8th Arrondissement
Paris, Île-de-France, 75008
The 8th arrondissement, located on the Right Bank of the River Seine, is one of central Paris' primary business districts, as well as a popular tourist destination. Home to world-famous attractions including the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and the Champs-Élysées, the neighborhood is also filled with high-end hotels, lavish restaurants, destination-worthy museums, and luxury boutiques. Come prepared to see and be seen.
The Basics
No first-time visit to Paris is complete without a stroll down the Champs-Élysées. The best way to experience it and the 8th arrondissement attractions is on foot, so elect for a guided group or private walking tour. You can also explore on your own with a Paris hop-on hop-off bus tour. Make sure to climb to the top of the iconic Arc de Triomphe for fantastic views down the Champs-Élysées, and don’t miss the historic Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde.
Things to Know Before You Go
The 8th arrondissement is a must for all first-time visitors to Paris.
This is one of the busiest districts of Paris, so be prepared for crowds, especially during the peak summer season.
Save time standing in line at top sights by booking admission tickets and tours ahead of time.
The Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The 8th arrondissement is easily accessible by public transportation including many metro lines; Line 1 runs along the Champs-Élysées and traverses the entire city from east to west. The 8th also has two RER stations, Charles de Gaulle–Étoile and Haussmann–Saint-Lazare, that service outlying areas of Paris.
When to Get There
There is really no right or wrong season to visit Paris. In summer, venture out early in the morning to see the city with fewer crowds. During the festive season, seeing the Champs-Élysées lit up with thousands of twinkling lights makes for a particularly memorable holiday experience.
Top Champs-Elysées Attractions
The Champs-Élysées is Paris’ most famous thoroughfare, and many of the city’s most popular sights are located on or around it. The boulevard is only 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles) long, so you can easily walk the entire length—from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde—admiring luxe shops and must-see landmarks such as the Luxor Obelisk, the Petit Palais, and the Grand Palais along the way.
Ways to explore
No first-time visit to Paris is complete without a stroll down the Champs-Élysées. The best way to experience it—and the 8th arrondissement more generally—is on foot, so elect for a guided group or private walking tour.
You can also explore the district on your own with a Paris hop-on hop-off bus tour. Make sure to climb to the top of the iconic Arc de Triomphe for fantastic views down the Champs-Élysées, or admire the cityscape from the decorative Pont Alexandre III. And don't miss the historic Grand Palais and Petit Palais, which both hold exhibitions and cultural events.
Accessibility
The Champs-Élysées is generally wheelchair-accessible, as are some of the district’s other key attractions and tours.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Sun protection, camera, umbrella, water bottle
What to wear
Wear a fashionable outfit that’s also comfortable for sightseeing.
Not allowed
While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.
Amenities
Restaurants, shops, access to public transit
Address
The 8th arrondissement is located in Paris’ Right Bank, in the western part of the city. The area is served by numerous public transit routes, in addition to taxis, rideshare services, and riverboats. Tours with included transit are also a great way to get there.
Driving
Owing to traffic restrictions and limited or expensive parking, driving in central Paris is not recommended. If you must drive, make use of paid parking garages, as street parking is very limited.
Public transportation
The 8th arrondissement is served by numerous Paris Métro lines, including the 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 14. RER A commuter trains also frequent the area, as do Batobus hop-on hop-off riverboats.
Best times to visit
Explore the 8th arrondissement by day to visit its museums and shops—or, swing by at sunset for striking views of the Eiffel Tower and the glowing cityscape.
Best days to visit
As a bustling business district and tourist area, the 8th arrondissement is rarely quiet. Still, you may wish to visit its museums and major attractions on weekdays rather than weekends.
Best months to visit
If you can, avoid the summer—it’s the tourist high season in Paris, meaning there are lots of crowds. The spring and fall shoulder seasons are a great time to explore.
Special events
The Champs-Élysées hosts several major events throughout the year, including the Bastille Day military parade on July 14 and the last stage of the Tour de France in late July.
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