In 1670, Louis XIV commissioned an elm-lined street to be created in the marsh between the Tuileries Gardens and the present day Rond-Point. In 1710, the street was prolonged to the top of the hill where the Arc de Triomphe now stands.

During the late 1700s, the Place de la Revolution (now the Place de la Concorde) attracted lively crowds for its public beheadings. After the executions, the crowds moved on towards dancehalls located in the Champs (as it was then called). In 1800, only six houses lined the street. In 1815, the Russian and English troops who had defeated Napoleon, took up camp there.  Their stay in the area virtually ruined it, destroying 100-year-old elm trees, along with all the gardens and lawns.

In 1833, Louis-Philippe ordered the Champs-Elysées to be renovated. He had the avenue paved, redesigned the gardens, and added four fountains, dedicated to Venus, Diana, the 4  Seasons, and the Elysée. Many luxurious restaurants were built along the Champs-Elysées at that time.

In 1855, the first French Universal Exhibition took place in the Palace of Industry, an immense building made of glass and iron which was build in the gardens of the Champs-Elysées especially for the occasion. All the crowned heads of Europe: princes, financiers and industry tycoons thronged to the Avenue which was now becoming one of the most elegant places of Paris.

Just to the south of the Champs-Elysées, in what is called the Golden Triangle, can be found today all the most prestigious couturiers: Courrèges, Yves St Laurent, Givenchy, Chanel, Vuitton, etc. It also is home to heads of major radio stations: RTL and Europe 1 as well as some television stations: France 2, France 3 and M6.

To the north, some of the most famous Parisian art galleries can be found: Artcurial, Gallery Maeght, Etienne Sassi and more.