporary Parisian cabaret, Crazy Horse Paris nails it. This isn’t your average night out; it’s an artful blend of sensuality, style, and stagecraft, wrapped up in the chicest atmosphere you’ll find anywhere near the Champs-Élysées. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, expect to leave with a big smile and plenty of stories to share. 

Strolling in the Jardins des Champs-Élysées 

If you need a pause from the shopping and sightseeing, escape into the leafy Jardins des Champs-Élysées. Stretching along the lower section of the avenue, these gardens offer a lush retreat dotted with fountains, classical statues, and tree-lined walkways perfect for a slow wander. You’ll spot local families, couples, and plenty of Parisian pooches enjoying a sniff or two. 

The gardens are studded with charming pavilions and open-air cafés where you can kick back with a coffee or a glass of rosé. During spring and summer, they hosts open-air art installations and pop-up performances, so there’s always a surprise waiting. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath, people-watch, and soak up that irresistible Parisian rhythm—without having to leave the center of it all. 

 

The Champs-Élysées isn’t just a street—it’s a microcosm of Paris itself: stylish, lively, and packed with things to discover. Whether you’re ticking off grand monuments, diving into artsy side streets, or just relishing a pastry in the sun, every moment here feels special. So take your time, explore every nook, and enjoy every bite—there’s nowhere quite like the Champs-Élysées for a day (or evening) to remember. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Arc de Triomphe or the Best Photo Opportunities in Paris 

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Montamartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
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5 Days in Paris

