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8th Arrondissement - Paris

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This arrondissement is traversed by what is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful avenues in the world, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The center of Hausmannian Paris, the 8th arrondissement symbolizes political power in Paris and France in general. The presidential palace (the Elysée Palace) and the Interior Ministry (the Ministère de l'Intérieur) are located here, as well as scores of embassies and diplomatic functions.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysées (or simply, the Champs-Elysées) is a landmark onto itself – a place to stroll, gander, “see and be seen.” And an invitation to do just that was obviously extended to everyone, not just locals: in fact, on any given day, you're likely to see many more people from the outskirts here than local, central Parisians. Of course, there are also many tourists. On the extremities of the Champs-Elysées are two landmarks that attract thousands of tourists daily: the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde.

Among other landmarks of the 8th, the Église de la Madeleine (in the Place de la Madeleine) is one of the better-known churches in Paris. Rather atypically for a church, it is built in the Neo-Classical style. Parc Monceau, in the northern section of the arrondissement, is the preferred afternoon destination for many parents and office workers on their break. It's a quieter corner of the arrondissement and a visit is highly recommended (especially on a good day) if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of this central district.

Although the 8th arrondissement has plenty of residential buildings, most Parisians would probably describe it more of an office, shopping, and hotel district – more so than a residential one. Speaking of hotels, hotel prices here tend to be quite high.

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