“The world’s most beautiful avenue?” you might think, as you stand here on Avenue des Champs-Élysées, watching the crowds and the cars. It might not seem like a swamp, but it was once one, until in the 17th century, André Le Nôtre, the gardener to Louis XIV, laid out the original path. Today, it’s an impressive sight, stretching almost two kilometers from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The avenue is 70 meters wide, which makes it even more imposing.
But what you might not know is that the area where the Arc de Triomphe stands on top of Chaillot Hill was lowered by five meters in 1768. This explains the slope from the roundabout to the Arc de Triomphe. Over the years, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées has been home to many fascinating stories. For example, the current building at number 52-60 was built in 1933, replacing the 18th-century Hôtel de Massa. They moved the mansion stone by stone near the Observatory of Paris in the 14th arrondissement. You can still see it there today, and imagine how impressive it must have been in its original location.
Then there’s number 53, L’Atelier Renault, which has been a presence on the avenue since 1910. Louis Renault opened a large exhibition store there for his luxury vehicles. The building was rebuilt in the early 1960s with a large facade on the avenue. In 1962, the famous Renault Pub opened, a cult place in Parisian life because it was the first time a commercial space had incorporated a restaurant. The site receives an average of 2.5 million visitors every year.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a vibrant and exciting place, with something to offer everyone. From luxurious boutiques and restaurants to spectacular events, it’s a must-see for any visitor to Paris.