Fun Things to Do in Paris

There are so many fun things to do in Paris - One of the most exciting business districts, the 8th arrondissement is home to the Avenue des Champs Elysée, the wide, beautiful and famous boulevard that is alive with excitement day and night, with the large square, Place de la Concorde at one end and Arc de Triomphe at the other end.

Things to Do in Paris - Place de la Concorde and the Hotel de Crillon

Located on the right bank of the Seine River, the 8th district is the location of many places of interest.

Among them, the Place de la Concorde is at the east end of the Champs-Elysées and the largest square in Paris with fantastic vistas in every direction.

During the time of the Terror, King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and many others were guillotined here in the square, which at that time was called la Place de la Revolution.

In the centre of the Place de la Concorde is the large Egyptian obelisk brought from the Temple of Luxor.

Things to Do in Paris - Stroll and Shop on Avenue des Champs-Elysees

The Élysée Palace, official residence of the President of France, the executive branch of French government, as well as the embassies of certain nations such as the U.S. are also in the 8th arrondissement.

Whether at night or during the day, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées is one of the must-see places of Paris attractions, which was first created in 1667 by Louis XIV's gardener, Andre Le Nôtre, in order to improve the view from the Tuileries garden.

This elegant and broad avenue runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is considered to be one of the most prestigious shopping boulevards and Paris attractions.

On the Champs Elysée you can walk up and down the boulevard both in the day and in the evening and each time you will have a different experience.

Things to Do in Paris - Place de l'Etoile and Arc de Triomphe

On the west end of Place de la Concorde, running between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense in the west is Arc de Triomphe, which is in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the "Place de l'Étoile".

The arch is surrounded by a large roundabout, commonly known as - 'the star' - with 12 thoroughfares leading off from it.

If you wish to climb to the top of the arch to see the magnificent views of Paris, do not attempt to cross the busy multi-lane road that rings the Arc de Triomphe, as the central of the l'Etoile and the arch are accessed by an underground passage.

Things to Do in Paris - Pont Alexandre lll A Beautiful Bridge

If you walk from the Place de la Concorde towards the Champs-Elysées, you will pass one of Paris' loveliest bridges, Pont Alexandre lll.

Underneath Pont Alexandre lll is a spectacular nightclub with vaulted ceilings.

If you are in a party mood, make sure to check it out.

The Pont Alexandre lll is a stunning, romantic and opulent bridge.

Even if you are not into dancing, it is worth taking a walk underneath the bridge during the day to see the stunning architecture.

Things to Do in Paris - Parc Monceau A Lovely Park in Paris

North west of Place de la Concorde, located at the Monceau metro, Parc Monceau is a semi-public park situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France, at the junction of Boulevard de Courcelles, Rue de Prony and Rue Georges Berger.

At the main entrance of Parc Monceau is a rotunda, as seen in the picture above.

The park has an English style with curved walkways and a collection of architectural features and monuments which are small scaled-down versions of ruins, Corinthian columns, a windmill, a pyramid and others.

Statues of famous French figures have been randomly placed all over the gardens.

Things to Do in Paris - La Madeleine a Classical Church

North of Place de la Concorde, the Église de la Madeleine (La Madeleine) at Place de la Madeleine is one of the best-known and most beautiful churches in Paris, built in the style of a Corinthian order Classical temple.

Construction started in 1764, the La Madeleine church was built in the Neo-Classical style.

The church has a single nave with three domes over wide arched bays, lavishly gilded in a decor inspired by Roman baths and by Renaissance artists.

Things to Do in Paris - Palais in Paris both Grand and Petit

While you are in the 8th arrondissement, make sure you visit the Grand Palais and Petit Palais near the Place de la Concorde.

They are located opposite each other and are near the Alexandre lll Bridge.

Things to Do in Paris - Entrance to the Fateful l'Alma Tunnel

Another famous Paris attractions is Princess Diana's memorial Flame of Liberty located on the bridge over the Seine, Pont de l'Alma, between the 7th and 8th arrondissements.

Underneath is the city highway where Princess Diana died in the fateful car accident after her last night at the Paris Ritz Hotel.

Things to Do in Paris - Musée Jacquemart-André

When you are making plans to visit the Louvre Museum or Musee d'Orsay, be aware that they are closed on certain days of the week.

The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, while Musee d'Orsay is closed Mondays.

But the good news is that Musée Jacquemart-André, at 158 Boulevard Haussmann, is open daily and this is a beautiful private museum.

You may also want to plan a lunch or afternoon tea at the Jacquemart-André Café, one of the most beautiful Cafés in Paris.

It has gorgeous Brussels tapestries and Tiepolo ceiling fresco.

In good weather, the coffee-shop opens onto a lovely terrace overlooking the formal courtyard.

Things to Do in Paris 8th Arrondissement

• Automobile Club de France
• Avenue Montaigne Haute Couture (Fashion District)
• Avenue des Champs Elysées (nearby is the Élysée Palace (Palais de l'Élysée) is the official residence of the President of the French Republic, containing his office, and is where the Council of Ministers meets.)
• Cernuschi Museum
• Chapelle Expiatoire
• Église de la Madeleine (La Madeleine Church) Place de la Madeleine
• Gare Saint-Lazare
• Grand Palais
• Hôtel de Crillon
• Musée Jacquemart-André
• Place Charles de Gaulle formerly Place de l'Étoile and Arc de Triomphe
• Palais de la Découverte (Palace of Discovery)
• Parc Monceau
• Petit Palais
• Pont Alexandre III
• Pont de l'Alma (Princess Diana’s memorial)
• Place de la Concorde and The Obelisk of Luxor (Obélisque)
• Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré & Rue Saint-Honoré

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