The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in Paris, but there’s much more to see around it than just shops. Here, you’ll find my selection of things to do on the Champs-Élysées and nearby—museums, parks, restaurants, and a few surprises. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone who wants to explore more of this iconic area.
Let’s start with the map:
Want a version of this map you can print or save on your phone?
I’ve created a pack with 13 one-page neighborhood maps—including this one. Each map comes with a quick guide and a QR code that links back to the full guide and the custom Google Map. Perfect for trip planning or exploring on the go.
Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views
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The Arc de Triomphe is a huge stone arch in the middle of a big roundabout.
You can climb a long spiral staircase to reach the top.
From there, you’ll see all of Paris stretching out in every direction.
The Eiffel Tower, the busy streets, and even little parks all look tiny from up high.
It’s a great place to take cool photos!
Walk the full Champs-Élysées from Place de la Concorde to the Arc
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The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world.
It’s long, wide, and lined with trees and shops.
Starting at Place de la Concorde, you can walk all the way to the Arc de Triomphe.
Along the way, there are cafés, stores, and lots of people from around the world. It’s like being in a movie!
Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the Pont de l’Alma nearby
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At night, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles every hour for a few minutes.
One of the best places to see it is from the Pont de l’Alma, a bridge nearby.
You can stand there and watch the tower twinkle like magic.
It feels special every time you see it shine.
Don’t forget to make a wish!
Visit the Petit Palais
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The Petit Palais looks like a small palace with golden doors and a big glass dome.
It’s actually a free art museum with paintings, statues, and lovely rooms.
The building itself is just as beautiful as the art inside.
There’s even a secret garden where you can sit and relax.
It’s quiet and peaceful—a hidden gem in the city.
Explore the Grand Palais
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Le Grand Palais is a large historic building that was built for the 1900 World’s Fair and is known for its huge glass roof.
The building hosts art exhibitions, fashion shows, and special events.
Inside, there’s also the Palais de la Découverte, a science museum.
It’s one of the most famous examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Paris.
Take a photo with the “Place Charles de Gaulle” street sign
This street sign is special because it stands right where twelve roads meet around the Arc de Triomphe.
It’s a popular spot for tourists to snap a photo.
The name honors a famous French leader.
You can stand next to the sign and show off your Paris adventure.
Just watch out for the traffic—it’s a busy place!
Relax at the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, a quieter spot with benches and trees
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If you need a break, this garden is perfect.
It’s a green space with flowers, fountains, and shady trees.
There are benches where you can sit and watch the birds or enjoy a snack.
It feels calm and quiet, even though it’s near the busy street.
It’s a great place to rest your feet and enjoy nature.
Shop at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, a modern version of the classic
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Galeries Lafayette is a famous French store, and this one is super stylish and new.
Inside, the lights are bright and the displays are fancy.
You can find clothes, perfumes, and even fun gifts.
It’s fun just to walk around and see what’s there.
Even if you don’t buy anything, it feels like a little fashion show.
Enjoy macarons at Ladurée café
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Ladurée is a beautiful café that sells colorful macarons—tiny round cookies with creamy filling.
They come in flavors like strawberry, lemon, chocolate, and vanilla.
The shop looks like a fairy tale with gold trim and soft colors.
You can sit and sip hot chocolate while tasting the sweets.
It’s a must-try treat in Paris!
Window-shop at luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Cartier
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Even if you’re not shopping, it’s fun to look at the fancy window displays.
These stores sell things like expensive bags, watches, and dresses.
The windows are decorated like art shows, especially during holidays.
You might even spot a celebrity walking by.
It’s like a fashion parade right on the street!
Try a classic croque monsieur at a sidewalk brasserie
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A croque monsieur is like a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with ham inside.
The bread is crispy, and there’s melted cheese on top.
You can eat one at a brasserie, which is a casual French café with tables outside.
Sitting on the sidewalk, you can watch people go by while you enjoy your snack.
It’s simple, tasty, and totally French!
Enjoy lunch at Le Fouquet’s, a classic Parisian restaurant
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Le Fouquet’s is a famous restaurant where movie stars and important people like to eat.
