Triangle d'Or

Or the Golden Triangle.

In my previous post I spoke about my first shopping experience at Champs Elysées. What I was expecting to see back then is on the other side of the avenue. There is a geographical triangle on the north side of Champs Elysées, bordered by Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V. This is a prestigeous area with numberous world-famous luxury brands. We can also find hotels, restaurants and embassies here. The north side of Champs Elysées is more expensive as well, as it is the sunnier side, so people prefer it to the other.

Champs Elysées is the most expensive retail location in Europe according to Cushman & Wakefield’s annual „Main Streets Across the World” report and fifth most expensive in the world. In 2010 London’s New Bond Street took the first place, but last year’s new retailers on Avenue des Champs Elysées had an impressive effect. I walked near by the new Abercrombie & Fitch store several times and always noticed a huge queue of people on the street, waiting to get in. I was wondering if they are paid actors to attract people. Have you noticed, when a shop is empty, nobody goes in, but if there’s a crowd, (almost) everybody has an urge to see what is going on there?

As it is very popular among tourists, it is not à la mode for Parisians to be seen on Avenue des Champs Elysées on weekends. I don’t know about the rest of the triangle though. :)

What kind of shops can we find here?

To start with the French classics, on the corner of Champs Elysées and George V, there is the HQ of Louis Vuitton. It is a beautiful building with a big logo and a flag. And a queue outside, usually. Dior has a huge building on Avenue Montaigne, it is impressive, and actually they introduced the luxury to the avenue after the Second World War. Givenchy can be found on George V. Chanel has a boutique on Avenue Montaigne, though it is not their most important shop in Paris. The frontage of Hermès on Avenue George V is covered with elegant dark brown wood, I love it.

Louis Vuitton

Other major European brands are present on Avenue Montaigne. The Nina Ricci house is opposite of Dior, I find it very classy. Gucci and Dolce&Gabbana are closer to Champs Elysées. I like D&G’s window, it is huge and there are clothes hanging in different heights. My special favourite Spanish tanner, Loewe has a store on this avenue too. A Valentino shop can be found after the five-star Hotel Plaza Athénée, on the other side there is a Prada, close to La Seine.

Hermès

American jeweller Harry Winston has a shop on Avenue Montaigne. If you are shy to wander in, just like me, then there is not much to see, windows are small, with very few product in them. Well, these guys were not too shy for sure. Fortunately some of the stolen diamonds were found by the police later. 

Givenchy