Guide to the Opera Neighborhood & Champs Elysees (8th and 9th)
The 8th Arrondissement
Exploring the 8th
The 8th arrondissement is one of Paris’s most elegant neighborhoods. Filled with luxury stores, high-end hotels, wide boulevards and frequented by corporate workers and international visitors, this area is filled with a sense of grandeur. However, as a primarily corporate and quiet residential area, it can lack a bit of the character and relaxed je ne sais quois of some other Paris neighborhoods like the 6th and the Marais.
Our favorite way to explore the 8th is by spending a couple of hours strolling down the Champs-Elysees. After admiring the famed triumphal arc, wander into any boutique that catches your eye or stop for some people watching and a tres expensive coffee or drink on a terrace of a nice hotel. If you’re a repeat visitor to Paris, consider stopping in the soon-to-open Musee Jacquemart-Andre or the Petit Palais.
Unless there is particular reason you’d like to stay in or have a meal in this area, we recommend heading elsewhere after you’ve had your fill of shops and monuments (consider crossing the Ponte Alexandre III and exploring the 6th or 7th or heading over to the 9th).
Major Sites & Museums
Champs-Elysees
The Champs-Elysees is one of Paris’s most famous boulevards with wide, tree-lined sidewalks, elegant shops and luxury hotels. Strolling along this famed street, which is a typical example of Haussmannian urban planning (read more about Baron de Haussmann here), is an absolute must during any trip to the city of light.
A few interesting historical tidbits to note here:
The Champs-Elysees was initially an extension of the Tuileries Gardens opened by King Louis XIV in 1667.
The 12 avenues radiating out of the Arc du Triomphe form the star or etoile, which was created by Baron de Haussmann (before there were cars of course, explaining the strange choice of round-a-bout for one of the busiest areas in Paris).
Between the 1920s and the 1960s, visiting the Champs-Elysees was considered a formal occasion for Parisians, who dressed formally to visit chic cafes in. thearea.
But in the late 1960s and 1970s, the area was largely commercialized as evidenced by the arrival of France’s first McDonald’s (which is one of the most profitable locations in the world).
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, is a monumental triumphal arch, erected following Napoleon’s unlikely victory over the Austrians in the Battle of Austelritz in 1806. It took 30 years to build and stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle. The arch was built in the style of Roman triumphal arches—specifically, the arch is a much larger version (indeed, the Arc du Triomphe is the largest triumphal arch in the world) of Constantine I’s arch in Rome.
Decorated with high-relief sculptures depicting military victories and inscriptions of generals and battles, it features the famous sculpture "Departure of the Volunteers of 1792" by François Rude. The arch houses a museum, an observation deck, and France's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, commemorating World War I.
Practical Information: Hours - 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily; Timed-entry tickets to climb the 284 steps of the arc are available online. There is an elevator for those with disabilities, which runs only to the museum level (there are about 50 more steps to the top).
Petit Palais and Musee des Beaux Arts
The Petit Palais, constructed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition alongside the Grand Palais, now serves as a museum. Designed by Charles Girault, its architecture seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements, facilitating visitor flow and offering striking views of the Champs-Elysées gardens. The museum boasts a collection of decorative murals and sculptures dating from 1903 to 1925, curated to elevate Parisian art and history. Notable works include Albert Besnard's Symbolist murals, Cormon and Roll's historical narratives, and Ferdinand Humbert's contemporary depictions. The pavilions showcase themes such as The Intellectual Triumph of Paris and The Triumph of Woman, while the garden peristyle features Paul Baudoüin's frescoes. Maurice Denis' cupola mural chronicles French art history, while Girault's wrought ironwork and Champigneulle's stained glass adorn the building. The mosaics, crafted by Facchina, embellish the floors and peristyle, adding to the palace's grandeur.
Practical Information: Address - Av. Winston Churchill, 75008; Hours - 10 AM - 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday (temporary exhibitions are open late on Friday and Saturday until 8 PM) | Tickets are available online.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais, situated on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and dedicated to French art. It was granted historic monument status in 2000. With 40 annual events and 2 million visitors yearly, it boasts a gross floor space of 72,000 sq. meters and the largest glass roof in Europe. The monumental construction involved 6,000 tons of steel and 200,000 tons of stone.
