The Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Extending from the place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, the Avenue des Champs Elysées is a place for strolling, sight-seeing and luxury shopping.

However, until a few centuries ago this entire area was nothing but marshes and fields until Marie de Medici, had a tree-lined path laid out, linking the Tuileries garden to the Place de l'Alma.

After Andre Le Nôtre's re-design of the city, the name Champs Elysées appeared in 1709. In 1724 the avenue as it appears today was laid by the Duke of Antin with fountains, wide pavements and gas-lighting being installed.

Lancel, Louis Vuitton, Omega, Cartier, Guerlain and Montblanc are just some of the luxury brands present on the famous avenue. Two palaces can also be found there: the Marriott and the Hôtel Fouquet's Barrière.

Today this avenue hosts many prestigious events including the Bastille Day parade, the finish line of the Tour de France and the New Year celebrations.