The truth about the Champs-Elysées

About Don't: the Champs-Elysées

Dear Frienders, I hate to be one to break it up to you but Parisians don't hang out on the Champs-Elysées. Ever. In fact, it's the first place we tend to avoid. The only reason I might go there is to shop at Sephora (one of the biggest in town). That's probably the biggest trap about our city. It was once the place-to-be, my grandparents used to tell me how Parisians would dress up to take a stroll on the most beautiful avenue of the world as we (proudly) like to call it. I still take pride in it for the photographic angles it offers, the Christmas lights and of course our dear Arc de Triomphe. I wouldn't recommend to go there just for a drink, you will pay twice perhaps three times more than what it's worth in a restless atmosphere due to the dense crowd of tourists but also from ill-intentioned souls. More tourists often means more thieves. Stay alert. However, there are no Traps without Tips, one hidden gem remains on the Champs (Parisians never add "Elysées", we call it simply Les Champs, we've known each other all our lives no need for formality) with a beautiful courtyard and a vegetable wall: Flora Danica. On the beginning of the avenue, left hand-side with the Arc behind you, look for the sea blue window and step inside a Scandinavian-inspired, serene decor, serving a fish-based menu with elegance. The perfect pit-stop after frantic hours of shopping. Prices match the postcode but you will be served quality dishes. Flora Danica: 142 Avenue des Champs-Elysées https://www.floradanica.fr/