Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris

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Avenue des Champs-Élysées

 

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France is one of the most famed and prestigious streets across the globe. Among locals, it is called “La plus belle avenue du monde”, which, in English, translates to “The most beautiful avenue in the world”.

Several cafes, specialty shops and cinemas hold address along Champs-Élysées. With rents as

high as a million dollars per thousand square feet, it is Europe’s most expensive piece of real estate.

Champs-Élysées is French for Elysian Fields. In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields is the name of

the place where the blessed dead reside.

In recent years, the opening of global brand outlets slightly changed Champs-Élysées’ unique Parisian character. In 2007, in an attempt to keep the focus loci unchanged and intact, the government decided to ban H&M, the Swedish clothing brand, from opening a store along Champs-Élysées. However, in 2008, globalization finally came to the avenue with the opening of an Abercrombie and Fitch store.

Champs-Élysées makes up part of the French capital’s Axe historique. It runs through Paris’ 8th arrondissement from the Place de la Concorde, where Obelisk of Luxor is, to the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as the Place de l'Étoile, where the Arc de Triomphe stands.