The Grand Palais has witnessed cultural and historical events throughout the 20th century, such as hosting the Salon d’Automne in 1905, serving as a military hospital during World War I, and undergoing consolidation work during World War II. In 1944, a fire damaged the roof and pillars, though no casualties were reported. The Nave gained historic monument status in 1975, leading to extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts from 2001 to the present day, including the refurbishment of various spaces for events and improved visitor facilities.
Practical Information: The Grand Palais is currently undergoing renovations but is scheduled to open in 2024 in anticipation of the Paris Olympics. While the Grand Palais is best explored during an event, it has been historically open to visitors who would like to admire the glass roof and Nave. More details to come.
Musee Jacquemart-Andre
Reopening in September 2024 following extensive renovations, the beautiful Musee Jacquemart-Andre was once a family home which opened its doors to the public in 1913. The museum houses an impressive collection of French furniture (including from the French Reinaissance) and Italian Renaissance art by masters including Botticini and Bellini. The museum also has an elegant tea room cafe that is worth a stop.
The building was erected between 1869 and 1875 for Edouard Andre, a banking giant, and his wife Nelie Jacquemart, who was a well known painter. The couple took annual trips to Italy where they would purchase works of art to display in their home. Following Edouard’s death, Nelie began collecting pieces from Asia, which are also on display at the museum.
Practical Information: Address - 158 Bd Haussmann, 75008; Hours - Daily 10 AM - 6 PM (late nights on Friday until 10 PM)
La Galerie Dior & 30 Montaigne
Opened March 2022 at Christian Dior’s 30 Montaigne flagship, La Galerie Dior is a museum covering Christian Dior and his six successors. The museum exhibits original designs and sketches as well as some of the house’s most exceptional pieces.
Christian Dior, born in Granville, Normandy, on January 21, 1905, was the second of five children to wealthy industrialist Alexandre Louis Maurice Dior and housewife Madeleine Martin. His childhood home, Villa Les Rhumbs in Granville, now serves as the Dior Museum. In the 1930s, Dior pursued various career paths, including gallerist and illustrator, before finding his true calling as a couturier. His innate talent for fashion and design led to the inauguration of the House of Dior at 30 Montaigne in December 1946. This iconic location, with its neoclassical facade, became synonymous with the brand's elegance and sophistication.
After undergoing extensive renovations, the iconic 30 Montaigne, often referred to as the Dior "beehive," reopened in 2022, spanning over 10,000 square meters. Designed by architect Peter Marino, the space now features the Dior Ateliers, a luxurious boutique, a restaurant named Monsieur Dior, a pastry café and the Dior Galerie, functioning as a museum with a separate entrance from the boutique. The Galerie showcases the rich history of the fashion house across 13 themed rooms, exhibiting exclusive pieces, rare creations, iconic bags, sumptuous dresses, original sketches, archival documents, and photographs.
Practical Information: Address - 11 Rue Francois 1er, 75008; Hours - Open Wednesday - Monday from 11 AM - 7 PM (closed Tuesday); Tickets may be purchased online in advance here (otherwise, the line is long unless you purchase something from the boutique).
Triangle D’Or
The Triangle D’Or or Golden Triangle is home to many of Paris’s luxury designer shops and is formed by Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue Francois 1er. Shops include Dior, Chanel, Ferragamo, Dolce e Gabbana, Prada, Valentino, Bulgari and Gucci, with the major designers (often called the Grand Courtiers) clustered around Avenue Montaigne.
Notable flagship stores in the area include Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Check out our luxury shopping tool here to see which items garner the most savings abroad.
Those shopping for items other than apparel will enjoy Parthault Linens (Linge de Maison), Carons (perfume), Guerlain and S.F. DuPont (writing instruments) among others.
Practical Information: Most stores are open from Monday to Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM. Paris hosts sales annually (even at designer stores, it is required by law) in January and July.
