CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON THE CHAMPS-ELYSÉES

 

 

December settles in, and Paris slowly lights up. Along the world’s most beautiful avenue, the shopfronts glow with golden reflections, and thoughts naturally turn to the little treasures that will soon be tucked beneath the tree. From Hôtel Vernet, just steps away from the Champs-Élysées, the season takes on a special charm: a blend of magic, leisurely strolls, and inspirations that unfold from one boutique to the next. It is the ideal moment to begin holiday shopping in a setting that feels both chic and enchanted.

 

 

 

THE MAGIC OF
the Champs-É​lysées

As the holidays approach, the Champs-Élysées reveal a different atmosphere. The trees shimmer with subtle gold, façades sparkle, and the luxury houses create window displays imagined like miniature stages. The world’s most beautiful avenue becomes an enchanted walkway, where one wanders as much to find Christmas gifts as to savour the festive mood.

At nightfall, the magic intensifies: the avenue becomes a luminous ribbon stretching from the Arc de Triomphe to Concorde. One lingers in front of Guerlain’s displays, often among the most imaginative of the season, admires Dior’s spectacular decorations, and ends the stroll with that iconic view towards Place de la Concorde. A walk that captures everything the Parisian Christmas spirit embodies.

THE MUST-VISIT
addresses

The Champs-Élysées are filled with iconic places, and the festive season adds an extra touch of magic. Between historic houses, temples of design and refined delicacies, discover the unmissable spots.
 

LOUIS VUITTON - THE ART OF EXCEPTIONAL GIFTING

It is hard to imagine a Christmas shopping escape without stopping at this legendary address. During the holidays, the Louis Vuitton flagship transforms: spectacular windows, exclusive pieces, limited editions and signature creations.

What we love:

• silk scarves with iconic motifs
• refined small accessories (card holders, cases, jewellery)
• artistic collaborations that are as much objets d’art as they are useful items

GUERLAIN - A PARISIAN MAISON OF MAGIC AND FRAGRANCE

The Guerlain boutique on the Champs-Élysées is a visual poem: a sculptural staircase, legendary perfumes, limited-edition bottles. At Christmas, the house unveils exceptional gift sets, perfect for offering something delicate, scented, and unmistakably Parisian.

To bring back home:

• a personalised engraved fragrance
• a candle with winter notes
• a limited-edition beauty set

CARTIER - GIFTS THAT MARK A LIFETIME

Love bracelets, Panthère watches, Trinity rings. Cartier is the house of strong emotions. Each year, the boutique attracts those searching for a symbolic, precious, timeless gift.

For Christmas:

• the charm of an iconic piece of jewellery
• a model created especially for the holidays
• or a chic accessory for a thoughtful, elegant gesture

GALERIES LAFAYETTE - CONTEMPORARY FASHION, FESTIVE EDITION

At Christmas, Galeries Lafayette become a true laboratory of inspiration, where one discovers both the season’s essential pieces and the emerging voices of Parisian fashion. One wanders from floor to floor, drawn by a selection as bold as it is desirable: young designers, exclusive sneakers, arty accessories, trendy beauty boxes, and those unexpected finds that cannot be seen anywhere else.

The ideal place to find a gift that stands out — a contemporary piece, an unexpected accessory, or a design object guaranteed to please. A must for anyone who loves to offer something perfectly in tune with the moment.
 

LADURÉE - THE GIFT BOX THAT MAKES EYES SPARKLE

At Christmas, Ladurée turns its macarons into pastel jewels. The winter box becomes one of the most appreciated gifts: delicious, delicate, elegant and impossible not to finish.

To offer (or keep):

• the Christmas edition macaron box
• fragrant teas
• Ladurée candles, perfect for a chic interior
   

© La Durée

THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
on Avenue Montaigne

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne offers a completely different setting: more intimate, more couture, almost confidential despite the global reputation of its houses, with Christmas windows that are always wonderfully creative.
 