It has red chairs, shiny glasses, and waiters in fancy uniforms.
The food is classic French, like roast chicken or fish with sauce.
You can sit outside and feel like you’re part of Paris history.
It’s a cool place for a special lunch.
Stroll to Place de la Concorde and see the Egyptian obelisk
Place de la Concorde is a giant square with a tall stone tower in the middle—it’s called an obelisk and it came all the way from Egypt!
There are big fountains and statues around it.
Cars drive in a circle, but there are places to stand and take photos.
It’s also where you can look straight down the Champs-Élysées.
Walk up Avenue Montaigne for luxury fashion and designer stores
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Avenue Montaigne is a quiet, fancy street full of famous designer stores.
You’ll see brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada.
The buildings are beautiful and the window displays are like works of art.
Even if you’re not shopping, it’s fun to see how stylish everything looks.
It feels like walking through a fashion magazine!
Enjoy people-watching from a café terrace on Rue de Berri or Rue Balzac
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Find a little café with tables outside and take a seat.
Order a drink like a hot chocolate or soda, and just watch the people go by.
Some walk their dogs, others talk or laugh with friends.
It’s peaceful and interesting—like watching a real-life movie.
These small streets are great for relaxing away from the crowd.
Snap a photo of the Arc at night—beautifully lit and dramatic
At night, the Arc de Triomphe lights up with golden lights.
It looks even bigger and more powerful in the dark.
Cars and buses go around it, but it stands strong and still.
A photo of the Arc at night feels magical.
It’s a memory you’ll always keep from your trip!
Relax in nearby Parc Monceau
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Parc Monceau is a beautiful garden not far from the Champs-Élysées.
It has flowers, fountains, and even statues and fake ruins.
Kids play, people jog, and some just lie on the grass with a book.
It’s quiet, green, and perfect for a peaceful break.
You can breathe fresh air and forget you’re in the middle of a big city.
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Walk into the Arcades des Champs-Élysées, hidden passageways with shops
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These arcades are like secret tunnels next to the main street, with little shops and cool surprises inside.
You might find a candy store, a tiny theater, or fun souvenirs.
It’s like exploring a maze, but with lights and windows to guide you.
It’s a fun adventure just off the busy avenue.
Visit La Galerie Dior
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This special museum shows the story of the Dior fashion house.
You’ll see dresses, drawings, and even cool videos about how the clothes were made.
The rooms are fancy and filled with style.
It’s like walking through a dream of fashion and color.
Even if you don’t wear designer clothes, it’s super fun to look.
Eat classic Alsatian food at Brasserie L’Alsace
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Brasserie L’Alsace serves food from a region in France called Alsace.
The plates are big and full of flavor, like sausages, sauerkraut, or flammekueche (a thin pizza-like dish).
The place feels warm and welcoming, with wooden decor and cozy lights.
It’s a great spot to try something different but super yummy.
Enjoy steak-frites with secret sauce at Relais de l’Entrecôte
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This restaurant only serves one thing: steak and fries—but it’s amazing!
The steak is tender and covered in a special green sauce that no one knows the recipe for.
They bring more fries when you finish the first round.
It’s fun, tasty, and you don’t have to choose what to eat—it’s already decided!
See the Flame of Liberty at Place de l’Alma (Princess Diana Memorial)
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Near the Pont de l’Alma, you’ll find a large golden flame rising above a stone base.
It’s called the Flame of Liberty, and it sits right above the tunnel where Princess Diana died in 1997.
The flame was originally a gift from the United States to France, symbolizing friendship between the two countries. It’s actually a copy of the flame held by the Statue of Liberty in New York.
After Diana’s death, people began leaving flowers and messages here. Over time, it became an unofficial memorial in her honor.
Today, you’ll often see notes, photos, and tributes around the base.
It’s a quiet, emotional stop—very close to the busy Champs-Élysées area, but with a completely different feeling.
Even if you just pass by for a few minutes, it’s a place that many visitors find meaningful.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