Packed with world-class museums, verdant parks, superb shopping and household-name attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral, it’s no surprise that Paris is one of the world’s most-visited cities. 5 days in Paris gives you just enough time to scratch the surface of this wonderful city, ticking off its top attractions and experiencing a flavor of its arty neighborhoods and exquisite café culture. The sheer number of things to see and do around the city can make it difficult to know where to start though, so check out our suggested 5-day Paris itinerary below for inspiration. Day 1: Bucket List Bonanza Everyone knows you haven’t really arrived in Paris until you’ve snapped a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower, our first port of call on this, your whirlwind romance with the City of Love. There are a number of ways to experience the Tower: you can climb the 674 stairs or take the glass elevator to the viewing platform on the second floor, 115 meters up. Or you can whiz all the way to the very top where, 276 meters above terra firma, a champagne bar awaits to help steady your nerves. Alternatively, dodge the queues and take in fantastic views of The Iron Lady from a number of nearby vantage points, such as the Champs de Mars park directly underneath, or through the majestic Fountain of Warsaw’s sky-high water jets in the Jardins du Trocadéro just across the Seine. Make your way to the nearby Arc de Triomphe where you can pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and laugh in the face of the meager 284 steps required to reach the viewing platform up top. Board a bateau at dusk for a more relaxed way to sightsee, on a gentle Seine cruise. No time of day in Paris is more magical than when the skies begin to darken and the City of Light comes thrillingly to life, with the illumination of glorious riverside landmarks including the Louvre, Grand Palais and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Day 2: Latin Quarter and Musée d’Orsay Unless you’re absolutely art mad, a five-day trip to Paris will likely only take in one of The Big Two (that’s the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to you and me). Perched on the Left Bank in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is smaller, more easily navigable and generally less crowded than its famous sibling with the glass pyramid that lies just across the river. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with artists including Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Toulous-Lautrec, Degas, Gauguin et al very well represented here. Go for the fine art and stay for the fifth-floor café's huge station-clock window and its exhilarating views over the Seine to the Louvre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica. From Musée d’Orsay it’s a short stroll east along the riverfront to where the Paris bouquinistes ply their trade from stalls packed with second-hand books of all kinds, from antiquarian atlases to graphic novels. Here, in the boho Latin Quarter, stroll the narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, and pause at one of the cute sidewalk cafés for coffee and pastries before paying homage to Rousseau, Voltaire, Louis Braille, Marie Curie and the dozens of other Gallic greats interred beneath the Panthéon’s impressive dome. Day 3: Picnic in the park Paris is made for picnicking. From the sweeping, manicured lawns of the Champs de Mars by the Eiffel Tower to the secluded hills and wooded valleys of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont on the edge of town, there’s a lunch spot to suit all tastes. Step one: pick up your picnic. You’ll want crusty bread, a selection of cheeses and fruits and, why not, a cheeky bottle of French wine as a bare minimum. Sure, you could get all of this in a standard supermarché. But where's the fun in that? Instead, guarantee a knock-it-out-the-park pique-nique you’ll never forget by heading to one of the city's market streets and stuffing your hamper with delicious, fresh gourmet goodies. Straddling the 1st and 2nd arrondissements on the Right Bank, Rue Montorgueil will make all your foodie dreams come true, and is also home to the oldest pâtisserie in town, where signature sticky rum babas are guaranteed to make your tastebuds sing. Across the river in the Latin Quarter, Rue Mouffetard is a picturesque place to pick up a picnic from the many bustling stalls and stores that line its cobbles. Suitably stocked up, all you need to do now is pick a park for your leisurely lunch. For feet-up-by-the lake tranquility, formal gardens and sculptures by Rodin, Mailliol and more, head for Jardin des Tuileries by the Louvre. Or, for a spot of old-fashioned Parisian people-watching, the gardens of 17th-century Place des Vosges in the Marais are hard to beat. Meanwhile, out on the opposite edges of town, Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, the city’s largest public parks, offer relative seclusion and room to roam amid chateaux, boating lakes, botanical gardens, grottoes and more. Day 4: Montmartre One of Paris’s ‘must-sees’, the Montmartre butte is the highest point in the city, with the flamboyant Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched on top, and some of the best views in town. Wander the cobbled streets and you’ll soon discover why this atmospheric part of Paris has inspired so many artists down the centuries. You can view the work of many of them – Manet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Miró – at the excellent Musée de Montmartre, a 17th-century mansion with tranquil gardens that were immortalized in art by Renoir, a former resident. Grab a coffee and pastry at the Café des Deux Moulins, made famous from its starring role in the movie Amélie. Have your portrait painted by local artists in the picture-perfect Place du Tertre, just behind the basilica. Grab a snap of the Moulin Rouge’s iconic red windmill. And head to the wildly romantic-sounding le mur des je t’aime for a souvenir selfie of your time in the City of Love. Featuring the phrase ‘I love you’ in 250 languages, this ‘wall of love’ is a permanent art installation made from hundreds of enameled lava tiles. Day 5: A Spot of Souvenir-Shopping Make your last day in Paris as special as the first, with some leisurely souvenir-shopping in and around the Marais district, with its cobbled lanes, independent boutiques, cute pâtisseries and historic 19th-century arcades nearby. Step back in time to Belle-Époque Paris in the wonderfully whimsical Passages Couverts, a series of 18th and 19th-century shopping arcades with narrow walkways, glass-and-iron roofs and old-fashioned storefronts. You’ll find two of the best in the 2nd arrondissement, neighboring the Marais. Neo-classical Galerie Vivienne has intricate mosaic floors and an elegant glass dome that sits atop a rotunda decorated with nymphs and goddesses. Nearby Passage Choiseul is the longest covered passage in Paris and a registered historical monument. Expect chic fashion boutiques, wine cellars, jewelers, antiquarian bookstores and an old-school Paris vibe inside both. The gift shop just around the corner from the Marais' marvelous Musée National Picasso-Paris merits a visit in its own right, with tasteful Picasso-inspired homeware, art prints, pottery, bags and much more on offer. And it would be remiss to go home without a pretty box of macarons, that colorful meringue-based confection so beloved of Parisians. You’ll find these in any Marais pâtisserie worth its salt. But this is Paris, darling, so treat yourself by splashing out on some of the poshest in town from French pastry master Pierre Hermé. Save on top attractions during your 5 days in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Rainbow over the Paris skyline
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Things to do in Paris for Pride Day

