Attractions in 8th Arrondissement (Paris)

Les Jardins des Champs-Élysées

This small park is adjacent to the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, near the Place de la Concorde and the Palais de l'Elysée. Having stopped for a drink or done some window-shopping on the "Champs," take some time to wander and relax in these gardens. Surrounded by flowerbeds, fountains, paths and pavilions, this spot offers a taste of tranquility right in the heart of the capital. Popular towards the end of the 19th Century, chic Parisians that frequented the park at this time include the renowned author, Marcel Proust.

L' Église de la Madeleine

Started by architect Pierre Constant d'Ivry in 1764, this building was completed by one of his colleagues - Couture - who turned it into a something of a pantheon. It was looted during the French Revolution and later Napoléon I decided to transform it into a temple to the memory of his glorious army. Eventually, this "church-turned-temple" did not, in fact, become a monument to Bonaparte's soldiers (see the Invalides), but was instead dedicated to Saint Marie Madeleine. One of Paris' most famous churches, its impressive façade is made up of 52 20-meter (65-foot) high Corinthian columns, while inside its nave is magnificently crowned by three cupolas. Sculptor Charles Marochetti's marble statue the Ravissement de Sainte-Madeleine overlooks the high altar, giving it its own unique splendour. Concerts are organized here on a regular basis.

Villa Thalgo

On one of the most elegant streets in Paris stands this temple dedicated to beauty therap. Treatments are offered on an hourly, half-day or full day basis. The seven hour session starts with aquagym, followed by a bodyscrub, balneotherapy, seaweed wrap, jet shower, a half-hour massage and treatment for face, hands and feet. What a packed program! For the half-day and full day treatments, a lunch tray is provided : enjoy a healthy salad by the pool! A one hour treatment costs EUR59, half day EUR149, full day EUR258.

Église de la Madeleine

This neo-Roman structure (1806-1842) was originally meant to be an imperial pantheon but now houses an actual parish church featuring, outside its religious services, organ recitals and various sacred and baroque music concerts, notably on Sundays with free concerts at 4p twice a month, and other chamber music concerts and symphony orchestras.

Palais de l'Élysée

The Palais de l'Élysée (Élysée Palace) is the official home of the President of France. It was built in 1722, between the Grande Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré - a small road leading to the village of Roule - and the Grand Cours (the Champs-Élysées), by architect Armand-Claude Mollet. The structures are a prime example of the classical style. There's an entrance vestibule running along the ceremonial courtyard and gardens, a long central building, a State, apartment divided down the middle by a large salon that opens out onto the garden. On December 12, 1848, the National Assembly issued a decree designating the Élysée as the Residence of the French President, and it is a potent symbol of the French Republic.

Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Many remarkable art galleries and boutiques are found on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, an avenue of upscale commerce in Paris. For art enthusiasts, a walk down this avenue becomes a truly memorable experience. The galleries, which are mostly concentrated between Place St-Phillipe-du-Roule and Avenue de Marigny, offer some of the most exceptional work by contemporary artists and beautiful French furniture. This avenue also supports Paris' reputation as a world center for fashion as many famous designers such as Guy Laroche, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, and Chanel maintain boutiques here. A walk along the avenue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, filled with impressionist art and pulsating fashion, is guaranteed to leave an impression.

Paris A Pied

This is one walk you will cherish, apart from the fact that the city is Paris. This trip will not tire your feet, as the running commentaries provided by your able guide will keep you entertained. Check the website for timings and tours.

Grand Palais

Established in 1900 for the Worlds Fair Exhibition, Grand Palais stores a great treasury of history within its boundaries. The beautiful structure has attracted many a tourist through the years and why not, the architecture is breathtaking. The glass ceiling and walls allow a flood of natural light to immerse the objects within. There's a lot for you to explore here: Nef du Grand Palais, Palais de la découverte and Galeries nationales du Grand Palais.

Chapelle Expiatoire

After the executions of the French monarchs Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, their remains were buried at the Madeleine Cemetery. The Chapelle Expiatoire, constructed in the early 19th Century, is built upon the grounds of that former cemetery. Now it is a grand monument to the king and queen and victims of the French Revolution. The site includes a Greco-Roman necropolis, as well as a hall done in the Neo-Classic style. It's a soothing respite from the bustle of Boulevard Haussman, and a must-see for history buffs.

Spa Mosaic

Thank God for spas. And once you visit Spa Mosaic, you'll be thanking whoever thought of the spa's popular treatment, "Sensation's Mosaic," which combines hot stone treatment, facial massage and the four handed body polish and massage. Tempted? Book yourself for any of the massages from around the world, or go in for a body wrap, hydrotherapy and facial. Be adventurous and try the hydro-toning bath with massaging jet. Located at the Le Hilton Arc de Triomphe, the spa has ten massage and treatment rooms.

Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches

Founded in 1949, Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches charters a fleet of 14 boats available for a wide range of events and activities. Their lineup includes 9 tour boats and five restaurant boats, of which four are available for receptions and events. The event boats can hold 60-550 diners or up to 800 people for cocktail parties.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Stretching for two kilometers (one mile) and lined with trees, les Champs-Élysées has become the center for festivities and official parades. It is a magnet for tourists and for the multitudes who enjoy evenings spent strolling along the broad and picturesque avenue. The many cinemas, cafés, and restaurants tempt visitors to rest their legs for a few hours, tired from walking by the designer boutiques, banks, and embassies also situated in this chic neighborhood. The avenue was originally created in 1667 by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV's gardener, in order to improve the view from the Jardin des Tuileries. The avenue was lenghtened at the end of the 18th Century, to run from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.