Attractions in the 8th arrondissement in Paris | Much more than the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees

|
Last updated:
|
Attractions in the 8th arrondissement in Paris | Much more than the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees
Main Menu

The eighth district of Paris It is a very prestigious district and as such contains quite a few impressive buildings (most of which serve as embassies). The most well-known area in this district is theChamps Elysees At the end of which is the Arc de Triomphe. But make no mistake, there is much more charm in this district than all its tourist attractions.

This is a district with quite a bit of culinary tradition, which is largely centered aroundThe Church of the MagdaleneThere are also several important museums here, some like Jacquemart Andre are less well known to the general public and it's time to change that.

Attractions in the Eighth District

The Arc de Triomphe

Address:Place Charles de Gaulle

Metro:Charles de Gaulle-Etoile

Museum type: Payment

Opening days and hours: Between April and the end of September, the Arc de Triomphe is open to visitors between 1000-2300. In the other months, the Arc de Triomphe is open until 2230.

A few words about the attraction: The Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon I's most famous project, is one of the most famous monuments in the City of Lights. Buying a ticket will allow you to climb it by elevator rather than stairs, enjoy the small museum at the top, and of course, the incredible view from the top. If you want to learn more about the Arc de Triomphe, I recommend reading the article The Arc de Triomphe in Paris – did you know there are four of them?

Buying a flight ticket to the Arc de Triomphe

Champs Elysees

https://youtu.be/d9V-zUlrhEE

Let me start with a statement: I really don't like the Champs Elysees.

This famous avenue may have been magical during the 19th and early 20th centuries, but in recent years it has deteriorated. The reason for this is that the place has become very commercialized and, due to the high cost of real estate, only huge chains can afford to open stores there.

So if you still decide to stroll along the Champs-Elysées, I would recommend focusing on the eastern part that starts at Place de la Concorde and reaches FDR Square and the two museums nearby. Another option is to visit Boulevard Montaigne and take a look at the showcase stores of the French fashion super brands (I will write about this in the section dealing with walking routes in the district). If you are a fashion lover, and you follow the walking route Yves Saint Laurent.

Place de la Concorde

One of the two largest fountains on Place de la Concorde. Photo: Yoel Tamanlis
One of the two largest fountains on Place de la Concorde. Photo: Yoel Tamanlis

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive squares in Paris, and some would say the most impressive. It is located right on the border between the 8th and 1st arrondissements, and it is highly recommended to visit it early in the morning or at night, when the square is illuminated.

If you would like to learn more about the square and its fascinating history, you are welcome to read the article. Place de la Concorde – Fire, blood and beauty in one central square in Paris.

The Church of the Magdalene

La Madeleine Church. Photo: Joel Tamanlis.
La Madeleine Church. Photo: Joel Tamanlis.

Address:Place de la Madeleine. The 8rd District.

The Madeleine Church will forever be associated with Fouchon, whose famous food store is behind it. It will also be associated no less with Napoleon, who was responsible for its construction, and if you do the The itinerary followed him on the right bank You will reach it for sure.

When you step inside and see the grandeur and splendor, you will understand why I recommended you to visit it. It was not for nothing that Napoleon saw the church as a place dedicated to the valor of the French army (at a time when the word “valor” still existed in the French lexicon). The place looks like a Greek or Roman temple and although there are several other 19th century churches that are somewhat similar, I can say with certainty that its architecture is unique.

And if all this wasn't enough for you, then you'll probably be happy to hear that the acoustics in Medellin are simply excellent, which is why quite a few concerts are held there, such as this one:

https://youtu.be/Hz2lHuW6_v0

So whether it's Napoleon, Fouchon or music, there's no doubt that the Madeleine Church is worth a visit.

Museums in the 8th Arrondissement

Galerie Dior

Address: 11 Rue François 1er

Metro:Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau

Museum type: Payment

Opening days and hours: Every day, except Tuesday, between 1100 and 1900.

A few words about the attraction: A museum located not far from Avenue Montaigne, the “mecca” of Paris’ high fashion. The place is entirely dedicated to clothes designed by Christian Dior, one of Paris’ greatest fashion designers. You can read more about it in the article Galeries Dior Paris: Fantasy, Aesthetics and History.