Oh l’amour! There’s a reason Paris is known as the City of Love, what with all those romantic boulevards, cute sidewalk cafés, handsome bridges, and swoonsome sunset strolls along the banks of the Seine. But love really comes to town in June, when the annual Pride festival – or Quinzaine des Fiertés – kicks off. Two weeks of shows, parties, exhibitions and debates in support of the LGBTQ+ cause, the festival is a celebration of love, diversity and inclusion that takes in everything from drag performances to dance shows, sporting spectaculars, bingo nights, roller-skating events and, of course, the grand finale: a joyful parade (aka the Marche des Fiertés) that snakes through the streets of Paris on the last Saturday of the month, drawing in up to 750,000 spectators and participants. Ooh la la! Dive in for our guide to all the best things to do in Paris on and around Pride Day. La Marche des Fiertés There are around 50 LGBTQ+ events taking place in council and municipal buildings and other gay-friendly spaces around Paris during the fortnight that precedes the Marche des Fiertés. Many of these are held in and around Le Marais, Paris’s beautiful, atmospheric and storied gay district. French speakers can find a full program on the country’s official Pride website.  But, as month-end approaches it’s really all about the Marche des Fiertés, Paris’s vibrant Pride parade, which sees the city center explode in a riot of dancing, singing and laughter, all wrapped up in a simply enormous outpouring of love. The route usually begins at (or near) the Tour Montparnasse, which just happens to be the city’s only skyscraper. Naturally, then, it’s also home to Paris’s highest observation platform – perfect if you want to watch the rainbow-colored parade from above. There are passionate, rousing speeches from around 1PM before, at 2PM, the crowd commences its two-hour crawl to the Place de la République, via Place de la Bastille. Spectators can expect to spot flamboyant floats, carnivalesque costumes, drag queens, stilt walkers, roller skaters, and more. The conclusion of the Parade doesn’t spell the end of Paris Pride. Far from it, in fact. The party continues until late in the evening, thanks to thrilling live music and wild drag performances on the main stage at Place de la République (or sometimes Place de la Bastille, depending on the parade route).  And nor does it end there: lively street parties continue across Paris well into the wee small hours, and it’s also a great (if somewhat busy) time to visit Paris’s finest gay bars and clubs. Hit up the Marais district for some of the most popular in town, among them the legendary Café Cox, Le Cud Bar, Les Souffleurs, and La Perle. LGBTQ+ Art & Culture We get it: massive, high-on-life crowds ain’t everybody’s cup of thé. So here’s the good news: you don’t need to join the end-of-June party to get a taste of Parisian LGBTQ+ culture. Try these for size instead: The Louvre: the largest (and most-visited) museum on the planet holds an extraordinary collection of gay art. We’re talking Ancient Greek vases featuring eye-popping homoerotic illustrations, an 18th-century sculpture of the heroic gay couple from Virgil’s Aeneid, several busts of Emperor Hadrian’s plaything Antinous, and a number of pieces by Renaissance geniuses Michelangelo and da Vinci. Top Louvre visiting tips here. Père Lachaise Cemetery: not just an utterly beautiful cemetery, with broad, leafy boulevards flanked by gothic gravestones and monumental memorials, Père Lachaise also just happens to be the final resting place of several gay icons of yore. Pay your respects at the graves of Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf and Maria Callas, as well as the tomb shared by Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas, and that of Jean-Jacques Régis de Cambacérès, the Napoleonic nobleman considered by many to be the father of gay liberation. Luminor Hôtel de Ville: this beloved Marais cinema is where it’s at for the latest indie, arthouse and indeed blockbuster LGBTQ+ movies, especially during Quinzaine des Fiertés and other Paris LGBTQ+ film festivals. Latest listings here.  Les Mots à la Bouche: this Marais bookshop has been a stalwart of the Paris gay scene since 1980, stocking the full gamut of LGBTQ+ literature from art books to comics and erotic novels. Best of the Rest: Paris’s Top Attractions Paris Pride sees many of the city’s renowned landmarks light up in rainbow colors. Of course, the Eiffel Tower gets involved, beaming out its technicolor message of love and unity after dark throughout the Quinzaine des Fiertés. Then there’s the Arc de Triomphe and aforementioned Tour Montparnasse, as well as the countless local businesses – cafés, boutiques, galleries – that brighten the streets with beautiful rainbow flags and bunting. Heck, even Disneyland Paris gets in on the act! Feel the love on a stroll along the Seine, learn to say ‘I love you’ in 250 different languages at the wildly romantic-sounding Mur Des Je t’aime (Wall of Love) in Montmartre, or take a day trip to one of the utterly swoonsome chateaux that are easily reached by train from the capital. A Paris attraction pass from Go City can save you up to 50% when visiting multiple famous landmarks. There are over 100 attractions, tours and activities to choose from, including many mentioned in this guide. Here are just some of the highlights: A guided climb of the Eiffel Tower (a mere 674 steps up to the second level) Entry to the mighty Louvre Museum A trip to the top of Tour Montparnasse, the only skyscraper in Paris Romantic Seine cruises (with or without Champagne) Guided walking tours that include LGBTQ+ mecca Le Marais, Père Lachaise Cemetery, arty Montmartre, and a stroll around the favorite hotspots of fictional fashionista Emily Cooper, heroine of Netflix rom-com ‘Emily in Paris’. A fashion show at the iconic Galeries Lafayette Perfume- and macaron-making experiences Entry to the stunning Château Fontainebleau and Palace of Versailles … and much, much more! Find out more about the available pass types and get yours here.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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