DIOR - THE MAGIC OF HAUTE COUTURE

Impossible to walk past unnoticed: the Dior façade is one of the most photographed of the season. Depending on the year, the house reveals a magical décor — giant bows, golden rosettes, constellations, dazzling ribbons — attracting both fashion lovers and wide-eyed passersby. Inside, the holiday collections unfold in couture silhouettes, iconic bags, timeless fragrances and limited editions created especially for Christmas.

To offer:

• a small leather good
• a couture accessory (brooch, scarf, headband)
• a perfume from La Collection Privée
• or, for collectors, a decorative object from Dior Maison
   

CHANEL - THE ETERNAL PARISIAN

Just across the street, Chanel offers a completely different atmosphere: more mysterious, more intimate, impeccably Parisian. During the holidays, the house unveils its most coveted creations: classic bags, reimagined pearl jewellery, limited-edition perfumes and make-up, and signature pieces from the festive collections.

We love:

• iconic beauty gift sets
• seasonal couture jewellery
• the very chic “Rive Droite” ambience of the boutique

 

SAINT-LAURENT - THE ROCK-CHIC GIFT

With its architectural aesthetic and minimalist windows, the Saint Laurent boutique attracts those who love strong silhouettes and iconic accessories.

To look out for:

• the must-have bags (Kate, Lou, Cassandre)
• highly sought-after small leather goods
• metallic jewellery and accessories for a festive look
   

VALENTINO, MIU MIU, GIVENCHY... HAUTE COUTURE IN ITS MOST MAGICAL VERSION

Over a few hundred meters, Avenue Montaigne brings together some of the most influential houses in the world.

One finds:

• precious heels
• jewel-like bags
• couture accessories
• evening silhouettes worthy of the most beautiful celebrations

A paradise for those who love to offer couture gifts, or simply to draw inspiration from an exceptional wardrobe.

GIFT IDEAS,
what to place under the tree?

What to place under the tree? Because sometimes the list is long, but inspiration runs short…

FOR HER

• a Dior scarf with exclusive motifs
• an engraved Guerlain fragrance
• a delicate Cartier or Tiffany & Co. piece
• a designer piece found at Galeries Lafayette
   

FOR HIM

• a chic, sporty watch
• a pair of high-end sneakers
• a grooming gift set
• a leather accessory from Louis Vuitton
   

FOR CHILDREN

• a festive garment: sequin dress, soft knit, elegant coat
• mini-me sneakers inspired by adult collections
• a creative box: workshop, designer game or exclusive accessory found in the kids’ spaces at Galeries Lafayette
   

FOR THE HOME

• a Guerlain or Ladurée candle
• a decorative gift set from the avenue’s concept stores
• a vase, sculpture or contemporary design piece
   

 

WHERE TO WARM UP
between two boutiques?

Because Christmas shopping is also the art of taking comforting breaks to savour the season. Here are the addresses just steps from the Champs-Élysées that should not be missed.
 

THE BAR AT HOTEL DE SERS - AN EXCLUSIVE HOT CHOCOLATE

This winter, the Bar at Hôtel de Sers has partnered with master chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin to offer an exceptional hot chocolate, made with his signature cacao. Rich, velvety, subtly aromatic, it provides a comforting pause after a day of shopping on the Champs-Élysées. An elegant, deliciously Parisian stop, savoured in the intimate atmosphere of the hotel.
 

ANGELINA - AN ICONIC SWEETNESS

Just two metro stops away, Angelina remains an unshakeable classic. Its hot chocolate, L’Africain, is an institution, and its Christmas pastries change every year: festive logs, seasonal creations, a reinvented Mont-Blanc. An essential spot for a decadent afternoon treat.
 

LA DURÉE - THE GOURMET PAUSE WE NEVER TIRE OF

Macarons, fragrant teas, pastel harmonies. Stopping at Ladurée is the promise of a delicate moment. Their hot chocolate is equally delicious, and the festive atmosphere makes the address even more magical.
 

LE DRUGSTORE - A CHIC TERRACE WITH A VIEW OF THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE

For a slightly more contemporary ambiance, and an exceptional view of the Arc de Triomphe, Le Drugstore is the ideal address. The hot chocolate is delicious and the pastries wonderfully indulgent.

 

Ready to dive into the Christmas spirit?