Champs-Élysées or Chance-Élysée.

Champs Elysees bear little resemblance to flowering lawns, but there was also room here for a park area, as well as for large quantity fashionable and expensive stores, entertainment centers, restaurants and other establishments. Only famous brands can afford to rent space on this street, and tourists enjoy strolling along the wide avenue in the center of Paris and admiring the sights and luxurious decorations.

Etymology of the name of the Champs Elysees

It is not surprising that many people wonder why the Champs-Elysees is called that. In French the street is called Chance-Élisée, which is derived from the Greek word Elysium. It first appeared in mythology Ancient Greece and denoted amazing fields in the world of the dead. The souls of heroes, whom the gods wanted to reward for their services in worldly life, were sent to the Champs Elysees. Otherwise, they can be called “islands for the blessed,” where spring always reigns and no one experiences suffering or illness.

In fact, Elysium is a paradise, and the street deserves its name because it is generally accepted that it is so beautiful, exquisite and unique in its kind that anyone who once walks along it feels as if they have been in paradise. Of course, from a religious point of view, the central avenue is not distinguished by the mentioned elevation, but as an attraction it is very popular among all guests coming to Paris.

Basic information about French Avenue

Chance-Elise doesn't have exact address, as it is a street in Paris. Today it is the widest and most central avenue of the city, which originates at the Place de la Concorde and ends at the Arc de Triomphe. Its length reaches 1915 meters and its width is 71 meters. If we consider the city by region, then the attraction is located in the eighth arrondissement, which is considered to be the most expensive to live in.

The Champs Elysees is a kind of axis of Paris. The street is conventionally divided into two parts. The first is a cluster of parks, the second has shops at every turn. The walking area starts from Concord Square and stretches to Round Square. It occupies approximately 700 meters of the total length of the street. The parks are about 300 meters wide. Walking alleys divide the entire territory into squares.

The round square is the link in which the avenue abruptly changes its appearance, as it goes to the west and is a wide roadway with sidewalks along the edges. This area is not just shopping center, but a key business unit in France, representing the achievements of the world's largest companies.

The history of the street

Chance-Elise did not appear in Paris since the founding of the city. For the first time, its description appeared in documents only in the 17th century, when alleys along the Queen’s Boulevard were created specifically for Marie de’ Medici’s walks. Later, the road was widened and lengthened, and also improved for the passage of carriages.

At first, the Champs-Élysées street went only to Round Square, but the new designer of the royal gardens extended it to Chaillot Hill and significantly ennobled it. In the 18th century it was beautiful garden with flower beds, lawns, architectural structures in the form of forest huts, small shops and coffee shops. The street was accessible to all residents of the city, which is confirmed by reports that say that “music was playing from everywhere, townspeople were walking, townspeople were relaxing on the grass, drinking wine.”

The avenue received its current name after the French Revolution. There is an explanation for who the street is named after; it is related to uncertain times in the country. It was from the idea of ​​Elysium that the revolutionaries drew their inspiration for further achievements. At the end of the 18th century, Chanz-Elise was empty and even dangerous for walking. Many demonstrations were held on the avenue, and after the overthrow of the monarchy, shops and shops began to appear on the street, which gave birth to a new fashionable part of the Champs-Elysees.

The first half of the 19th century was a period of destruction and decline for the once bustling avenue. Almost all buildings were destroyed, parks were abandoned. The reason for this was instability in the country, uprisings, and military attacks. Since 1838, the Champs Elysees began to be rebuilt literally from scratch. As a result, the avenue becomes so wide and ennobled that international exhibitions began to be held here.

Since then, including during the war years of the 20th century, the Champs Elysees has been treated with great respect. Parades of German troops were held here, but the general appearance of the attraction was not greatly damaged. Now this is one of the most popular places, where national holidays are organized, fireworks are set off and ceremonial parades are held.

