8th Arrondissement of Paris: Where To Eat, Play & Stay beyond the Champs Elysées

Introducing the 8th Arrondissement of Paris

After wandering around the Eiffel Tower, let’s cross the Seine River to the Right Bank to explore one of the most elegant Arrondissements of Paris.

Chic stores, haute couture houses, and large art galleries at la Madeleine; Shopping and people watching along the Champs-Elysées; relaxation in the green enclosure of Parc Monceau. Welcome to the beautiful (and expensive!) 8th Arrondissement of Paris.

8th Arrondissement Map

This elegant district delimited by the Seine River in the south, and also by Paris 16, Paris 17, Paris 9, and Paris 1, is the district of the Champs Elysées, Place de la Concorde, and Arc de Triomphe but of course, there is much more!

The 8th Arrondissement is divided into 4 neighborhoods: Champs-Élysées, Faubourg-du-Roule, Madeleine, and Europe.

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From the Tuileries Gardens to the Champs Elysées

For many centuries, the grounds of the 8th Arrondissement were covered by the waters of the Seine River, a river much wider than today. Later, it became a marsh, which was sanitized and cultivated to provide Paris with fresh produce.

Everything started to change in the 17th century when Queen Regent Marie de Médicis decided to build in this area a long alley lined with trees the Cours de la Reine. This alley was built on the historical axis used by the first Capetian Kings to go hunting in the forest from the Louvre Palace.

Later in 1667, King Louis XIV decided to open a path to facilitate the passage of the coaches going from the Tuileries Palace to the royal domain of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the Palace of Versailles (at that time under construction). Inaugurated with the name Grand Cours (to distinguish it from Cours de la Reine), this new alley was designed by the landscape designer André Le Nôtre, and it corresponds to the current  Champs Elysées.

The current Place de la Concorde was arranged in the 18th century to host an equestrian statue of King Louis XV that celebrated his recovery from a terrible illness. The square was inaugurated in 1772 with the name Place Louis XV, and it was later an important stage of the French Revolution.

The Faubourg Saint-Honoré became an aristocratic place to live, with the construction of many private mansions: the Hôtel d’Evreux (now the Elysée Palace), the Hôtel de Beauvau, the Hôtel de Béthune-Charost, the Hôtel de La Vaupalière, and more. Begun during the 1st Empire, the Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1836.

With the arrangement of Place de la Concorde and the Champs Elysées, the west of Paris became in the 19th century a place of real estate speculation. Rich bankers, upper bourgeoisie, and politicians built magnificent private mansions around the Parc Monceau. Some of the mansions are today beautiful museums (Musée Nissim de Camondo, Musée Cernuschi, Musée Jacquemart-André).

Parc Monceau Paris

Today the 8th arrondissement of Paris is both a tourist hotspot and one of the districts where the upper-middle class resides. It hosts many fancy shops, lesser-known covered passages, grand hotels, and many financial institutions and company headquarters. The 8th Arrondissement is also a place of power, home to the Élysée Palace (the residence of the French President) and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as seven embassies from G20 countries.

The District of the Champs Elysées

Street Sign Paris

The 8th Arrondissement of Paris is also the district of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This elegant avenue designates both one of the most visited tourist areas and (for some) the most beautiful avenue of the capital.

The immense avenue des Champs-Élysées is the historical axis of the west of Paris, offering a long perspective born from the Louvre Palace, in which are aligned the equestrian statue of Louis XIV in the Napoleon courtyard of the Louvre, the Triumphal Arch of the Carrousel, the Tuileries Garden, the Luxor Obelisk, the Arc de Triomphe, and further west, (outside Paris) the Arche de la Défense.

Arc de Triomphe

The avenue inspired the creation of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) in 1917 and Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City (Mexico) in 1860.

Hotels 8th Arrondissement Paris

The 8th Arrondissement concentrates some of the most beautiful historic hotels in Paris, such as hotel Plaza Athénee, Hotel de Crillon, or Hotel Georges V.

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 (-100€ /night) 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.

A ROOM WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

If you are traveling to Paris for a few days and you can afford it, why not treating yourself with a hotel with Eiffel Tower views? Some of the best hotels in Paris 8 propose just that! If you prefer a home from home, there are also cute apartments with view of Eiffel Tower in Paris 8.


SUGGESTED HOTELS IN PARIS 8TH ARRONDISSEMENT

HOTEL PLAZA ATHENEE; Paris 8, $$$$

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 in their visit to the City of Lights. Apart from its lavish rooms, some with Eiffel Tower view, the hotel has a Dior spa, 5 restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a seasonal ice skating rink.

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PLEY HOTEL: Paris 8, $$$

Conveniently located at rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this recently renovated hotel offers comfortable rooms, a lounge area, and a buffet breakfast. We love the contemporary design and colors of the rooms and common spaces

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HOTEL MASSENA: Paris 8, $$$

This cozy hotel is 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.

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Click here for the best hotels in Paris 8

Top 8th Arrondissement Attractions

Without any further ado, let’s check the most interesting things to see and do in the chic 8th Arrondissement of Paris.

