The Champs Elysees could be described as a street or boulevard, but it should be pointed out that this is not an ordinary road and is even known by some as 'la plus belle avenue du monde' or the most beautiful avenue in the world. It is interesting to note that this boulevard is two kilometers long and stretches to a width of eighty meters. The Champs Elysees Boulevard reaches from the Place de la Concorde to the famous Arc de Triomphe. This is an area that has been featured in so many different movies, books and photographs. For many people, just the idea of Paris conjures up an image of the Eiffel Tower and a view of the Champs Elysees spread out to the Arc de Triomphe.



Edged by beautiful gardens with fountains and trees, this area displays a good sample of top Parisian city life including shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars. Often considered as a place for the rich and famous, this boulevard is a promenade that may be enjoyed by everyone. The Champs Elysees also hosts hotels on its wide avenue and many visitors choose to find a convenient place to stay on this attractive boulevard while in Paris.

It is interesting to note that today the Champs Elysees is the site used for national celebrations and events such as on New Year's Eve and the 14th July commemorations. Due to its wide area, this avenue has also been the location for military parades. The Champs Elysees is also known as the location for the final stage of the famous bike race, the Tour de France.

Looking back into history it appears that the area of the Champs Elysees used to be fields until early in the seventeenth century. In 1616, it was decided by Marie de Medici to enlarge the garden area of the Palais de Tuileries by creating a pathway of trees. This was later extended and it is reported that by the late eighteenth century, the Champs Elysees had become a fashionable boulevard edged by trees.

Although this area can be very busy and crowded during the daytime, many people would recommend that the best time for a Champs Elysees stroll is during the evening. After dark, the city comes to life and monuments become illuminated and strollers may enjoy viewing the boulevard with its lively and often romantic atmosphere.

The Champs Elysees features it all beauty, architecture, history, shopping, nightlife, culture, accommodation for travelers, business life, cafes, lights, sightseeing, museums, movie theatres. This is the center of Paris and is an area that should not and cannot be missed.

There are those that believe that a simple stroll along the Champs Elysees is enough to cause a person to fall in love with Paris.