Description of the attractions of the park part of the Champs Elysees

The park area of ​​the Champs Elysees is conventionally divided into two sectors: northern and southern, and each of them consists of several squares with unusual names. Since the creation of the alleys, fountains have been installed on each site, which are part of the architect’s idea.

The Square of Ambassadors is associated with numerous major and expensive hotels, where high-ranking personalities often stay when visiting the country for diplomatic purposes. Hotels for diplomats are the embodiment of the ideas of Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Some of the relatively new attractions in this area include: Cultural Center, organized by Pierre Cardin. Connoisseurs of the works of Marly Guillaume Coustou can admire his sculpture “Horses”.

The Elysee Square is located in front of the palace where the French President has lived and worked since his inauguration. Closer to Avenue Marigny, you can see a monument erected in honor of a hero of the Resistance who gave his life under severe torture by the Nazis during the Second World War.

In the Marigny square you can visit the theater of the same name, where Jacques Offenbach staged his famous operettas. In the same area, stamp collectors can purchase rare items in one of the largest markets in the world.

Georama Square is famous for its ancient Ledoyen restaurant, built at the end of the 19th century. Many famous Frenchmen spent more than one evening in this yellowish pavilion. The Great Square of the Holidays is interesting because of the Great and Little Palaces, created during the reign of Louis XV. On Round Square you can visit the famous Ron Point Theater.

Fashionable centers

There are many companies represented in the western part of the Champs Elysees. This is the area where:

• major tourist centers;
• federal banks;
• offices of famous airlines;
• car showrooms;
• cinemas;
• restaurants and other establishments.

The windows here are decorated stylishly, like something out of a picture, and there are places that every tourist should visit. And even if you can’t go inside, it’s worth admiring the façade design. The famous Virgin Megastore music center is a true example of determination in business, as it was created from scratch and without capital investment, and today it is the largest in the world.

Russian tourists can go to the Rasputin restaurant. Exciting shows are organized in the Lido cabaret. The cinemas on Shanz-Elise launch premieres with the participation of film industry stars, so even an ordinary visitor can see famous actors at a distance of a couple of meters from themselves and even take a photo at the end of the show.

Almost no one lives in this part of the city, since the rent per square meter exceeds 10,000 euros per month. Only large companies with significant capital can afford to rent a place on the Champs Elysees, thereby ensuring admiring glances from millions of tourists strolling along the central avenue of France.

Every city in the world has something unusual. The Champs Elysees is the symbol of Paris. Literally every tourist wants to visit here. For Parisians, this is a place for ordinary quiet walks, sometimes it is the center of a noisy celebration. The Champs Elysees (Champs-Elise), 71 m long, has been mentioned more than once in the works of art of modern writers.

Guests of the capital are offered many excursions, but it is most convenient to start your trip from the Champs Elysees.

The most expensive street

Champ-Elise belongs to the streets where the presence of history is clearly felt. Looking at the avenue, one cannot help but remember the work of the architect Andre Leontor, who created a new alley - the Grand Boulevard. The Champs Elysees is presented on the map as a park area.

The bridge, built in 1710, perfectly conveyed the era of that time. Soon the first houses were erected on the site of gently curving streets. History holds memories of luxurious mansions near the park.

Elysee Palace

Outside of it there is the home of Count Evreux - the Elysee Palace. Celebrities lived in the ceremonial residence, and history preserves the names of the Marquise de Pompadour, Louis XV, and Napoleon Bonaparte. The Place de la Concorde was built in 1755.

On the famous street is the Arc de Triomphe, through which Russian Cossacks marched on horseback in 1814. The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris and is clearly visible from Avenue Montaigne. Continuing along the avenue, tourists get acquainted with Star Square, ending with the Arc de Triomphe. For many travelers versed in mythology, the street will forever remain the “island of the blessed,” where heroes were rewarded by the gods for their fearlessness.

