Laid out as early as the 17th century, the Avenue des Champs-Elysees is the most famous street in the city. It is the center of the city’s primary fashion district, lined with numerous designer stores and boutiques, as well as some of the most famous cafes in Paris, intertwined with several commercial establishments. Daily the Champs Elysees is bustling with tourists and trendy locals, a perfect place for people-watching. When the sun goes down, the avenue is even more enticing, as the street city’s best dance clubs and cabarets lining the illuminate street open their doors to an eclectic array of patrons.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysees runs east to west and stretches for less than a mile. At its west end stands the Arc des Triomphe and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and at its east end is the historic Place de La Concord. A bit more eastward of the Place de La Concord is the Jardin des Tuilleries, and still further east than that is the world-renowned Musee de Louvre, home to the “Mona Lisa” and many more of the world’s greatest works of art. All of aforementioned is within walking distance, making the area in general a great place to spend a day of sightseeing.

In addition to the avenue’s obvious amenities, it has also served as the runway to many a military campaign, city celebration or parade. It is the beating heart of the city, and a must-experience for any tourist.