EuropeanLife Magazine March 2017 | Page 49

· IN THE PICTURE · · FRANCE · THE CH A MPS-ÉLYSÉES IS STILL ONE OF THE MOST FASHIONA BLE AV EN UES IN PA RIS, THE EUROPEA N CIT Y OF LIGHT. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris is without a doubt one of the most famous luxury shopping streets in the world. It runs between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles De Gaulle, which is where the Arc de Triomphe is located. A must-visit for shopaholics visiting the French capital. The Champs Élysées and its gardens were originally laid out in 1667 by André Le Notre. They were an extension of the Jardin des Tuileries and the gardens of the Tuileries Palace, which had been built in 1564, and of which Le Notre had rebuilt in his own formal style for Louis XIV in 1664. The new boulevard was called the ‘Grand Cours’, or ‘Grand Promenade’. It did not get the name of Champs-Élysées until 1709. By the late 18th century, the Champs-Élysées had become one of the most fashionable avenues in the French capital. Nowadays it’s a fantastic boulevard for upscale shopping. You’ll find luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Lancel, Guerlain, Lacoste, Cartier and Swarovski. Also popular brands such as Adidas, Benetton, Zara, H&M, Cartier, Bel Air Fashion, and Sephora have impressive flagship stores along the boulevard. Other interesting places are the presidential residence Élysée Palace, the fantastic restaurant Fouquet’s and the spectacular Hôtel de la Païva. 47