Architectural monument

The Arc de Triomphe is located on Avenue Charles de Gaulle. This is a majestic structure connecting the Place des Stars and the Champs-Elysees. The project was completed by the architect Jean Chalgrin in 1806. The arch took 30 years to build and became a symbol of Napoleon Bonaparte's dinner.

A walk along the Champs Elysees always captivates travelers: it awakens interest in the theatrical world, and in gatherings after a performance in a cafe. The Champs-Elysees Theater, like cabarets, circuses, and cafes, captivates audiences. They enjoy the prim atmosphere and the stilted diction of the actors.

Avenue des Champs-Elysees is the central avenue of Paris. The length of the street from Place de la Concorde (Concorde) to the Arc de Triomphe located on Place Charles-de-Gaulle is 1915 m, and the width is 71 m.

Why are the Champs Elysees in Paris called that? By name, Elysia is an idyllic zone of the underworld. In it, according to ancient Greek mythology, the souls of heroes and righteous people reside in bliss.

The most important national events are celebrated at Chance Elise. On July 12, 1998, when France won the world football championship, a record number of people gathered here - more than 3 million. And the everyday norm is at least 300 thousand people.

History of Paris Avenue

Once upon a time, on the site of the current Champs Elysees, not far from the Louvre and the Tuileries Palace, there was a swampy forest. Here, French aristocrats of the 16th century, including kings, hunted ducks. The first development of the territory at the beginning of the 17th century. associated with the name of Queen Marie de' Medici. Louis XIV then ordered the construction of three roads from Versailles to the Tuileries Palace.

After this, the king entrusted the improvement of the surrounding area to the landscape architect Andre Le Nôtre. Under his leadership, the swamps were drained, in place of which walking areas appeared, illuminated by gas lanterns. In the 18th century the future avenue was extended to the site that later became Place Charles de Gaulle. During the reign of Louis XVI, the area was abandoned. As a result, robbers appeared in the dense thickets, which forced the establishment of a guards post here.

Then came the turbulent revolutionary times. In 1791, the royal family left rebellious Paris through this post. The soldiers stationed there had a curious order - to hang those who insulted the royals, and, at the same time, beat with sticks those who praised them. Alas, very soon there will be no trace left of this moderation, and the royal couple will end their days in the guillotine. The stones of the Place de la Revolution (formerly Louis XV), which later received the conciliatory name of Place de la Concorde, will be heavily stained with blood.

After the restoration of the monarchy, the Champs Elysees became a symbol of the country and power over it. In 1810, the second wife of Emperor Napoleon, Marie-Louise, solemnly entered the capital along the street. The defeat of France in the war and the capture of Paris in 1814 by coalition troops had a negative impact on Chance Eliza. After all, this is where the winners set up their camp.

After their departure, the Champs Elysees took several years to restore. Since 1828, the street was transferred to the Parisian municipality, and began to be improved again. By six residential buildings beginning of the century, new ones were added. In 1836, the Arc de Triomphe, founded by Napoleon 30 years earlier, was completed.

Walk along the Champs Elysees

The prospectus is a visiting card of Paris with gold embossing. Every day, Chanz Elize is visited by 300 to 500 thousand people. Therefore, a regular walk along the avenue without visiting numerous cafes, restaurants and luxury shops will take at least an hour. Very few tourists can afford to buy anything there, since prices on the most prestigious Parisian street are sky-high. Above - only on New York's Fifth Avenue.

The Champs Elysees is in many ways an exhibition of products from the most famous brands. Therefore, the price of the goods here includes not only a markup for the brand, but also compensation for a very high rent. The same goods can be purchased at least half the price in other Parisian stores. Shopping on Shan'z Elise is done by wealthy and vain travelers. That’s why they need to have tens of thousands of EUR available or in their accounts. Ordinary tourists can have an amount in their pocket that is a thousand times less.

