//
Municipal arrondissement in Île-de-France, France
Photo: Aleksandr Zykov from Russia, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The 8th arrondissement of Paris is home to the Avenue des Champs Elysées, which ends up at the Arc de Triomphe. The executive branch of French government is also based here, as well as the embassies of certain nations.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
For many visitors one of the must-see places in Paris is the Avenue des Champs-Elysées which was first created in 1667 by Louis XIV's gardener, Andre Le Nôtre, in order to improve the view from the Tuileries garden. This elegant and broad avenue was extended towards the end of the 18th century, now running from the place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It is noted today as one of the most prestigious shopping boulevards of Paris.
The largest square in Paris with fantastic vistas in every direction. It was in this square (then called la Place de la Revolution) that the French King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and many others were guillotined during the Terror. The large Egyptian obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde was brought from the Temple of Luxor.
This iconic triumphal arch forms the focus of the main east-west road axis of Paris, running between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense in the west. The monument was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 as a tribute to his victories as Emperor of France - it was finally completed in 1836, long after his death. 50 m (150 ft) high and 45 m wide, the Arc de Triomphe is decorated with battle scenes and martial sculptures that includes La Marseillaise by Rude. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed beneath the arch in 1920, where an eternal flame burns in tribute to the French dead of both World Wars. The arch is surrounded by a large roundabout, aptly known as l'Etoile - 'the star' - with 12 thoroughfares leading off from it. Visitors can purchase a ticket to climb to the top of the arch, from where magnificent views spread out over western Paris. Admission to a small museum devoted to the history and meaning of the monument is included. The central island and the arch are accessed by an underground passage. Do not attempt to negotiate by foot the busy multi-lane road that rings the Arc de Triomphe, which many Parisian drivers seem to consider their own personal speedway.
La Madeleine
One of the best-known and most beautiful churches in Paris, in the guise of a Corinthian order classical temple. Construction started in 1764, although the church was not finally consecrated until 1845. The Madeleine has a lavish interior of marble and gold.
Palais de l'Élysée
The official residence of the President of France since 1848. Dating to the early 18th century, it contains the office of the President and the meeting place of the Council of Ministers. The name Élysée derives from Elysian Fields, not the avenue but instead the place of the blessed dead in Greek mythology. Not open to the public, except occasionally during the annual National Heritage Days (usually a weekend in mid-September). Important foreign visitors are hosted at the nearby Hôtel de Marigny, a palatial residence.
The bridge is widely regarded as the most ornate, extravagant bridge in the city. It is classified as a French Monument historique.
Galeries nationales du Grand Palais
Built in 1900 for the universal exposition, the Grand Palais was an engineering feat and a milestone of design, marking the transition between historicism and modern architecture. It remain impressive today due to its unique, exquisite style and sheer volume of its main nave. The Grand Palais, managed by the state-owned institution Rnm who also manage the Musee de Luxembourg, is used both for temporary exhibitions of historic and contemporary art collections (both beaux arts and applied) and unique events, such as catwalk shows during the Paris Fashion Week, Bonhams car auctions and prestigious galas.
The Petit Palais was built as a complement to the Grand Palais for the 1900 universal exhibition, and afterwards became the prime exhibition venue for the City of Paris' vast collection of artworks spanning centuries from ancient history to around 1914. Later material is at the Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris in the 16th. There is a permanent exhibition of selected artworks of artifacts, complemented by temporary exhibitions of historic artworks. The Petit Palais also features an on-site cafe/restaurant, as well as a book and gift shop.
Palace of discovery
In a magnificent the western wing of the Grand Palais, this museum forms a part of science-themed education-oriented universcience establishment together with the La Cite des Sciences in La Villette. In the Palais, you will find two large floors with rooms dedicated to different branches of science, including physics, chemistry, mathematics and life-sciences, as well as a planetarium.
This museum represents some key contemporary and emerging artists such as Jean Pierre Raynaud, Eva and Adele, and Jeff Koons.
Jacquemart-Andre Museum
Private collection of French, Italian, Dutch masterpieces in a typical XIXth century mansion.
An exquisitely preserved early 20th-century mansion designed in the style of an 18th-century aristocratic home, showcasing fine furniture, porcelain, and decorative arts. A beautifully intact “time capsule” overlooking Parc Monceau, offering a glimpse into elite Parisian life before World War I.
