upmarket as it once was. Cinemas, generic chain-stores and fast-food outlets have taken over from the chic boutiques of the early 20th century, but it is still an impressive street to stroll along. It is also home to some interesting architecture, including the recently built Citroën showroom at No. 42 (on
the left after the junction with the rue du Colisée). André Citroën first displayed his Type A car at this prestigious showroom in 1919 and the company decided to renovate the premises in 2004 (it had been occupied by a restaurant chain for several years). They chose architect Manuelle Gautrand, whose design has made full use of the building’s narrow site to create an eye-catching 25-metre-high sculptural façade. This is formed of seven superimposed rotating platforms, the glazing of which has been cleverly designed to form the Citroën logo.
Le Fouquet’s
Citroën
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Continue along the Champs-Elysées and you will come to the Rond Point des Champs-Elysées. Avenue Montaigne will be on your right. This street is named in honour of the French Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne, but was originally known as the Allée des Veuves (Widows’ Avenue), because of the recently-bereaved women who used to gather here to comfort one another.
Now the world’s most expensive shopping street, it is home to some of the most celebrated names in fashion, including Christian Dior at No. 30, Valentino at Nos. 17–19 and Chanel at No. 42. The celebrated jewellers Henry Winston and Bulgari are at Nos. 29 and 45 respectively, while the Plaza Athenée Hotel is the preferred stopping-off point for the international elite who frequent these temples of taste. In the 19th century Avenue Montaigne was famous for its dance halls and a Winter Garden.
Did You Know?
It was in the Avenue Montaigne’s Winter Garden that people first heard a new instrument being played by its inventor, Adolphe Sax, which he named the saxophone.
Jardins des Champs-Elysées
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Continue along the Champs-Elysées and you will see the Jardins des Champs-Elysées on either side of the avenue. These charming gardens, with their
Champs-
Elysées
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