As for housing, according to some reports, only six Parisians can afford to live on the Champs-Elysees permanently. (Elysia, which gave the street its name, had many more inhabitants). To receive important guests, many large companies rent an office here for several hours. Those who like to splurge for 100 EUR per month can rent… Mailbox. It's hard to turn down a business or romantic proposal with a return address to Shanz Eliza.

Parks

The Champs Elysees is conventionally divided into park and promenade and store and shopping areas. The first of them extends 700 m between two squares - Concord and Round (Rond-Point). It really resembles an elegant garden, the alleys of which divide it into squares. One of them is called the Champs Elysees after the Palais de l'Élysée located there - the official residence of the President of France. The palace is hidden by greenery, and to see it you need to come closer.

Near this green oasis there are two neoclassical palaces - the Grand and Petit Palais. They are reserved for museums and exhibitions. Place Clemenceau is located between the Grand and Petit Palaces. Between the trees near the Small Palace there is a monument to the Prime Minister from the First World War. And in the very center of the square stands a monument to the last great Frenchman - General de Gaulle.

Shops on the Champs Elysees

After Rond-Point, up to Arc de Triomphe, follows the “store” part. It houses the editorial offices of leading newspapers, representative offices of large banks and airlines, cinemas, and expensive stores. There are no others on Shanz Eliza, since getting a place here is very difficult and expensive. Some of the global brands represented here, such as Adidad and Louis Vuitton, have the largest stores in the world.

Fine restaurants are located in this part. Wealthy travelers can follow the example of Maupassant, Zola, Flaubert, and visit the famous Pavillon Ledoyen restaurant. Lunch here will cost about 150 EUR. Other options are Le Fouquet's, where Charlie Chaplin often visited, and the Russian restaurant Raspoutine. And mere mortals can eat at McDonald's, which has also won a place here, for 5 EUR.

Not far from the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous cabarets - the Lido. It operates in the “dinner + evening or night show” format. They start at 19:00, 21:30 and 23:30 respectively. The approximate cost of dinner and show is 160 EUR - 200 EUR, and tickets for the show only are 95 (evening) and 90 (night). One of the street's attractions is the Laduree confectionery. It is famous for its almond cakes, baked since 1862. More than 15 thousand of them are sold out every day.

According to knowledgeable Parisians, the main attraction of the Champs Elysees is the stunning luxury interior of the Paiva mansion (Manoir Paiva). You have to take their word for it, since only members of a private Anglo-French travel club can visit it.

Elysee Palace

On the site of the Palais de l "Élysée in 1718 there was land plot, surrounded by a garden. Count D'Evre, who acquired it, entrusted the construction of a house on it to the architect Armand-Claude Mollet. After 4 years, a two-story mansion was ready. After the death of the count, the building passed to the favorite of Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour. The second floor was landscaped, and innovations appeared in the garden - there were Additional alleys were laid, a gilded grotto and a labyrinth were built.

The next owners were Louis XV, then the banker Nicolas Beaujon. Under him, the garden was redesigned in the English style. The last private owner was Napoleonic Marshal Murat. In the Picture Gallery built on his orders (now called the Murat Hall), meetings of the Council of Ministers are held.

In 1808, the marshal handed over his palace to Napoleon I. Then it came into the possession of Louis XVIII, and in 1848, President Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte settled there. After declaring himself emperor, he moved to the Tuileries Palace, and the Palais de l'Élysée underwent a final renovation that affected its exterior.

Since 1873, the Palais de l'Élysée has been the official presidential residence. Since that time, some of its inhabitants have initiated only internal changes. The palace is closed to visitors, but once a year, on the third Sunday in September, some of its premises receive tourists.

Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Having won the Battle of Austerlitz in 1806, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch on the Chaillot hill. It was supposed to remind of the victorious battles of the periods of the Revolution and the First Empire. The project was prepared by the court architect Chalgrin. The construction of the arch lasted for 30 years.

