Home > Neighborhoods - Districts of Paris > A Local’s Guide to the 8th Arrondissement of Paris
by Elisa
Introducing the 8th Arrondissement of Paris
Located on the Right Bank of the Seine River, the 8th Arrondissement is one of the most elegant Arrondissements of Paris. Paris 8 is the Champs Elysées Arrondissement. It is also the district of Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, luxury hotels, and the headquarters of large companies.
A place of power, Paris 8 includes the Élysée Palace and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as seven embassies of G20 countries.
The 8th Arrondissement of Paris is divided into four neighborhoods: Champs-Élysées, Faubourg-du-Roule, Madeleine, and Europe.
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Table of Contents:
- 8th Arrondissement Map with Tourist Attractions
- Best Things to Do in Paris’ 8th Arrondissement
- Unique Places to See in the 8th Arrondissement
- Where to Stay in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris
- Where to Eat in the 8th Arrondissement
- Want to Explore Beyond the 8th Arrondissement?
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8th Arrondissement Map with Tourist Attractions
Here’s a map of the attractions in the 8th Arrondissement described below.
Best Things to Do in Paris’ 8th Arrondissement
Without any further ado, let’s check the most interesting things to do in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris.
1. Take a Stroll along the Champs Elysées
Large sidewalks and gardens run alongside the Champs Elysées, one of the main tourist attractions in the 8th Arrondissement.
The immense Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the historical axis of Paris West. It offers a long perspective that starts from the Louvre Palace and comprises theequestrian statue of Louis XIV, theTriumphalArch of the Carrousel, theTuileries Garden,the Luxor Obelisk, theArc de Triomphe, and theArche de la Défense.
Stroll down Paris’ most famous avenue, admire its elegant boutiques, and enjoy its jovial and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
2. Climb to the top of Arc de Triomphe
Climb up to the top of Arc de Triomphe for a unique panorama of the Champs Élysées. Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon I to honor those who fought and died for France in theFrench RevolutionaryandNapoleonic Wars, this triumphal arch 55m high is inspired by the arches of Roman times. It also houses the tomb of the unknown soldier whose flame is rekindled every evening.
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris. Opening times: 1 April to 30 September: Wednesday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.); 1 October to 31 March: Wednesday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
3. Explore the Golden Triangle
The Triangle d’Or (Golden Triangle) corresponds to the area delimited by avenues Montaigne, Champs-Élysées, and George-V, and it is home to wealthy families, businesses, grand hotels, and haute couture shops. The list of French haute couture boutiques in this area includes Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton.
Round off your shopping day with a top-notch cocktail at the Plaza Athénée, one of the most lavish luxury hotels in Paris.
4. Admire the Grand Architecture of Grand Palais and Petit Palais
These magnificent palaces were built for the World Fair of 1900. Today, they host temporary exhibitions and fairs.
The Grand Palais was designed according to Beaux-Arts tastes and features ornate stone facades, glass vaults, and period innovations that included iron and light steel framing and reinforced concrete.
The Petit Palais (which is not that petit) boasts a similar design and ornaments. It belongs to the City of Paris and their permanent exhibitions are always free to visit.
Address: Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
5. Pont Alexandre III
This elegant bridge was also inaugurated on the occasion of the 1900 World Fair to connect the Invalides on the Left Bank to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank.
Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, it is named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia, who had concluded the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892. The foundation stone was laid in October 1896 by his son Nicholas II.
From the bridge, enjoy awesome views of the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. You also have one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, with the Seine River in the foreground.
6. Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is one of the five Royal Squares in Paris – elegant and famous squares in Paris dedicated to a king or commissioned by him to celebrate his kingdom and victories.
During the French Revolution, the new revolutionary government installed the guillotine in this square, and the first person to try it was King Louis XVI. A few months later, in 1795, the Directory decided to name the square Place de la Concorde to mark the reconciliation of the French after this bloody chapter of France’s history.
Today,the center of the square is dominated by the Luxor Obelisk, which is the oldest monument in Paris.The Egyptian Obelisk is part of the biggest sundial in Paris – look for the sundial marks on the pavement.
7. A Night of Music and Bubbles at Crazy Horse Cabaret
Paris’ 8th Arrondissement is home to the Crazy Horse, one of the best cabarets in Paris. Be seduced by the glamor and impertinence that are the very DNA of Crazy Horse in the immersive format of “Totally Crazy,” which comes with a glass of champagne.
On Sundays, enjoy the rare opportunity to visit the backstage and meet one of the dancers before the show. Sip Champagne and appetizers as you chat with the dancer and learn the secrets of the famous cabaret, then head to your seat for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
Address: 12 Avenue Georges V, 75008 Paris. Opening times: from Sunday to Friday, shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, shows at 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 11:45 p.m.
8. Relax at Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau is a pleasant and elegant garden surrounded by beautiful private mansions. Commissioned in the 1700s by the Duke of Orleans, cousin of Louis XVI, the park is perfect for reading a book or a picnic in the grass.
The park is not very large, but it is packed with tiny follies, elegant bridges, and meandering waterways.
Opening times: summer, every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; September, every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; winter, every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
9. Visit the Chapelle Expiatoire
The Chapelle Expiatoireis a small chapel built in the Neoclassic style. It was built during the Restoration in France to honor the memory of the Royal Family (King Luis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette) who lost their lives under the guillotine.
