Paris’s Elegant 8th Arrondissement

Located on the Right Bank, the 8th arrondissement is  home to the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, making it one of the most famous neighborhoods in Paris, perhaps the world. The bustling, cosmopolitan nature of the 8th makes it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening shopping, eating, or enjoying an aperitif.

Metro stops:
Place de Clichy, George V, Alma-Marceau, Madeleine, and Franklin D. Roosevelt are the largest and mostly commonly used metro stops in the 8th arrondissement.

What to do in Paris’s 8th Arrondissement

It’s easy to spend an entire day on the Champs-Elyées, strolling, people watching, window-shopping (or picking up a few souvenirs), or catching a movie at the large cineplex. While you’re there, be sure to check out one of Paris’ major landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Tomb of the Unknown Solider (located underneath the Arc de Triomphe). There are plenty of excellent restaurants along the Champs-Elysées, but if you’re looking for more bang for your buck, I suggest taking a peek down one of the charming side streets off of the Champs-Elysées for a restaurant offering more reasonable fare. That said, if you’re a macaron fan, you absolutely must stop by La Durée for some of the best in Paris.

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At the east end of the Champs-Elysées you’ll find the majestic Place de la Concorde. It’s the largest square in Paris with fantastic views in every direction. The massive obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde was brought to France from the Temple of Luxor in Egypt. Historically, Place de la Concorde (once called Place de la Révolution) is known as the square where the French King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and many others were guillotined during the French Revolution. The elegant  Place Vendome is home to the Ritz Hotel, Cartier and many other exquisite jewelry stores.

Église de la Madeleine (La Madeleine) is one of the best-known and most historic churches in Paris. Make sure you go inside to witness the Madeleine’s opulent interior constructed of marble and gold.
place de la Madeleine
Métro: Madeleine

Where to shop in the 8th Arrondissement

The Champs-Elysées and the nearby fashion district are known for their upscale shops. Even if these boutiques are not in your price range, window-shopping here can be just as fun. The main streets for high-fashion are Avenue Georges V, Avenue Montaigne, and rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore. These glamorous streets are where you’ll find Givenchy, Fendi, Christain Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermes, Ralph Lauren and many other fine fashion boutiques.

Balenciaga
Browsing in Balenciaga is like going to a museum. The artistically curated boutique is a feast for the eyes (even if your pocketbook stays safely tucked away!).
10 Ave. George V
33-1-4720-2111

Le 66
Le 66 offers modern home goods, a book and magazine kiosk, and products by an eclectic group of designers who fit into three specific categories: bohemian (Antik Batik), rock (Acne, Ilaria Nistri), and urban (A.P.C., Iro, Abaco).
66 Ave. des Champs-Elysées
33-1-5353-3380

Peugeot
Car lovers will have a blast at Peugeot’s state-of-the-art showroom located on the Champs-Elysées.
136 avenue des Champs-Elysées

Written by JenWestmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com