The height of the majestic single-span arch is 50 m, and the width is 45 m. The friezes of the facades of the structure depict the beginning and end of the campaigns of the French army, respectively. The 30 shields on the top tier list the names of won battles in Europe and Africa.

The arched pylons are decorated with four 12-meter bas-reliefs. The best of them is La Marseillaise, created by François Rude. The bas-relief depicts the volunteers of 1792 who marched against the Prussian troops who occupied Lorraine. They are led by an allegorical figure of a goddess with wings. The names of several hundred Napoleonic military leaders are carved under the small arches.

On December 15, 1840, France paid tribute to its recently disgraced emperor. A funeral cortege with Napoleon's ashes, transported from the island of St., passed through the Arc de Triomphe to the Invalides. Elena. Subsequently, several more great Frenchmen were awarded this honor. In 1921, the remains of the Unknown Soldier were buried under the arch.

Alas, German conquerors also marched through the arch twice - in 1870 and 1940. After the liberation of Paris in 1944, the leader of the French Resistance and future President Charles de Gaulle solemnly marched through it.

There is a museum of its history inside the arch. There is an observation deck on the roof with a beautiful Parisian panorama. On May 10 and August 1, the sun disappears below the horizon exactly along the axis of the avenue. These days, tourists can see for several minutes the impressive spectacle of the blazing luminary in the center of the Arc de Triomphe. The night panorama of the perfectly straight fiery avenue is also mesmerizing.

Climb to observation deck possible daily, except for a few holidays, from 10 to 22-23 hours. Ticket price for adults is 12 EUR. Persons under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge.

How to get to the Champs Elysees

Not all tourists visiting Paris stay in its central part. The exits of several Paris metro stations lead to the Champs-Élysées:

• Tuileries and Concorde - at the beginning;
• Charles de Gaulle - Étoile - at the end;
• Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Georg V - closer to the middle.

The Champs Elysees are coming - the most the main street French capital. Every tourist dreams of visiting here. Locals are also proud of this landmark. The dimensions of the street are impressive; its length exceeds 1915 meters and its width is 71 meters.

A street that delights

The Champs Elysees simply attract passers-by; it is crowded at any time of the day or night. The name of the avenue is rooted in Greek mythology, according to which they represent a blessed place, a refuge for the souls of heroes. Tourists from all over the world are eager to visit this street, ideal for hiking. Local residents make dates here, newlyweds take the most vivid photographs for their wedding album.

While walking leisurely, guests of Paris enjoy the views of the avenue connecting the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. The architectural appearance of the street will not leave anyone indifferent. Of course, France is not only the Champs Elysees. Photos of the historical place will be presented below in this article.

History of appearance

Surprisingly, initially the area on which currently are located Champs Elysees, was covered with swamps and represented favorite place for duck hunting among the royal nobility. This is evidenced by written sources from the past.

The improvement of the territory began in the 17th century. It was then that Marie de Medici ordered the area to be put in order and turned into a continuation of the Tuileries Park.

In 1667, another king, Louis XIV, ordered the construction of several roads here, along which it would be convenient to get from Versailles to the Tuileries Castle. Their decoration was unique nature.

Thank you André Le Nôtre!

The result was so impressive French king, that he, without thinking twice, decided to develop the area adjacent to the roads. The work was entrusted to the court landscape architect Andre Le Nôtre, who managed, in a very short time, to create alleys for walking on the site of former swamps, plant trees, and install lanterns. From the first days, the landscaped place attracted the French nobility and townspeople.

The territory received further development in the 18th century. The Duke d'Antin ordered the road to be extended to the heights of Chaillot. Now this area of ​​the area is known as Charles de Gaulle Square.

After the death of d'Antin, the Marquise de Marigny continues his work, extending the road to the Neuilly bridge. At the same time, the landscaped area began to acquire infrastructure, coffee shops and small shops opened. Not only townspeople, but also guests of Paris increasingly visited the Fields. After the French Revolution, the wide avenue was named Champs Elysees.

