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Focus on the
8th arrondissement
The golden triangle (between the Champs Elysees and the Seine) is the most elite area on account of its exclusive character, with flagship designer stores such as Dior, Prada, Chanel and Givenchy, as well as luxury hotels like the Plaza Athenee and George V. The Champs Elysees, overlooked by the Arch de Triomphe, is a hive of business and tourism with its offices, cafes, bars and galleries of boutiques and is host to many national events and celebrations.
To the north is one of Paris’ most ornate parks, Parc Monceau. The area is residential and calm, becoming more popular eastwards around Gare St Lazare with its Parisian department stores and busy railway station.
Properties
Apartments vary considerably depending on the area, with the most prestigious neighbourhoods situated in and around the triangle d’or.
The Champs Elysees area offers various styles of apartments but traffic, tourism and narrow streets in this elite business area can be overwhelming and a nightmare during national events.
The area around Parc Monceau, with its tree-lined avenues, is calmer and more residential. Apartments are larger, mainly Haussmann in style, and slightly less expensive than the southern areas.
There are some prestigious apartment buildings around Europe and Madeleine but it is quite a noisy business and shopping area that becomes rather bland and residential after hours.
Ten things you should do in the 8th Arrondissement
- If you're looking to experience the underground club culture of Paris, the Buddha Bar is a must on your list! Famous for its techno mixes across the globe, Buddha Bar is one of the hottest places in the 8th.
- La Madeleine is a church unlike others in Paris, modeled on a Corinthian-order classical temple, with an interior crafted entirely of marble and gold, visiting the church is a true visual experience.
- Only in Paris does one have the opportunity to tour a private art museum...owned by the restaurant where they've enjoyed lunch! Maxim's Paris (owned by Pierre Cardin) offers superb cuisine and private tours of its art collection containing more than 500 different items.
- Those seeking out a bit of history should visit the Chapelle Expiatoire, the burial site of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, who were guillotined in the 8th, at place de la Concorde.
- If you're in the mood for an upbeat evening, have a meal at Kokohana. Watch two chefs battle each other with a spectacular array of chopping, mixing, slicing and more!
- For a spectacular view of the Arc de Triomphe, visit Place de la Concorde. From this spot, one is afforded an incredible view of the Arc de Triomphe and the Grande Arche de la Defense, whilst side-stepping the hordes of tourists.
- Experience the glamour of the Hotel Crillon by having lunch at Les Ambassadeurs, the hotel restaurant. Enjoy the opulent and luxurious atmosphere for an afternoon and the history of this grand hotel, without the hefty price of a suite!
- The Avenue des Champs Elysées offers some of the best shopping in Paris, with concept stores from leading brands, including car manufacturers like Renault and Mercedes, as well as two cinemas.
- Those interested in contemporary art should consider visiting the Galérie Jerome de Noirmont, which has pieces by important and exciting contemporary and emering artists such as Jean Pierre Raynaud, Eva and Adele and Jeff Koons.
- The huge Grand Palais , with its domed glass roof is home to many important exhibitions, was built for the Paris Exhibition of 1900, is now primarily home to the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, but also hosts many shows by Chanel, as well as a science museum, le Palais de la Découverte, in one of the wings.
