CHAMPS ELYSEES, Second Part

Once you cross Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, continue walking towards the Arc de Triomphe, along the sidewalk on the right.

After only a few steps, look across the street at number 25, and admire the beautiful façade of Hotel de la Paiva, which has always been the most luxurious palace of the "Champs". It is an example of eclectic architecture from the late-1800s and was decorated by the best artists of the Second Empire. The building was commissioned by Paiva, one of the most famous courtesans of the century. She was born in Russia into a family of Polish Jews, and her second marriage was to the Marquis de la Paiva, who made her very rich. However, she was then expelled from the capital because she was considered a dangerous spy, in addition to having "loose morals" thanks to her affair with German Chancellor Bismarck's nephew!

Right next to the Hotel, I'd like to point out Cinéma Gaumont, one of the few movie theaters that has survived along the avenue.

To your right, the modern building at number 42 hosts the Citroën showroom: the car manufacturer opened its first dealership in this exact same spot more than a hundred years ago. Opposite the showroom and a few meters further up at number 51 is the "flagship store" of their competitor, Renault, which was also recently transformed into an original exhibition space....