Paris in Winter | 48 Hrs: Paris in Winter | Walking the Champs-Élysées | The Most Beautiful Avenue In The World – Travel guides for couples; romantic escapes, city breaks + worldwide adventures

VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!

This guide forms part of our complete France Travel Guide , featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across France.

This article is also part of our 48 Hrs; Paris in Winter series, exploring Normandy Beaches and experiencing Eurostar for the first time. Read the complete itinerary here.

Full Paris Winter Itinerary:

From Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe along Paris’s legendary avenue

The Champs Élysées, Paris, taken literally, means “Elysian Fields” – in Greek mythology that was where heroes went after death. Fitting, because it’s called “the most beautiful avenue in the world.”

The Champs Élysées runs 1.9 km/1.2 miles from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe in the 8th arrondissement

It takes about 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other. There are lovely wide sidewalks, trees, and beautiful fountains, along the way.

A little history of the Champs Élysées – in 1616 the area started as fields and market gardens. Marie de’ Medici planted the first tree-lined path.

In 1709, the avenue extended to reach the Tuileries, and became fashionable for aristocratic walks.

In 1806, Napoléon commissioned the Arc de Triomphe at the top to honour his army. The Arc was finally finished in 1836.

In the late 1800s: Cafés, theaters, and luxury shops moved in & have remained as an alluring place to shop.

Today, the mix of luxury, history, and tourism is still a huge draw. The Champs Élysées continue to be used for parades, like for Bastille Day. Did you know this is where the Tour de France finish line is?

On the Avenue Montaigne side street, you’ll find Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada – haute couture HQ, Ladurée, Fouquet’s, and Lido 2 Paris, presenting musicals and theatrical productions.

One of the Iconic cafés/restaurants is Fouquet’s = famous for celebrity dining.

If you visit the Arc de Triomphe: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is underneath & there is a museum inside the Arc. The flame is relit every evening at 6:30pm. You must go up for 360° views over Paris.

We would say the Champs Élysées vibe is 2 sides in one:
Day: Shopping, tourists, flagship stores: Apple, Nike, Sephora…
Night: Lights, cafés, and the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance… it’s really much more glamorous after dark.

The best time to visit is late afternoon & you must stay for sunset. The light on the Arc de Triomphe is beautiful.

Car traffic is intense. Stick to walking the great sidewalks & getting there by the Hop On Hop Off Tootbus.

In December, the Christmas market + lights are famous, as it’s the largest Christmas market in the city centre, located inside the Tuileries Garden beside Place de la Concorde (La Magie de Noël).

Along with dozens of wooden chalets selling artisanal gifts and festive food (raclette, crepes, mulled wine, gifts), it features a large, traditional open-air ice skating rink.

You really do need to visit the Champs Élysées at least once, even if you only choose to window shop, the decor & buildings themselves are gorgeous.

Top 5 Sights Along the Champs-Élysées

1. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe dominates the western end of the avenue. Beneath it are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, while the rooftop terrace provides panoramic views across Paris.

2. Place de la Concorde

At the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde contains the Luxor Obelisk, monumental fountains and layers of French Revolutionary history. It also connects the avenue with the Tuileries Garden.

3. Grand Palais

The Grand Palais is immediately off the avenue near Avenue Winston-Churchill. Its enormous glass roof shelters major exhibitions, cultural events and special performances.

4. Petit Palais

Directly opposite the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Its permanent collection is generally free, making it a particularly good winter stop.

5. Champs-Élysées Gardens and Rond-Point Fountains

The quieter eastern section of the avenue passes landscaped gardens, historic theatres and the modern crystal fountains at Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées. It provides a welcome contrast to the busier shopping district.

Time Needed 2 Hours

Admission Free

Best Time to Visit Year Round

Accessibility All walkable – be prepared and have good walking shoes.

Local Tip

Try not to simply fit this into a last minute rush. The Champs-Élysées is very long, so you'll need plenty of time. We have two hours, but if you plan on shopping, it will be much longer!

Information Verified: 08/13/2024

The Bottom Line

If you ever go to Paris, the Champs-Élysées has to be on your itinerary. Walking in the day and night are very different experiences. Just amazing!

Continue Exploring Along the Champs-Élysées

1. Climb the Arc de Triomphe

Walk through the underground passage, never attempt to cross the traffic circle and climb to the terrace. The view directly down the Champs-Élysées toward Place de la Concorde is one of the finest in Paris.

2. Explore the Flagship Stores

Browse major stores including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Guerlain, Sephora, Apple and Nike. Even without buying anything, the window displays and interior designs are part of the experience.

3. Stop for a Classic Parisian Treat

Visit Ladurée for macarons and pastries or reserve a table at Fouquet’s, one of the avenue’s best-known restaurants. Prices reflect the address, naturally, this is not the street for bargain hunting.

4. Visit the Grand Palais and Petit Palais

Allow time for an exhibition at the Grand Palais or explore the permanent fine-art collection at the Petit Palais. Both are excellent choices during cold or rainy winter weather.

5. Return After Dark

The avenue becomes more atmospheric when the storefronts, Arc de Triomphe and surrounding buildings are illuminated. During the Christmas season, the Champs-Élysées lights generally operate from late November into early January. Paris tourism office

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