Top & Unique Sights in Paris 8 – Map made with Google My Maps

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1- The Champs Elysées – Large sidewalks and gardens run alongside Paris’ most famous avenue, one of the main sights of Paris 8. Stroll down this Parisian avenue in a cosmopolitan atmosphere and enjoy its jovial, romantic ambiance.

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 the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic 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.

3- Relax at Parc Monceau – this is a pleasant and elegant garden surrounded by beautiful private mansions, perfect for reading a book or a picnic in the grass.

4- Admire the Grand Architecture of Grand Palais and Petit Palais – These magnificent palaces were built for the World Fair of 1900 and they host today temporary exhibitions. The Petit Palais (which is not that petit), belongs to the City of Paris and their permanent exhibitions are always for free.

Petit Palais - Paris
Petit Palais

5- Visit the peaceful Chapelle Expiatoire – this small chapel in Neoclassic style, 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.

6- Explore the Golden Triangle, Haute Couture’s Home in Paris –  The 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, or 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.

7- Walk along the elegant 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. From the bridge, enjoy awesome views of these buildings and also one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, with the Seine River in the foreground.

Unique Things to Do in Paris 8th Arrondissement

In our Paris Arrondissement Guides, we 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 classic stroll along the Champs Elysées.

Below, the list of unique things to do in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris we believe you shouldn’t miss:

8- A night of Music and Bubbles at Lido or Crazy Horse Cabarets – a night in a Parisian cabaret is one of the most iconic things to do in Paris and the 8th Arrondissement is home to two of the most popular cabarets – the Lido Cabaret and the Crazy Horse – proposing two different kinds of shows with more or fewer feathers 😉 Lido or Crazy Horse? This Parisian Cabarets quick guide will help you decide.

9- Immerse yourself in the Belle Époque at Maxim’s – the famous restaurant Maxim’s, at 3 rue Royale, is one of the symbols of the 1900s and the Belle Epoque in Paris. Enjoy exceptional dishes served in the sumptuous Belle Epoque atmosphere.

10- 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.

11- Look for the Parisian Piece of the Berlin Wall – Few Parisians know that the city has a piece of the Berlin Wall, not far from Paris’ most famous avenue. 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.

12- 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 an Egyptian tomb!

13- Admire the historic boutique of Guerlain Boutique, on the Champs Elysées – Nope, our favorite building in the Champs Elysées is definitely not Ladurée but the boutique Guerlain, on the opposite side. Guerlain is one of Paris’ oldest parfumiers and its historic boutique is 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, a listed historical monument. Step inside to admire a setting as precious as its legendary fragrances, the staff is always very kind!

14- Vintage Shopping at Marché aux Timbres Vintage stamps and postcards aficionados will find their paradise on earth at Avenue Marigny, near the Champs Elysées. Le Marché aux Timbres takes place on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9 am to 7 pm.

8th Arrondissement Restaurants

Most of the restaurants in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris are upscale restaurants proposing French gourmet cuisine. The grand hotels of the 8th Arrondissement have on-site restaurants too, and some of them are run by Michelin starred chefs.

Best Restaurants in Paris
More Paris 8th Restaurants

Don’t you know where to find the best restaurants in the 8th Arrondissement? Here, some of the best restaurants in Paris 8 proposing good French cuisine.

» Le 114 Faubourg, Le Bristol Paris – 114 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris. Le 114 Faubourg is the restaurant at Le Bristol Paris but you don’t need to sleep in the hotel to taste the excellent cuisine of this unique (yet affordable) brasserie. Le 114 Faubourg proposes traditional French cuisine (1 Michelin star). If you love pâtés, and the tartare de boeuf (one of the best in Paris!), this is THE place to go.

» Restaurant De Sers –  41 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie 75008 Paris. This beautiful and always well-rated address not far from avenue Georges V proposes French savory cuisine made with fresh produce, and a staff always attentive. The dishes are always beautifully presented, the restaurant’s spaces are stylish and there’s also a quiet and charming patio to eat during the beautiful days.

» La Table de Lucie   29 rue d’Edimbourg 75008 Paris. This simple but cute address not far from Gare Saint-Lazare or Parc Monceau is perfect for a lunch break during your explorations in the 8th Arrondissement. The homemade cuisine is simple but delicious and they also have good wines.

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Paris Eighth Arrondissement Directory

The Champs Elysées: avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris

Arc de Triomphe: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

Parc Monceau: 35 boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris

Petit Palais and Grand Palais: avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

Chapelle Expiatoire: 29 rue Pasquier, 75008 Paris

The Golden Triangle: avenues Montaigne, Champs-Élysées, and George-V, 75008 Paris

Pont Alexandre iii: Pont Alexandre iii, 75008 Paris

Lido and Crazy Horse cabarets: 116 av, des Champs Elysées (Lido) and 12 avenue Georges V, 75008 Paris

Maxim’s: 7 rue Royale, 75008 Paris

Bouquet of Tulips: behind the Petit Palais, 75008 Paris

Berlin Wall: Berlin Square 75008 Paris

Historic Boutique Guerlain: 68 avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris.

Marché aux Timbres: avenue Marigny, 75008 Paris.

Want to Explore Beyond the 8th Arrondissement?

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Paris 9 Quick Guide (coming soon)

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Quirky Parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the City of Light! Read more about us.