THE WALK
Paris reputation as a world capital of fashion is firmly established. Essential step of fashion shows, the city also houses all of the greatest French and international haute couture, ready-to-wear and jewelery headquarters.
This route will take you to a world of elegance and refinement, going past the poshest districts of the capital.
A display of luxury and wealth that will not leave you cold !
See also : Best places to shop in Paris
THE ITINERARY
- Walk starts Alma-Marceau metro station (line 9). Take Avenue Montaigne. Lined with luxury shops that attract a wealthy clientele, it makes up with avenue George V and les Champs-Élysées the « Golden triangle » of shopping. Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Chanel … no big brand is missing!
- Do not miss at the beginning of the avenue le Theatre des Champs-Elysees, the frescoes of which have been made by Antoine Bourdelle. You will also see at no. 25 the Plaza Athénée, that welcomes since its inception in 1911, heads of states, princes and foreign ambassadors.
- At the end of the avenue you reach the Rond Point des Champs-Élysées, providing a beautiful view of “the most beautiful avenue in the world” … At No. 7, the Mansion built in 1844 is now a prestigious auction market (Artcurial).
- Continue ahead Avenue Matignon. You will pass by the famous auction market Christie’s (n° 9), and many galleries of modern and contemporary paintings. At n° 25, have a glance at a beautiful mansion, the Hotel de la Vaupalière. Built in the 18th century, it has kept its lovely garden even if the front was rebuilt in the 19th. On the other side is an amazing building that breaks the rules of this very classical street (No. 22), built in 1976 by the architect Vittorio Mazzuconi.
- Getting to rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, another Parisian street almost entirely dedicated to luxury shopping, turn right. It is also an important political area where you will see the Ministry of Interior (place Beauveau), the British Embassy (No. 35) as well as the Palais de l’Élysée (No.55), residence of the President of French Republic.
- Among the major fashion brands are Pierre Cardin, Sonia Rykiel, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, Lanvin, Christian Lacroix …
- Rue Boissy d’Anglas, turn left and go to No. 24. Enter the very charming Village Royal (also called cité Berryer). This small passageway, created in 1725, has the air of a village, even if you still find brands like Dior ! To enjoy the atmosphere, you can sit at the terrace of the village.
- Exit Rue Royale. You are in the heart of « Haussmannian Paris », surrounded by two beautiful monuments: the Church of la Madeleine and Place de la Concorde.
- Have a look of Place de la Madeleine. Admire the beautiful windows of old shops as Fauchon and Hediard. At No. 9, you can also see a covered passage : Galerie de la Madeleine.
- Take Rue Royale, then turn left onto rue Saint-Honore. Rue Saint-Honore, in addition to be a fashion street, is the most important area of Jewelery in Paris.
- Go straight ahead to rue de Castiglione, then head to Place Vendome. What better place to end a “fashion and luxury” walk than the Place Vendome, greatest symbol of refinement in Paris !
End of the walk
