Enjoy Christmas Gift Shopping in Paris

22 December 2014

Find the Perfect Gifts this December on the World-Famous Champs-Élysées; Browse Traditional Markets and Renowned Designer Boutiques

Known as 'the most beautiful avenue in the world', the Champs-Élysées is one of the most popular destinations in Paris. Designer boutiques and high-street stores are interspersed with delicious eateries and even cinemas, providing an unrivalled shopping and entertainment experience that attracts 100 million visitors per year. The famous avenue is therefore ideal for finding the perfect gift during the festive season, especially when over 100 wooden chalets arrive in November to deliver a picturesque Christmas Market until January. We've put together a short guide to some of the many attractions you could discover along the Champs-Élysées this December during a shopping getaway to the French capital.

The Champs-Élysées Christmas Market

Follow the pathway of illuminated trees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Champs-Élysées roundabout to discover a Parisian winter wonderland. Stretching down from the roundabout to the Place de la Concorde, the avenue's annual Christmas Market offers festive delicacies and handcrafted products from across Europe. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, indulge in cinnamon biscuits and sample freshly made crêpes. Champagne, truffles and cheeses are amongst the many enticing products on offer that will make delicious souvenirs to take a taste of France home with you. While the many handcrafted arts and designs creations will make perfect stocking fillers. The market's daily shows will also provide seasonal entertainment, during what will be one of the most enchanting Christmas shopping experiences available in the heart of Paris.

Exclusive Flagship Stores

Whether you're looking for an engraved Tiffany bracelet or the latest sports car, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is home to some of the most exclusive brands in the world. Its grand Haussmann style architecture is some of the most sought-after retail space in the whole of the city, with window displays full-to-the-brim with luxurious goods. At building number 101, Louis Vuitton's flagship store offers handbags, catwalk collections and accessories, while just across the road, TAG Heuer has an impressive range of Swiss precision watches. Toyota, Peugeot and Renault all have showrooms here, which alongside their latest models, offer exhibitions, dining experiences and much more than your average forecourt. There are also many more prestigious avenues and rues leading off from the Champs-Élysées, all of which are well-known for their chic selection of shops. Though better known for its luxury boutiques, the avenue is also home to many high-street stores, including Zara, GAP and H&M, ensuring the best shopping experience is available for every budget.

Relax and Reenergise

Shopping along the avenue's 1.91km length can take its toll after a couple of hours, but there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a little downtime. For a delicious pick-me-up, head to the elegant surroundings of Ladurée, which serves a delicious array of macarons and cakes with tea or full three-course menus for those feeling a little more than peckish. While The Guerlain Spa offers a chance to focus on well-being with customised beauty treatments that relieve stress and reenergise in stunning surroundings. Located a mere one minute walk away from the avenue is Hotel Amarante Champs-Elysées, where a four-star stay awaits in its elegant rooms and suites. Conveniently positioned to drop off bags in between shops, and return to after a long day of exploring Paris, the luxurious hotel has an array of accommodation offers if you fancy a last-minute getaway.