Once you cross Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, continue walking towards the Arc de Triomphe, along the sidewalk on the right.
After only a few steps, look across the street at number 25, and admire the beautiful façade of Hotel de la Paiva, which has always been the most luxurious palace of the "Champs". It is an example of eclectic architecture from the late-1800s and was decorated by the best artists of the Second Empire. The building was commissioned by Paiva, one of the most famous courtesans of the century. She was born in Russia into a family of Polish Jews, and her second marriage was to the Marquis de la Paiva, who made her very rich. However, she was then expelled from the capital because she was considered a dangerous spy, in addition to having "loose morals" thanks to her affair with German Chancellor Bismarck's nephew!
Right next to the Hotel, I'd like to point out Cinéma Gaumont, one of the few movie theaters that has survived along the avenue.
To your right, the modern building at number 42 hosts the Citroën showroom: the car manufacturer opened its first dealership in this exact same spot more than a hundred years ago. Opposite the showroom and a few meters further up at number 51 is the "flagship store" of their competitor, Renault, which was also recently transformed into an original exhibition space.
Continuing your slightly uphill walk, you'll pass in front of the impressive building from numbers 52 to 60 where until just a few years ago there was a "Virgin Megastore", and where the new "Galeries Lafayette" will open soon.
After you cross Rue La Boétie, you'll be able to daydream about breakfast at Tiffany's, but with your eyes open. Once your eyes have feasted on the attractive jewelry showcases, delight your sense of smell too by entering the Guerlain boutique at number 68, the luxurious shop that was built in the early 1900s for its famous perfumery and to this day has maintained its lavish interior decoration.
The "Vuitton Building" once stood at number 70, where you'll now see the delightful façade of the Marriott Hotel in an Art Déco style, just like the covering that protects the entrance. A few meters further on at number 74 you'll see another luxury hotel, the Claridge, which dates back to the early 1900s. This was one of the first hotels built here, and many entertainment legends lived here permanently, including Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, and Ray Charles.
FUN FACT: one of the twelve avenues that start from the amazing Place Charles de Gaulle was named after Victor Hugo while the famous writer was still alive.
Considering how his home was right there on the same street, the letters he received were addressed: "To Mr. Victor Hugo, on his avenue in Paris".
Language: English