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Fri / Feb 22
Party Earth Review 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... ... read full review
Avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris
1, 9: Franklin D. Roosevelt; 9: Alma–Marceau
Shops maintain varying hours; call ahead to confirm
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.
Celebrities, wealthy shoppers, moneyed tourists, fashionistas, socialites, wide-eyed window shoppers. All ages.
The specialty here is haute couture and high fashion, but fine dining and concert going are also part of Avenue Montaigne’s appeal, at least for those who can afford it.
L’Avenue (41 Avenue Montaigne) and a variety of restaurants, bakeries, and bars at the Plaza Athénée hotel (25 Avenue Montaigne) serve signature cocktails and classic and contemporary French cuisine.
Whether shopping, dining, or attending a concert on Avenue de Montaigne, the cost is going to fall into that “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it” category. It would be hard to find a single meal at L’Avenue for less than €60, so budget-minded visitors would be wise to pack a lunch.
Tourists in running shoes and hoodies might walk the pavement on Avenue de Montaigne, but stylish outfits are de rigueur in any boutique, restaurant, or other venue here.
This street attracts the same crowds pretty much year round, but is busiest in summer when there are lots of tourists in Paris.
The famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées is at the north end of the street and offers more high-end shopping options mixed with a few casual joints for the heavy tourist crowd. At the south end are the Pont de l’Alma arch bridge and the Princess Diana memorial, as well as the River Seine and a stellar view of the Eiffel Tower.