The Little Palace

Address: Avenue Winston Churchill

Metro:Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau

Museum type: Free (changing exhibitions are subject to charge)

Opening days and hours: Every day between 1000 and 1800.

A few words about the attraction: The Petit Palais was built together with its big brother Le Grand Palais for the 1900 exhibition. Many people call it the mini Louvre (only without the lines) and it is one of the most fun museums in Paris in my opinion. You can find quite a few wonderful works from the 18th and 19th centuries in the permanent exhibition. You can also enjoy the palace's lovely garden. If you would like to know about the changing exhibitions displayed there, you are welcome to take a look atMy Recommended Exhibitions Page.

Buying tickets for Petit Palais

The Grand Palais

Address: Avenue Winston Churchill

Metro:Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau

Museum type: Payment

Opening days and hours: Every day between 1000 and 1800.

A few words about the attraction: This is the twin brother of the Little Palace and was also built in honor of the Great Exhibition of 1900. The palace is built of stone, glass and iron and is a real attraction for architecture lovers (I'm sure that after you visit there you too will be surprised to know that this palace was built in just 3 years).

Buying tickets to the “Grand Palace”

Jacquemart Andre Museum

Address:158 Boulevard Haussmann

Metro: Miromesnil

Museum type: Payment

Opening days and hours: Every day between 1000 and 1800. On both days the museum is open until 2030.

A few words about the attraction: A charming and unknown small museum Hidden away in a 19th-century palace on Osman Boulevard, this museum features works of art from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, along with temporary exhibitions.

Buying tickets to the Jacquemart André Museum

Palace of discovery

Address: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Avenue

Metro:Franklin-Roosevelt, Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau

Museum type: Payment

Opening days and hours: Tuesday-Saturday between 0930 and 1800. Sunday between 10:00-19:00. Closed on Monday.

A few words about the attraction: The museum, located on the Champs-Elysées, was created in 1937 and aims to make science accessible to the general public. The museum is divided into several departments, each dedicated to a specific science (astronomy, chemistry, physics, etc.). Unlike many museums where you are not allowed to touch the exhibits, here a large part of them is interactive and allows you to learn about science through play.

In short, this is a great museum if you are traveling with Children and are interested in finding something interesting that will suit them as well. This is a great option in case you don't feel like coming to19th District To visit the Science Museum.

Buying tickets to the Palais de la découverte

Tours in the 8th Arrondissement

The best way to discover the 8th arrondissement is on foot and here are some great ways to do so:

Free hiking trails

  • If you are a fashion enthusiast, you are welcome to try the The itinerary following Yves Saint Laurent That will take you among the high-end fashion brand stores on Montaigne Boulevard.
  • Do you like Audrey Hepburn? You are welcome to try The itinerary followed her And discover some of the places she especially loved and that appeared in her films.

Guided tours in the 8th arrondissement

  • If you are interested in a Hebrew-speaking guide who will show you the wonders of the Eighth District, you are welcome to take a look at the list My recommended travel guides.
  • If you are looking for a culinary tour of the district, you are welcome to try the This organized trip, which will take you to visit the shops of some of the most famous chocolatiers in the area.

Looking for what else to do in Paris?

Want to live in the 8th arrondissement of Paris?

FAQ

What are the opening hours of the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe is open to visitors from 1000 to 2300 from April to the end of September, and until 2230 in other months. It is possible toPurchase a skip-the-line ticket in advance to save time.
What is Galeries Dior in Paris?
Dior Galleries It is a museum in the 8th arrondissement, open every day from 1100 to 1900, dedicated to the clothes designed by Christian Dior, and presents the fantasy, aesthetics and history of the fashion house.
What is the difference between Le Petit Palais and Le Grand Palais?
The two buildings were built together for the 1900 World's Fair. The Little Palace It is an art museum with free admission, andThe Grand Palais It is the larger building, built of stone, glass, and iron, which hosts changing exhibitions.

4 thoughts on “Attractions in the 8th Arrondissement in Paris | Much more than the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées”

  1. Greetings!
    We are coming to Paris for 6 days. First time.
    Can you recommend a focused itinerary for 5 full days of travel?
    With the main attractions
    We can't spread out too much.
    We are also interested in your recommendation for a guided tour that leaves on Thursday mornings. Name of a guide and his/her name.
    Thanks

    Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to filter spam comments. More details about how the information from your response will be processed.