The Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous Champs Élysées shopping promenade are both located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, making it a byword for refined living. Located north of the River Seine, the 8th is situated on the Rive Droite (right bank) of the river.
This arrondissement is unique in that a portion of it borders the River Seine. A triangle formed by the Parisian districts of the 1st, 9th, and 16th arrondissements defines the 8th arrondissement of the city of Paris.
There are 40,589 kilometres in an area of 3.88 square kilometres in this affluent arrondissement of Paris (2011 census). As France’s second-largest neighbourhood after La Défense, the neighbourhood is home to many global corporations and banks.
READ MORE: Guide To Paris Arrondissements
The 8th arrondissement, despite being a renowned tourist attraction, is also home to a huge population of approximately 40,000 residents living in and near the most popular tourist attractions.
As far as the Champs-Élysées and the Atelier des chefs are concerned, the locals aren’t likely to be out and about. But what can visitors expect on this side of Paris?
The 8th arrondissement landmarks and tourist attractions include the Arc de Triomphe (the Eiffel Tower), Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde. Many churches may be found in the area, including the Chapelle expiatoire, the Église de la Madeleine, and the Saint-Augustin church.
Spending a few days in the 8th Arrondissement reveals a side of Paris that is distinct from the rest of the city, yet definitely Parisian.
Do you have any immediate plans to visit? Here’s a quick guide to the 8th arrondissement of Paris, from must-see landmarks to the best places to eat and stay.
Things you'll find in this article
Guide To Paris 8th Arrondissement
Related Read:
- Guide To Paris 1st Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 2nd Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 3rd Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 4th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 5th Arrondissement
Things To Do In 8th Arrondissement
From the trendy Champs-Elysées to the historic neighbourhoods and one of the prettiest bridges you’ll ever see, here are some must-visit spots in the 8th arrondissement.
l’Arc de Triomphe
To commemorate Napoleon’s victory as Emperor of France, he had the l’Arc de Triomphe built in 1806. However, it was only completed in 1836, long after his death. In addition to Rude’s La Marseillaise, the Arc de Triomphe is adorned with war scenes and military statues, including a statue of Napoleon.
In remembrance of France’s war heroes from both World Wars, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was erected beneath the arch in 1920.
Visitors can purchase a ticket to the top of the arch, which offers stunning views of Paris’ western suburbs.
Buy your ticket online here.
Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Related Read:
- Guide To Paris 6th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 7th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 9th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 10th Arrondissement
In 1667, Louis XIV’s gardener, Andre Le Nôtre, designed it to enhance the view from the Tuileries garden, which was at the time a private estate.
At the end of the 18th century, this elegant and expansive boulevard was extended to reach from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc of Triomphe.
Today, it is regarded as one of Paris’s most renowned retail avenues and a popular tourist destination in Paris for good reason.
Parc Monceau
The 8th arrondissement’s secret green spot is Parc Monceau, which is located in the 8th arrondissement. The park was built in the 1700s at the behest of Louis XVI’s distant cousin, the fabulously wealthy Duke of Orleans.
Walking through Parc Monceau, you can get an idea of what pleasure gardens and follies were like in the 18th century. It is now the perfect place to get away from the city’s bustle or simply enjoy a Parisian picnic.
Pont Alexandre III
There is a golden bridge called Pont Alexandre III that crosses the River Seine in Paris. Called Alexander III, it is a 19th-Century bridge that has been hailed as “the most beautiful bridge in the world” by many.
It’s one of the best spots in Paris to catch a sunset. From the bridge, you can also see the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides, two iconic Parisian landmarks.
Petit Palais & Grand Palais
Related Read:
- Guide To Paris 11th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 12th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 13th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 14th Arrondissement
- Guide To Paris 15th Arrondissement
Just a few steps from the world’s most beautiful bridge, Pont Alexandre III, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais offer a delightful respite from Paris’ hustle. There is always something going on in the two palaces, which have ornate doorframes and opulent architecture.
The Grand Palais even has an indoor skating rink during the winter months. The Petit Palais & Grand Palais are also among the most photogenic spots in Paris so make sure you bring a fully-charged camera.
Where To Eat in 8th Arrondissement
In the gorgeous 8th – the cute tables, the restaurant interiors, the sights outside the window add a distinctly Parisian flair to your dining experience. Here are some 8th arrondissement restaurants to try when you visit.
Budget
Coup’ de Coeur (21 Rue de Miromesn) – Coup’ de Coeur’s specialty is perfectly prepared burrata, tartines and tapas, which are available any time of the day. Coup’ de Coeur also has a superb wine list.
This restaurant is also well-known for its magnificent ambience, which has garnered a lot of positive feedback from former customers.
Midrange
Maison de la Truffe Madeleine (19, place de la Madeleine) – Located on a quiet street just off the Champs-Elysees, La Maison de la Truffe is a chic restaurant that specializes in truffles.
Parisian high-rollers flock here to dine on tagliatelle with foie gras, housemade pizzas topped with black truffle purée, and the burger with black truffle and fries, among other items.
The warm chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and white truffle is a must-have dessert if you have room.
Luxury
Galerie Georges V (31 Avenue George V) –There is a new menu at The Galerie, which is located in the Four Seasons George V Paris palace.
When it comes to updating his menu, the chef Alan Taudon relies on small, locally-owned businesses, many of which are only a few miles from Paris, to supply the ingredients he uses.
Where To Stay in 8th Arrondissement
Whether you’re picking a budget hotel or splurging on a 5-star accommodation, staying in the 8th is sure to be quite memorable. Here are our favourite hotels in the beautiful and glamorous 8th arrondissement of Paris.
Budget
The Hôtel Galileo lies near the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. It provides comfortable and stylish accommodations as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. An elevator serves all of the rooms.
Breakfast is served in the pleasant dining area of the Galileo Hôtel. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind in one of the two lounges, one of which is beside the fireplace and the other of which opens onto a garden.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Midrange
The Arc de Triomphe and Avenue Champs Elysées are just a 7-minute walk away from Royal Garden Champs Elysées. The rooms at Royal Garden Champs Elysées are big, clean, and elegant, and all include a kitchenette and a balcony or terrace. A minibar is available in some hotels.
Every morning, guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet or a continental option in the hotel’s breakfast room. The piano bar serves cocktails and aperitifs in the evenings for those who want to relax.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Luxury
The elegant boutique hotel on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in the heart of Paris is a haven of peace and tranquillity. A marble bathroom and a double-glazed window are standard features in every room. Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk are available.
Every morning, guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, and eggs can be purchased for an additional fee. Guests have the option of eating breakfast in the dining room or their rooms.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.
12 Things To Do In Paris In Winter - Journey To France
Monday 10th of January 2022
[…] Guide To Paris 8th Arrondissement […]
11 Best Parks And Gardens In Paris That You Must Visit - Journey To France
Monday 10th of January 2022
[…] Guide To Paris 8th Arrondissement […]
15 Instagrammable Spots In Paris - Journey To France
Monday 10th of January 2022
[…] in the 8th arrondissement, the Petit Palais is one of Paris’ most Instagrammable spots. Featuring intricate […]
13 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants In Paris - Journey To France
Monday 10th of January 2022
[…] Biosphere Café is located between the 8th and 9th Arrondissements in the business center of Paris. Biosphere Cafe is the place to go if […]
Guide To Paris 10th Arrondissement - Journey To France
Sunday 9th of January 2022
[…] as the “rive droite” (right bank). Five arrondissements make up the district: the 2nd, 9th, 11th, and the 18th […]