The Étoile and Golden Triangle district brings together several major landmarks in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne and several museums. Most of these places can be reached on foot.
Visit the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of Place Charles-de-Gaulle, still commonly known as Place de l’Étoile. Twelve avenues radiate from the square, including the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Foch and Avenue de la Grande Armée.
The terrace at the top offers views over the main avenues of western Paris, from Place de la Concorde to the La Défense business district.
Beneath the monument are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorial flame, which is rekindled every evening. To reach the Arc de Triomphe, use the underground passage and do not attempt to cross the roundabout at street level.
Walk along the Champs-Élysées
The upper section of the Champs-Élysées, near the Arc de Triomphe, is lined with shops, cinemas, restaurants and cafés.
As you walk down towards Place de la Concorde, the avenue gradually opens onto the Champs-Élysées gardens. This section has fewer shops and more green spaces and benches.
The gardens are close to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. They are also a convenient place to stop when visiting the area with children.
Explore the Golden Triangle and Avenue Montaigne
The Golden Triangle is the area bordered by the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V.
Avenue Montaigne is home to many fashion houses as well as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. It can be reached on foot from the Champs-Élysées or Avenue Marceau.
Nearby streets, including Rue François-Ier, Rue Marbeuf and Rue Pierre-Charron, also have restaurants, cafés and galleries.
Museums to visit in the area
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is located on Avenue Marceau, in the designer’s former workplace. It displays clothing, sketches, photographs and documents related to his collections.
Further down, near the Seine, the Grand Palais hosts temporary exhibitions and a range of cultural events.
Opposite it, the Petit Palais houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Its permanent collection is free to visit, while temporary exhibitions require a paid ticket.
Walk to the Seine and the Trocadéro
From Avenue Montaigne or Avenue George V, you can walk down to Pont de l’Alma. The bridge and the riverbanks offer several views of the Eiffel Tower.
River cruise departure points are also located nearby. Cruises offer views of landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre and Notre-Dame from the Seine.
After crossing the river, you can continue to the Trocadéro. The esplanade of the Palais de Chaillot directly faces the Eiffel Tower. Allow around twenty minutes to walk there from the Étoile area, depending on your starting point.
Where to eat near the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées and the surrounding avenues have many brasseries, restaurant chains and outdoor terraces.
For restaurants away from the main avenue, look around Rue Marbeuf, Rue de Ponthieu, Rue Pierre-Charron or Rue François-Ier.
Key information
Places to visit on foot: the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Where to see the Eiffel Tower: Pont de l’Alma and the Trocadéro esplanade.
Museums: the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais.
Metro stations: George V on Line 1, and Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, served by Lines 1, 2 and 6 and RER A.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in one day around the Étoile?
You can start at the Arc de Triomphe, walk down part of the Champs-Élysées, visit the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, and return via Avenue Montaigne. You can also end the day at the Trocadéro, facing the Eiffel Tower.
Can you visit the Arc de Triomphe?
Yes. The terrace at the top is open to visitors. Access to the monument is through an underground passage from the edge of Place Charles-de-Gaulle. Opening times and admission conditions should be checked before your visit.
Which museums are near the Étoile?
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is located on Avenue Marceau. The Grand Palais and Petit Palais are further down, near the Champs-Élysées gardens and the Seine.
Where can you see the Eiffel Tower from the area?
The Eiffel Tower can be seen from several locations around Pont de l’Alma. For a direct view, cross the Seine and continue to the Trocadéro esplanade.
Where should you stay to visit the Étoile district?
Staying between the Arc de Triomphe and Avenue Montaigne makes it possible to explore much of the area on foot.
Helzear Étoile, located on Rue Christophe-Colomb, offers suites with kitchenettes near the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne and George V metro station.
Book a Helzear hotel
Planning to book a Helzear hotel while visiting the area? Helzear Étoile, on Rue Christophe-Colomb, offers apartments with kitchenettes and hotel services just a few minutes from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées. Book directly at helzear.com.
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Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Avenue Montaigne: what to see near the Étoile