A striking historical landmark to consider when planning a trip to Paris 8 is the Arc de Triomphe, located in Paris 08 Élysée. The monument was built between 1806 and 1830 in honour of the Grande Armée. Since 11 November 1920, it has housed the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. During the public Ravivage de la Flamme ceremony, the memorial flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30 pm. Check the time and participation requirements before your trip. The terrace offers a unique view of the French capital’s most significant monuments.
History and architecture
The Chapelle expiatoire stands on the site where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were buried in 1793. It has been classified as a Monument historique since 1914. Its significance therefore lies both in its commemorative function and in its protected historical status.
The Grand Palais was built for the 1900 World’s Fair and has been classified as a Monument historique since 2000. Its visitor programme includes major international exhibitions. The Grand Palais is also home to the Palais des enfants, a visitor space designed for families. This means you can consider architectural history and a current exhibition topic as separate interests for a day of sightseeing, rather than combining them into a single activity.
The Pont Alexandre III also combines a specific history of construction with a political symbol: it was built between 1897 and 1900 as a sign of Franco-Russian friendship and inaugurated for the 1900 World’s Fair. More than 17 artists contributed to its design. Those interested in architecture will find a different perspective here than at the memorial sites: the period of construction, the occasion and the artistic contributions each tell a different part of the story.
Two fountains on the Place de la Concorde honour maritime power and the Ministry of the Navy. The obelisk in the centre of the square is 22 metres tall and, together with the Place de la Concorde, forms a giant sundial. This combination of monument, square and timekeeping offers another historical perspective.
Gardens, views and public events
The Jardins des Champs-Élysées comprise twelve gardens or landscaped areas and have been classified since 1910. Statues, fountains and a bandstand are among the features of the wooded section. This offers a different focus from the monuments and large buildings: here, landscaped green spaces and their individual features take centre stage.
The Champs-Élysées stretches for just under two kilometres between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Major public events take place there every year, including the parade on 14 July, the finish of the Tour de France and the Christmas lights. On the first Sunday of each month, the Champs-Élysées is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Check event dates, possible access restrictions and how the monthly arrangement will be implemented in advance.
Another possible stop is the Hôtel de la Marine: before visiting the monument’s rooms, you can attend a cooking demonstration with a chef from Le Cordon Bleu. Check before your visit whether the demonstration is taking place on your chosen date.
The Petit Palais can be reached by bus routes 28, 42, 72, 73, 80, 83 and 93. Check the connections before travelling. For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish fixed-time events, such as the evening ceremony, from sightseeing interests you can choose freely; this lets you decide which aspects of your trip matter most.
Choose Paris 8 as your destination
When looking for a hotel in Paris 8, you can first consider what you would like to focus on during your trip: memorial sites and architectural history, international exhibitions, or gardens and public events. The themes listed offer different starting points for choosing your destination. For activities with set times, check the relevant visitor requirements, then choose your hotel based on your own needs for your stay.
Discover more destinations: 15th arrondissement, 18th arrondissement, 1st arrondissement, L'entrepot, Paris 16, 9th arrondissement of Paris, Paris 14, Gobelins
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