The Chapelle Expiatoire and its garden at the entrance are the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the Grand Boulevards and Champs Elysées.
Unique Places to See in the 8th Arrondissement
In these Paris Arrondissement Guides, I like to encourage people to beat the crowds and explore Paris beyond its main sights. Despite being one of the most touristy districts of Paris, there are many unique things to see and do beyond the stroll along the Champs Elysées.
10. Immerse Yourself in the Belle Époque at Maxim’s
The famous restaurant Maxim’s is one of the symbols of the 1900s and the Belle Epoque in Paris. Enjoy exceptional dishes served in the sumptuous Belle Epoque atmosphere.
Address: 3 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris. Opening times: Monday to Sunday, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
11. Take a Selfie with the Giant Tulips
Particularly moved by the testimonies of support and friendship expressed by American citizens towards Parisians following the attacks of November 2015, the United States Ambassador to France asked the artist Jeff Koons to design a work of art for the City of Paris.
This bouquet of tulips, located in the garden behind the Petit Palais, is imagined as a “symbol of remembrance, optimism, and recovery” and makes a colorful background for a selfie in Paris.
Address: 1 Avenue Dutuit, 75008 Paris
12. Look for the Parisian Piece of the Berlin Wall
Few locals know that the city has a piece of the Berlin Wall, not far from the Champs Elysées. This memorial located at Square de Berlin consists of a piece of the original Berlin Wall, a fountain, and a vegetal composition featuring a bear, the symbol of Berlin.
The Square de Berlin was inaugurated in the year 2000, with the presence of the majors of Paris and Berlin.
Address: Square Berlin, at the corner of Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt and Avenue du Général-Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
13. Shopping at the Historic Boutique of Guerlain
Guerlain is one of Paris’ oldest perfume makers, and its historic boutique has been running at 68 Avenue des Champs Elysées since 1914!
The brand’s flagship store is one of the most beautiful Belle Epoque buildings in Paris and is listed as a historical monument. Step inside to admire a setting as precious as its legendary fragrances and perhaps buy your favorite fragrances; the staff is always very kind!
Address: 68 avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris. Opening times: Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
14. Look for the Masonic Pyramid of Parc Monceau
This quirky pyramid half-hidden in the Parc Monceau is the result of the work of a Masonic lodge. Indeed, Philippe d´Orléans, sponsor of the creation and arrangement of Parc Monceau, was Grand Master of the mason order Grand Orient de France. The room at its base once contained a statue of the goddess Isis. It was like an Egyptian tomb!
15. Vintage Shopping at Marché aux Timbres
Vintage stamps and postcards aficionados will find their paradise on earth at Avenue Marigny, near the Champs Elysées.
Address: Avenue Marigny, 75008 Paris. Opening times: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where to Stay in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris
The 8th Arrondissement is home to some of the most beautiful historic hotels in Paris. Generally speaking, the hotels in the 8th Arrondissement tend to be more expensive than in other areas of Paris, and it’s hard to find budget hotels in the 8th District of Paris.
As you make your bed, so you lie. Find the right accommodation in Paris 8 – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment, we have them all! Book your accommodation by using the map below.
Suggested Hotels in Paris 8th Arrondissement
HOTEL PLAZA ATHENEE $$$$
Located in Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée is one of the most beautiful hotels in Paris. Active since 1913, this legendary hotel has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and politicians on their visit to the City of Lights. Apart from its lavish rooms, some with Eiffel Tower views, the hotel has a Dior spa, 5 restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a seasonal ice skating rink – Click here for the Latest Prices
PLEY HOTEL $$$
Conveniently located at rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Hotel Pley is a recently renovated hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a lounge area, and a buffet breakfast. Guests love the contemporary design and colors of the rooms and common spaces – Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL MASSENA $$$
Hotel Massena is a cozy hotel ideally located between the Opéra Garnier and the Madelaine Church. It offers contemporary rooms with comfortable beds, and some of them come with original wooden beams – Click here for the Latest Prices
A ROOM WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEW
If you aretraveling to Paris for a few daysand you can afford it, why not treat yourself to a hotel with Eiffel Tower views? Some of the best hotels in Paris 8 offer just that! If you prefer a home-from-home, there are also cute apartments with a view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 8.
Where to Eat in the 8th Arrondissement
Here are some of the best restaurants 8th Arrondissement Paris has to offer. They are all well known for their delicious French cuisine.
L’ARÔME
French cuisine – €€€
Restaurant in Paris offering seafood, fish, summer truffle and delicious desserts.
Address: 3 Rue Saint-Philippe-du-Roule,75008 Paris
Opens Monday to Friday
MAXIM’S
French cuisine – €€€
An establishment with a magical interior (Belle-Epoque style) offering a unique menu, oscillating between classics and revisited dishes.
Address: 3 Rue Royale,75008 Paris
Opens everyday
LE GABRIEL
French cuisine – €€
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers haute cuisine with calibrated dishes.
Address: 42 Avenue Gabriel, 75008Paris
Opens Monday to Friday
Want to Explore Beyond the 8th Arrondissement?
Click here for Other District Guides
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