Paris is now the second most popular destination in Europe after London according to a recent report by PwC, and no trip is complete to the City of Light without a visit to the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
A long-time favourite with tourists who know for its shopping, theatres, cafés, and landmarks, here StyleNest round up 5 things not to be missed when visiting of the most famous streets in the world.
- Stay at La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa
The decadent La Réserve is definitely on StyleNest’s list of must-stay Parisian hotels. Discreetly hidden behind a curtain of trees and made up of 40 elegantly designed rooms and suites, La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa is the ultimate insider’s address. Known for it’s luxury spa, it is also the only hotel in Paris that offers each guest their own personal butler and the smallest Paris hotel to be awarded the prestigious Palace status. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Champs-Élysées and a great location for exploring the avenue and its famous shops.
Stay at La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa from £630 (750 EUR) per room per night including breakfast and tax. (+33 1 58 36 60 60 )
- Visit La Grand Palais for a unique art show
Rising above the Champs Elysées are the splendid geometrical glass rooftops of the Grand and Petit Palais, built for the Universal Exposition of 1900. The Petit Palais houses a fine arts museum while the Grand Palais has a science museum and regularly hosts events and exhibitions. The iconic Parisian monument is currently prepping for it’s next series of exhibitions, including a retrospective of photographer Irving Penn to mark the centenary of his birth and a collection of over 200 works from Paul Gauguin. Not to be missed!
To find out more visit www.grandpalais.fr
- Enjoy fine dining
The upmarket 8th arrondissement of Paris is definitely a destination for foodies, with a large selection of gourmet restaurants just minutes away from the Champs Elysées. Even if you are not staying at La Réserve Paris you can pay a visit to it’s two-Michelin starred restaurant, Le Gabriel, for contemporary French cuisine, or for those looking to try something different head to the nearby Philippe Starck designed Miss Ko for modern Asian fusion food. World famous chef Pierre Gagnaire, one of the names behind London’s famous and fashionable Sketch, also has his eponymous Paris restaurant nearby, or for those looking for high quality, traditional French cuisine in a more relaxed setting, Le Boudoir restaurant by the acclaimed chef Arnaud Nicolas is just a short walk from the avenue.
To book a table email [email protected] or call +33 1 58 36 60 50
- Visit Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
This famous theatre, located at 15 avenue Montaigne, was built in 1913 in Art Deco-style, and instantly became notorious for its hosting of Igor Stravinsky’s then-scandalous Rite of Spring ballet and orchestral concert. It’s an opulent setting for a romantic evening out in Paris. Enjoy a Parisian theatre night watching the incredible National French Orchestra or a magical opera performance.
For more details visit www.theatrechampselysees.fr
- Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
Located at the top of the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. Admire the arch from below or for incredible views over the city, climb the landmark’s 284 steps. The Eiffel Tower is of course on every visitor’s bucket list, but those in the know also head to the Arc de Triomphe for a more relaxed but just as excellent view of the city.
To find out more visit www.arcdetriompheparis.com