One of Paris's best kept secrets, painted by Monet numerous times. It is a very elegant centre of green in the middle of cosmopolitan Paris. Make sure you check out the statues, entrance rotunda and the surrounding mansions. Thanks to Haussmann himself this precious slice of parkland was reserved for the enjoyment and leisure of the people of Paris. It is unusual in France due to its casual, informal "English" style planning, and is a contrast to other Parisian parks such as the classically laid out and formal Luxembourg Gardens and the Tuileries. Randomly placed throughout the park are scaled-down architectural replicas including an Egyptian pyramid, Dutch windmill, and a Chinese fort. Free Wi-Fi in the park.
A striking 19th-century church blending Gothic and Romanesque styles with innovative iron construction, built during the Haussmann redesign of Paris.
A refined late 18th-century Neoclassical church with a calm, symmetrical interior inspired by early Christian basilicas.
A Gothic Revival cathedral built in the late 19th century for the American community in Paris. Its elegant stone façade and stained-glass interior make it a distinctive and lesser-known stop near the Champs-Élysées.
A striking 19th-century Russian Orthodox cathedral crowned with gilded onion domes, built for the city’s Russian community.
The spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church in France, combining traditional Armenian design elements with a Parisian setting.
A solemn neoclassical chapel built between 1815 and 1826 on the former burial site of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, commemorating their execution during the French Revolution. Set within a quiet, enclosed garden, it feels more like a memorial than a traditional church.
Le Lido
The most famous cabaret celebrates spectacle revues. Children ages 4 and older are welcome. Casual elegant dress code. Coat and tie appreciated. Shorts, athletic clothing and tennis shoes are not allowed.
View of the Eiffel Tower.
Thai, Chinese, and Indonesian. Vegetarian friendly.
Teppanyaki
Two chefs battle against each other in a spectacular performance of chopping, slicing, sauteing everything from scallops to foie gras. The food is average, but the presentation is well worth it.
Warm and peaceful close to the Champs-Élysées serving an organic detox menu.
Great sushi in a nice atmosphere, extensive menu.
Famous for their macaroon cookies, which come in over 15 different flavours. Expensive, but an experience. There is a tea room, a bar, and a restaurant. You can also order baked goods to go, in fancy boxes and bags.
Famous in electronic lounge music circles for having commissioned a series of lounge and down tempo records which you can get at most larger record shops in France, as well as abroad. Although you can also get them at the bar it's probably not the best way, since they charge €45 per CD. The drinks are not so over-priced, and definitely worth it for the hip, sophisticated, and chill atmosphere.
English pub regularly frequented by British expats.
Contemporary 4-star hotel near Champs Elysees and rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Brands itself as a boutique hotel, with unique décor combining classical and contemporary in a Haussmann-style building on the street of the same name. 25 double rooms with old-style furniture, air conditioning, satellite television, a telephone socket, Wi-Fi, and baths with both tub and shower.
A conservatively-styled Mercure with no particularly unique characteristics.
Decorated in brown and beige, this Mercure tries to make the most out of a historic immeuble, with all the necessary compromises - some bedrooms are smaller than their en-suite bathrooms!
Another typical Parisian Mercure, farther to the east than the other two.
Hôtel Helzear Etoile by Esteem
Property with 29 suites and apartments located at 12 rue Christophe Colomb, in the 8th arrondissement, close to the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Accommodations spread over 4 floors with elevator access, each featuring a kitchenette and air conditioning. Configurations range from the deluxe room (2 guests) to the 2-bedroom apartment sleeping up to 6, including connecting suites and duplexes. Shared terrace. 24-hour concierge, room service, luggage storage. George V metro station (line 1) is a 3-minute walk away, Charles de Gaulle - Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6, RER A) 10 minutes. Close to the Palais de Tokyo, the Musée d'Art Moderne, and the Fondation Yves Saint Laurent.
Unusually large rooms and suites. Elegant and sophisticated, with high tech equipment and comfort, they offer a unique mix of contemporary chic décor with ceiling moldings, marble fireplaces, and large windows looking at two beautiful and quiet streets.
Steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that command all Paris.
4-star hotel on a quiet street.