Where to Eat and Drink in the 8th & 9th
A note about eating and drinking in the 8th. The 8th is a largely quiet residential and professional area of Paris—the options for eating and dining out tend to be aimed more at tourists as the area is home to several luxury hotels including the Dorchester’s Plaza Athenee and the Four Seasons George V. As such, our recommendations skew a bit higher end and more international but are perfect for a glamorous night out.
Restaurants
Le Mermoz (16 rue Jean Mermoz, 75008) - The energy at Le Mermoz, which offers French takes on traditional bistro fare, is surprisingly lively for the sleepy 8th arrondissement. The menu changes daily with a prix fixe option for lunch and small plates for dinner.
Le Drugstore (133 avenue des Champs Elysees, 75008) - Le Drugstore is a restaurant we visited as kids that underwent a major revamp under the direction of chef Eric Frechon. The menu is designed for sharing and includes sandwiches and snacks of all kinds in a chic space from breakfast until 1 AM, making this a particularly useful spot.
Beefbar (5 rue Marbeug, 75008) - Beefbar is just as much a feast for the eyes as it is a feast of beef. Beefbar has locations in Monaco, Hong Kong and New York as well where chef Riccardo Giraudi serves Kobe beef in every which way (think burkers, ribs served in tataki, tacos, bao buns and more). The decor is Art Nouveau style designed by Humbert & Poyet.
Le Fouquet’s (99 Avenue des Champs Elysees, 75008) - Fouquet’s is the place to see and be seen in Paris, which has hosted the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Edith Piaff, Jackie Kennedy and Liza Minelli. Black and white cinematic portraits line the interior of the restaurant, which still hosts the after party of the Cesar Awards (French film awards) and was declared a historic monument in 1900. Enjoy a cocktail crafted by master mixologist Stephane Ginouves or a bite from the menu created by three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire which uses carefully sourced local ingredients to elevate French classics.
Le Bon Georges (45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009) - A delicious classic French bistro. Try the steak hache (a seared steak tartare) and thumb through their impressive wine list to pair with your meal.
Bars & Nightlife
Le Bar at Four Seasons Georges V (31 Av. Georges V, 75008) - The bar at the Four Seasons Georges V is over the top opulent and a memorable place to enjoy a cocktail.
Le Bar du Bristol (112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, 75008) - The Bar du Bristol is a glitzy night out spot in Paris that features a DJ spinning beats until the wee hours.
The 9th Arrondissement
Opera Garnier
Overview and Highlights
The Palais Garnier, inaugurated in 1875 during the reign of Napoleon III, stands as a magnificent architectural marvel in Paris. Designed by Charles Garnier (who also designed the Opera Monte-Carlo), it exudes elegance and grandeur, showcasing a harmonious blend of sculpture, painting, and architecture.
Visitors are greeted with opulent interiors featuring balconies made of onyx, lavish marble, intricate frescoes, and elaborate gilding. Each room, from the monumental staircase to the majestic Grand Salon, is adorned with elegant details, contributing to the overall magical ambiance.
The Palais Garnier is not only a venue for dance and opera but also a treasure trove of history and art. Busts of opera luminaries, mythological figures, and allegorical sculptures adorn its halls, along with intriguing motifs like salamanders, owls, and bats. Visitors can also explore the theater boxes on the first floor, including the famous Box 5 associated with Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera.
A highlight of the visit is the monumental painting on the theater's ceiling by Marc Chagall, covering 220 square meters. Its modern and contemporary style contrasts with the traditional red and gold décor of the auditorium, adding a touch of modernity to the historic building.
History of the Paris Opera
The Paris Opera originated in the 17th century under the patronage of King Louis XIV, with key figures such as Baroque music master Jean-Baptiste Lully shaping its early development. The institution was established to promote French-language operas and combat the dominance of Italian opera.
The Royal Academy of Music, later known as the Paris Opera, was officially founded in 1669 when composer Pierre Perrin received a royal privilege from Louis XIV to establish an Opera Academy. Two years later, the first French opera, "Pomone" by Perrin and Robert Cambert, premiered. However, it was in 1672 when Jean-Baptiste Lully acquired the privilege from Perrin that the institution truly flourished, producing landmark works like "Cadmus et Hermione," "Atys," and "Armide."
