8th Arrondissement

Profile

This arrondissement contains what's considered by many as the most beautiful street in the world, Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The center of Hausmannian Paris, the 8th arrondissement symbolizes political power in Paris. The presidential palace and the Interior Ministry (the Ministère de l'Intérieur) are located here, as well as some embassies and diplomatic functions.

The 8th is also renowned for its plentiful shopping (see below).

Landmarks

The Champs-Elysée is a landmark onto itself, but typically tourists flock to the 8th arrondissement for what's found on its extremities: the Arc de Triomphe and place de la Concorde.

L'Église de la Madeleine (Place de la Madeleine) is one of the better-known churches in Paris, whose architecture is unusual for a a church - it is built in the Neo-Classical style.

» Our list of selected 8th Arrondissement Landmarks (1)

Hotels

As the preferred habitat of some of the world's richest people, hotels in the 8th arrondissement command extremely high prices.

» Our list of selected 8th Arrondissement Hotels (10)

Shopping

While Avenue des Champs-Elysées has been largely taken over by mid-range international brands (think Gap et al), many smaller stores and boutiques on side streets and, especially, in the eastern part of the district (Place de la Madeleine) are high-end.