This elegantly furnished luxury boutique hotel exudes opulence from its fine classic interior to the personalised butler service.
The legendary hotel overlooking Place de la Concorde has been the epitome of Parisian luxury for centuries.
Charming five-star boutique hotel with a secluded patio and lush vertical garden.
Near the Champs Elysées and Faubourg Saint-Honoré, very close to the Arc-de-Triomphe.
Five-star boutique hotel with 44 individually decorated rooms and suites.
154 rooms and 20 suites spread over two buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Close to the shopping centres on Boulevard Haussmann-Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. 86 hotel rooms and suites, High-speed Wi-Fi available. Views of Boulevard Malesherbe. Business services available.
The legendary hotel in Avenue Montaigne, home-away-from-home to numerous celebrities, in the ownership (Sultanate of Brunei)
Named after Edward VIII, the erstwhile Prince of Wales and son of George V, this art-deco hotel opened in 1928 and amassed a veritable potpourri of celebrities in its guest book, ranging from Winston Churchill to Elvis Presley. It was thoroughly renovated and reopened in 2013 as a part of Starwood's Luxury Collection.
The "other" Intercontinental in Paris contrasts with the lavish historic Grand by having a more subtle, postmodern decor. The location in a converted historic building provides for spatial limitations clear in all areas of the hotel, but with only 57 rooms the property has almost a boutique feel to it.
Behind the fin de siecle facade on the Champs-Elysees hides a much larger, late 20th-century building housing almost 200 rooms decorated in a subdued, for a Marriott property, way.
Compared to the many opulent and extravagant hotels in the 8th arrondissement, the Radisson does not come across as spectacular, but can provide good value with the balconies of its front-side rooms offering views of the Arc de Triomphe.
Boutique hotel near Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elyséess.
The open-air market for trading postage stamps and other similar collectibles
C42 is the flasghip Citroen store occupying an entire building, designed by Manuelle Gautrand and completed in 2007, being the first new building in the Avenue in some 30 years. The unmistakable facade is inspired by Citroen's chevron logo, and the building has no less than seven storeys exhibiting Citroen's past, present and future, including iconic classics, the concept cars and winning sportscars from its many decades of history, and of course the current lineup. The interior is just as spectacular and unique as the exterior and well worth a visit.
Renault has opened its Champs-Elysees showroom at this location in 1910. The highlight of its current form, launched in 2011, is the cafe/restaurant/bar in the "floating" mezzanine, where you can enjoy some good drinks and food as well as a nice view over the Champs Elysees and the Renault cars from the past and present exhibited below.
While not as spectacular from the outside as its sister brand Citroen's building, the Avenue Peugeot is also worth a visit if you are a car fan, as it always has a temporary exhibition of some of Peugeot's concept or competition cars the brand is famous for. You can obviously also explore the regular range of Peugeot cars and purchase one, as well as an extensive range of Peugeot merchandise from the on-site "boutique Peugeot", including the Peugeot condiment grinders the company makes for much longer than it does build cars.
An unmistakable piece of modernist architecture at the corner of Avenue George V, the Louis Vuitton Building was erected in 1913 and in the 21st century continues to serve as the flagship for the luxury brand, housing the largest Louis Vuitton boutique in the world.
Hermes has been occupying those premises since 1880, contributing to the street's long-lasting reputation as the hub for luxury apparel and accessories.
Jeanne Lanvin moved her maison de couture to premises facing Hermes in 1889, where it remained to this day.
By train
In the northeastern part of the 8th arrondissement you will find the Gare Saint-Lazare, which is the second-busiest railway station in Paris, and in fact the whole Europe, by the number of passengers.
By Métro
The majority of the Métro lines, with the exceptions of M4, M5, M7, M10 and M11, have stops within the 8th arrondissement.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Paris (Orly, Val-de-Marne) · International · ORY
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about 8th arrondissement and France.
Travel tipsWhen a Eurail Pass is worth buying in 2026, with official pass prices, mandatory seat reservation fees in France and Italy, and route-by-route cost math.
8 min read
Travel tipsHow the Schengen 90/180-day rule works in 2026 under automated EES biometric border tracking, with rolling window math and legal reset strategies.
7 min read
Travel tipsUnderstand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Travel tipsEstimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.