I’ve read that the avenue has been restored to a more authentic atmosphere since the Olympics. What is your impression? We tried walking along the avenue a few years ago and it was all chain stores.
Posted by
Paris
10696 posts
I don't think so ....but I am not sure what this means, I have to admit
Posted by
Historic Savannah, GA
1442 posts
Les Champs-Elysées isn't even what it used to be 10 years ago. Anymore it's a place where teenagers from the far out suburbs come to hang out or where people from the middle east come to buy luxury items. The charm is gone. But what hasn't changed is the beautiful view of l'Arc de Triomphe as you walk down the avenue.
Ever since they closed my cinéma, then la FNAC, and Léon de Bruxelles, I rarely find myself there anymore.
Posted by
Chicago
8981 posts
I don't know what 'authentic' means; as long as I have been coming to Paris it has always been cheesy stores and overpriced cafes.
Posted by
France Southwest
2771 posts
Just like Janet, I don't know what 'authentic' means.
If authentic means "with Parisians," it's been a long time, at least 30 years, since Parisians don't go to the Champs-Élysées (except those who work there).
99% of the people you'll see are tourists, and the teenagers from the suburbs that Alexandre saw.
That's why all the cinemas on the avenue have closed one after the other and been replaced by tourist shops.
As a ex-Parisian (before 2000), the only times I went to the Champs-Élysées was because I had a late-night urge to buy records at the Virgin Megastore, which was open until 2 a.m.
Posted by
1 posts
Honestly, there’s still not much to see there. It’s mostly big-name stores and overpriced cafés. Even with the recent changes, it’s not the most exciting or charming part of Paris. There are many way better spots.