Jean-Baptiste Lully played a crucial role not only as a composer but also as an entrepreneur, successfully managing the institution and leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and financial stability upon his death in 1687.
The Paris Opera also contributed to the development of dance, with Louis XIV establishing the Royal Academy of Dance in 1661. This academy later merged with the Royal Academy of Music, further enriching the cultural landscape of France.
The venues of the Paris Opera evolved over time, starting from the Salle du Jeu de Paume and eventually moving to the Palais-Royal, where it remained for nearly a century.
Performances at Opera Garnier
Our favorite way to explore Opera Garnier is to attend a performance. We have seen ballets and operas and have thoroughly enjoyed both—the opera takes on a retro and almost Wes Anderson-esque aesthetic as tuxedo clad ushers whisk smartly-dressed patrons off to their plush red seats that brings the building to life.
Practical Information: Address - Pl. de l’Opera, 75009 | Hours - Open daily from 10 AM - 5 PM + for performances and 30 minutes prior | Visitors have the option to explore the Palais Garnier independently or with a guide. Multimedia audio guides offer deeper insights into the building's history and secrets. However our favorite way to experience Opera Garnier is to by attending a performance. Tickets for performances are available in advance here (be sure to purchase tickets for Palais Garnier rather than Opera Bastille).
Galeries Lafayette
Founded in 1893 by business-minded cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, what is now the famed department store Galeries Lafayette initially occupied a modest 70 square meters at the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin in Paris. However, strategic acquisitions and architectural enhancements soon transformed it into a beacon of luxury and abundance.
Under the visionary leadership of Bader and architect Georges Chedanne, the flagship Galeries Lafayette store was unveiled in 1912 as a "luxury bazaar" boasting opulent interiors and exquisite décor. The store's iconic features, including the majestic staircase inspired by the Opera Garnier (see above) and the towering dome, became symbols of its grandeur.
Galeries Lafayette continued to evolve, adding departments, amenities, and entertainment options to cater to a growing clientele. The store's rooftop terrace offers an excellent view of Paris and break from the frenzied shoppers below.
Throughout its history, Galeries Lafayette remained committed to democratizing fashion and design, offering the latest trends to a diverse audience. Théophile Bader's strategy of sourcing fashion inspiration from high-profile events ensured that the store remained at the forefront of style.
Practical Information: 48 Blvd Haussmann, 75009 | Hours: 10 AM - 8:30 PM Monday - Saturday, 11 AM - 8 PM Sundays & holidays
Le Printemps
Le Printemps, founded by Jules Jaluzot and Jean-Alfred Duclos in 1865, was a pioneering department store in Paris, notable for its early adoption of elevators and electric lighting. The flagship store, located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, offers a rich shopping experience across several floors.
Ground Level: The ground level houses accessories and leather goods from luxury fashion brands.
Lower Level (-1): This level houses an accessory shop, affordable jewelry area, and watches. Visitors can also handle VAT refund forms for foreign shoppers.
First Floor (Second Floor in US parlance): Known as "La Joaillerie," this floor offers high-end jewelry from brands like Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier.
Second Floor: This floor showcases women’s international designer clothing.
Third Floor: High street French fashion brands including Maje, Sandro, and The Kooples are featured here, along with local French brands.
Fourth Floor: Independent designers, women's denim, sneakers, and personal shopping services are available. "Le Market" offers contemporary fashion and new labels.
Fifth Floor: "La Chaussure" features women's shoes from luxury and everyday brands.
Sixth Floor: Lingerie, wedding attire, and swimwear from numerous brands can be found here.
Seventh Floor: Recently reopened, this floor hosts a second-hand fashion shop promoting sustainable shopping habits. It also houses a new restaurant with panoramic views over Paris.
Roof: Both the Printemps Femme and Printemps Homme / Printemps du Gout stores offer splendid views over Paris from their rooftops. The newly opened rooftop restaurant, Perruche, provides an opportunity to enjoy the view while dining.