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The most famous street in Paris was built in the 17th century, but did not attract fashionable society until after the French Revolution. The avenue extends from the Arc de Triomphe at one end to the Place de la Concorde at the other.
Champs
Elysees during the day with their heavy car traffic and continuous
pedestrian animation. People from all over the world are going
to the theater, shopping, going to a restaurant or just walking
and looking around : Lido cabaret or trying to get past the bouncers
at Queen, invest it with a certain glitzy charm. For a glimpse
of a more elegant world, take a look at the mansions at the Rond-Point
and wander down Avenue Montaigne with its Haute Couture houses
including, Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior, Guy Laroche, Mugler
and Ungaro.
The lower half of the avenue toward the place de la Concorde has a different character, with gardens and smart restaurants running off either side. Between the Champs Elysees and elegant rue du Faubourg Saint Honore lie the vast gardens of the Elysees Palace, home of the French President. On the other side of the Avenue are the Petit Palais and glass-domed Grand Palais, used for major art exhibitions, and the adjoining science museum, the Palais de la Decouverte.
The new year's eve gathering, the 14th of July military parade as well as the arrival of the Tour de France cycling race in July are some of the events that regularly animate the avenue.
The Champs Elysees have been recently renovated with large granite sidewalks and plane trees.
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