Gray facts of history

However, the history of the Champs Elysees has not always been rosy. Thus, under King Louis XVI, the territory was abandoned and depopulated. Rare passers-by were regularly subjected to robbery, and therefore a guards post was built.

In 1814, as a result of the capture of Paris by Russian troops, the Champs Elysees were thoroughly devastated by the Cossacks. Bringing the area back to its original form took several years.

Triumphal Arch

In 1828, new establishments began to be built and opened on the fields restored and transferred to the city’s balance sheet. Soon the famous Arc de Triomphe was erected.

Paris, like France as a whole, was repeatedly raided and conquered. In the 20th century, Nazi invaders demonstratively marched their troops through the Arc de Triomphe, showing their power over the French capital. Champs Elysees in Paris is historical monument, which delights and amazes with its beauty. The arch is included in the frame of any film filmed in France.

Current state

Every tourist visiting France must see the Champs Elysees, otherwise the impression of the country will be incomplete. The main street of Paris amazes with the variety of shops, coffee shops and restaurants. Skillful landscaping gardens, beautiful architecture palaces will not leave anyone indifferent.

The length of the Champs Elysees is such that when walking, it will take at least half an hour to walk the entire street. And if you also go to all sorts of boutiques and restaurants, you can spend the whole day like this. The shopping infrastructure is amazing: you can find literally everything in local shops. The northwestern end of the Champs Elysees is particularly favorable for shopping.

Travelers' favorite place in Paris

Every tourist considers it his duty to capture the beauty that is revealed to him with a camera or movie camera. The guides are ready to talk for hours about amazing story Champs Elysees. When planning a route for a future excursion, you should prepare in advance a list of attractions that you would like to visit. Among such cultural heritage sites of the French capital are the Arc de Triomphe and the oldest and most famous restaurant, Ledoyen. However, it should be noted that the prices in this establishment match its history and status. It is also recommended to visit the Elysee Palace, although this can only be done once a year, when it is open to visitors. At other times, the President of France works there.

The walking area ends near the Ron Point theater, famous among art connoisseurs. Next comes the shopping part, replete with banks, shops, and airline offices.

Fast-food cafes, conveniently located on the Champs-Elysees, are very popular among Parisians and visitors to the city, especially those who do not have the financial ability to afford lunch in expensive restaurants.

The number of shops on the main street of Paris is so large that they seem countless. All famous brands are represented here, you can find a store of almost any subject: sports, souvenirs, clothing, electronic equipment. Wealthy shoppers can look into a store of fashion brands, where the average price tag exceeds a thousand euros.

Place for celebrations

However, it is a mistake to perceive the Champs Elysees in Paris as a kind of giant market. First of all, this is a cultural place, a historical monument. Not everyone can open their own store in this place, so each establishment presented here can boast of an excellent reputation.

A lot of impressions are guaranteed to those who visit Champs Elysees on one of the French national holidays. The main alley of the country these days turns into a huge grandstand. For example, every year on August 26th, you can witness a mesmerizing parade in memory of the liberation of France from Nazi troops.

Very often the central street (Champs Elysees) turns into a venue for various public events. Even on cold and cloudy days, which are not conducive to walking, at least three hundred thousand people come here. Neither rain nor wind stops the residents of Paris and its guests.

According to official statistics, the average street attendance reaches 450,000 people per day. At the same time, life on the avenue does not die down with the onset of dusk: it is very lively all night long. Many people deliberately try to meet the dawn at such beautiful place and capture unique footage as a keepsake using a camera or video camera. Romantics will be especially impressed by France. The Champs Elysees is also a must visit. You are guaranteed not only positive emotions, but also bright photographs. Many souvenir products feature images of this area.

Visit historical places can be done either independently or as part of excursion group. The second option is preferable because an experienced guide always knows what to draw the attention of tourists and will describe in detail each unique historical object. cultural heritage.

