Things to Do on the Champs-Élysées: 8 Must-Dos (2026)

1. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe

The monument crowning the avenue offers, from its terrace, the finest view over the twelve avenues radiating from Place de l'Étoile — and along the axis from Concorde to La Défense. Go up late in the day to watch the city tip into evening light.

2. Drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini down the avenue

It's the avenue's signature experience: taking the wheel of a supercar at 101 avenue des Champs-Élysées and cruising down 'the world's most beautiful avenue' to the sound of a V8 or V10. With Evasio, the experience starts at €180 for 30 minutes, professional co-pilot, photos and videos included — no special licence required, and without a licence you can ride as a passenger.

→ See Evasio's supercar experiences and prices

3. Shop the flagship stores

From luxury houses to global brands, the avenue lines up some of Europe's largest stores. Even without buying, the window displays and concept stores are worth the stroll — open-air window shopping for nearly two kilometres.

4. Sit down at a café or a grand pâtisserie

The avenue's terraces are the perfect observation post for the constant parade of passers-by — and beautiful machines. The avenue's grand pâtisserie houses are an institution: macarons and hot chocolate after the stroll, it doesn't get more Parisian.

5. Wander the Champs-Élysées gardens

The lower stretch of the avenue, between the Rond-Point and Concorde, is a little-known haven: shaded paths, lawns, fountains and pavilions. It's also home to the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais — the latter houses a museum that's free all year round.

6. Walk down to Place de la Concorde

The avenue ends at the largest square in Paris, with its Luxor obelisk and gilded fountains. From there, the axis runs up to the Arc de Triomphe on one side and opens onto the Tuileries garden and the Louvre on the other — one of the world's great urban vistas.

7. Catch a film in a historic cinema

The avenue has historically been one of the great homes of Parisian cinema, with its grand theatres and premieres. Catching a screening on the Champs means joining an almost century-old tradition — handy on rainy days too.

8. Come back after dark for the lights

The avenue changes face in the evening: signs, terraces and monuments light up along nearly two kilometres. In winter, the Christmas lights (late November to early January) draw visitors from around the world. It's also the ideal time for a night driving experience.

→ Read our guide to night supercar driving in Paris