Avenue Montaigne

Champs-Élysées - 8eme, Paris –

Although named for famous French renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne, tree-lined Avenue Montaigne is more closely associated with haute couture, swish cafés, and five-star hotels than it is with philosophy.

On one side of the famed Golden Triangle – a term that denotes the exceptional wealth along the interconnected avenues of Montaigne, George V, and the Champs-Élysées – this is the place to find Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Christian Lacroix, Fendi, Prada, Gucci, and many other high-end fashion houses, as well as famed jewelers like Harry Winston and Bvlgari.

Unlike on the Champs-Élysées, however, weary shoppers won’t be able to kick back in a McDonalds or buy a knock-off dress from Zara. Montaigne doesn’t cater to just any old tourist, but to heirs, socialites, celebrities, and wealthy visitors looking for the best money can buy.

Dining options include L’Avenue, a swanky French café run by the same group behind lux Hôtel Costes, and Plaza Athénée, a 5-star hotel with a restaurant owned by Monégasque chef extraordinaire Alain Ducasse.

Shredding the Gold Card isn’t all one can do here, however. The stylish stretch is also home to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, which hosts classical concerts, operas, the French National Orchestra, and a variety of dance and musical spectacles.

And, of course, window shopping is always free.

But whether visitors come to shop like an A-lister or just take a pleasant stroll, Avenue Montaigne offers a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of high Parisian society.