The Champs Elysees is the most popular street in Paris, up to 80 thousand people pass along it every hour! The most prominent landmark of the Champs Elysees is the Arc de Triomphe on 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 burns. The arch is surrounded by hundreds of granite pedestals, symbolizing Napoleon's hundred-day reign. The names of the commanders 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 go up to the arch observation deck (6€ for adults and free for children under 12 years old), 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 - July 14, the day of the storming of the Bastille, and November 11, the anniversary of the First World War, a national military parade starts from the arch. The famous Tour de France cycling race finishes here, as well as the Paris Marathon and Christmas market. It was at the arch that almost a third of the population of the French capital celebrated the victory of the country's national team at the World Cup.

View of the Champs Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe Stella on the Place de la Concorde

On the 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.

"Horses of Marley" on the Place de la Concorde

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

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

Elysee Palace

The Elysee Palace is the residence of all French presidents since 1873, 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 from the throne, 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 France's defeat in the war. The palace is closed to tourists; you can see the life of the first person of France only during Cultural Heritage Days, which are held in the country on the third weekend of September.

At the intersection with Churchill Street there are two more beautiful palaces - Grand Palais and Petit Palais (Big and Small). Their neoclassical architecture and sculptural compositions are magnificent. IN Grand Palace the Museum of Discovery and the Art Gallery are located, and in Maly there is an exposition of the city museum of fine arts.

Sergei Yesenin lived with Isadora Duncan 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?

Anyone can have a cup of coffee surrounded by French high society at Fouquet's 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 Lido cabaret, a kingdom of music, seductive women and their piquant dances.

Visitors will long remember 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 in the La Fermette Marbeuf and Lasserre restaurants. Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire is one of the six best restaurants peace.

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

The Gaumont cinema often hosts world film premieres with the participation of famous stars.

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

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

Near Parc Monceau is the Musée Nissim de Camondo, where you will see an exhibition reflecting the lifestyle of the French bourgeoisie in the 19th century.

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

History and general information

Until the beginning of the 17th century, on the site of the Champs Elysees there were swampy meadows where the Parisian nobility hunted ducks. In 1616, by order of Marie de' Medici, the construction of the Queen's Boulevard, leading from 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 Elysees was a place of rest that was devoid of illness or suffering.

The Champs Elysees gained wide popularity during the reign of Napoleon, when many cafes and entertainment venues opened here.

The Champs-Elysees (Avenue des Champs-Elysees) extends from the 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. The park area is divided by alleys into blocks, in each of which there is a fountain. On Wednesdays and weekends, numerous street performers perform performances and unusual shows for passers-by.

The most luxurious part of the street with luxury shops, car dealerships, restaurants, cafes and cinemas stretches to the west of Ron Point Square, its width is much smaller - about 80 meters. There is a roadway 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 companies. Some companies rent an office for only a few hours for negotiations.

Shopping

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

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

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

Shopaholics should definitely plunge into the magical world of shopping at the following addresses: Galerie 34, Arcades du Lido 76-78, Galerie des Champs 84, Elysee 26, Point Show.

Monoprix department store offers great choice inexpensive and high-quality goods.

Video: Champs Elysees at night

Helpful information

McDonald's on the Champs Elysees is one of the most visited in the world

Stop by the Central Office of Tourism, where they will give you brochures about the attractions of Paris and sell tickets to Disneyland Paris.

Although the Champs Elysees 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 a budget on the streets adjacent to the Champs-Elysees, where prices are not so steep.

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, but the disadvantages are small rooms and poor views from the window.

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

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

The Champs-Élysées is Paris's champion for pickpockets, so be careful.

How to get there

Take 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 the Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile station, located near the Arc de Triomphe, and follow the Champs-Élysées from here to the Louvre. If you go in the opposite direction, you will have to climb a hill.