Time to stroll champs-elysees?

You might want to consider reversing direction. Visit the Orangerie and stroll up the Champs to the Arc. The leisurely stroll to le Arc from the Orangerie should be 30 - 45 minutes. I would suggest climbing to the top after sunset as the night time view is priceless. And remember that the Eiffel Tower puts on its light show on the hour. Definitely a great photo op.

Just walking the length of it without stopping in any stores along the way will take about 45 minutes at a relaxed pace. I did it once, solo, and walked to length of it to get to the Arc, stopping at some stores, and then walked back without stopping anywhere.

Frankly, the Champs itself is rather a let down. There's a Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch and Levi's among many other chain stores that you can find at any relatively decent shopping mall in the U.S. And there's a Sephora that is big, but it's just a bigger version of what you can find in the US. You'll find a couple designer stores, but even those really aren't worth the time lost walking the length of the Champs.

If your time is limited or you are bumping something else off your interinary just so you can walk the length of the Champs, I would really recommend skipping the stroll completely - catch the Metro to climb the Arc, enjoy taking a photo of the Champs from the top of the Arc, and then head out of that area as soon as possible and spend that time you aren't strolling the Champs doing something else.

I agree with Ceidleh -- I would take the metro the length of the Champs-Elysées and save my walking for somewhere more pleasant.

Alternatively, if you want to see the Champs-Elysees, there are a lot of buses that run all the way down from Etoile to place de la Concorde.

I was totally underwhelmed by it. We walked around about an hour. I didn't go there again on my second time in Paris. Probably never will. There are just too many fabulous places to see to waste time there. IMO.

Hi Debbie. I'm glad some of the other posters gave you estimates of how long your stroll should take and even (part of) what you might see along the way.

But don't knock it off your list if it's what you want to do. Everyone's priorities and joys are different. We strolled the Champs d'Elysee on our first trip to Paris because it was on our must-see list. We even stopped for an overpriced coffee at a sidewalk cafe. The International ho-hum brands they mentioned do not constitute every store and the spectacle, the "being there" may make it worthwhile for you. Even in those international brand stores, being in France isn't the same as being home. Go into a McDonald's anywhere in France and you'll see what I mean. Yes (gasp) we've actually done that.

I would have been sorely disappointed on our first trip to London if we hadn't shopped at Harrods. I'm quite sure that's not on everyone's list, but that didn't make me enjoy it any less.

Be sure to use the underpass if you're going to the Arc. Trying to cross traffic at street level is impossible. Have a great trip.

So if you do walk the Champs Elysees, there is a big Monoprix about half way along for a little shopping, on the right as you approach the Arc, and on the left a Leon de Bruxelles if you like mussels and fries. Also at the round-point, No. 7, a most beautiful mansion, is an auction house. You can enter (no charge) and see what will be in the next auction, and at the same time see the inner sanctum of this Grand Maison.

Thank you All. You have a helped me make some decisions. I've had anxiety over plan ING since I want to book my Eiffel tower ticket which goes on sale this week, and juggling what's closed/when makes it harder to organize. Somewhere I read or heard Rick say to walk away from the Arc as it's downhill lol I don't know why I focused on that. Anyways now it seems fitting to finish the day/evening with a view of the city. I envisioned a street filled with boutiques and "French" stuff not American stores lol this is why I love this forum.

I do however want to see monoprix and stop for hot chocolate along the way. I have my itinerary (loosely) made and will make a new post please check it out.
Merci!

If you decide to take the bus up to the Arc de Triomphe (I think it is No 73) get off at the George VI stop for the Monoprix. It is a nice big Monoprix with a good grocery section.

EDIT. The bus stop is George V, not VI

I envisioned a street filled with boutiques and "French" stuff

I'm glad we have been able to put that right before you disappointedly found that out for yourself.

It couldn't possibly be further from the truth. (although the macarons queued up for near the bottom of the hill are fairly French now).

I too recommend either taking a bus or metro up the Champs Elysees from Concord to the Arc (or in the opposite direction) rather than walking it -- particularly in the uphill direction. (save your precious walking energy for other more inspiring places). If this is your first trip to Paris, you will walk a lot. As I said in response to your other posting, the Tuilleries is a much nicer place to stroll and is where the Orangerie is located. I know the Champs Elysees is iconic and many people want to see it, but to me there are not many appealing places to stop and hang out, other than Laduree (where you can get your macarons). If your are interested in hot chocolate lots of places have it but the ultimate place is Angelina on rue du Rivoli. It is not far from the Orangerie (near the Concord metro stop) not to be missed! Many people will be there though, so expect a line. They do have a branch at Versailles though, which you might seek out.