Listed as a Historic Monument in 1991, Les Arcades des Champs-Élysées continue to fascinate with their architecture and history. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM, they offer an unforgettable stroll through one of Paris’ most prestigious covered passages.
Location and Access
Les Arcades des Champs-Élysées, also known as Arcades du Lido, are situated in the heart of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. This pedestrian shopping gallery can be accessed from 76-78 Avenue des Champs-Élysées and 59 Rue de Ponthieu, offering a grand entrance to a world of luxury and elegance.
Origin and Location
Les Arcades des Champs-Élysées were constructed on the site of the former Hôtel Dufayel, acquired by jeweler and real estate developer Léonard Rosenthal in 1924. Rosenthal commissioned architects Charles Lefèbvre, Marcel Julien, and Louis Duhayon to transform the hotel into a prestigious shopping gallery, inaugurated on October 1, 1926. This transformation marked the beginning of a new era for this iconic location.
Architecture and Decoration
The gallery, 120 meters long and 15 meters wide, is a harmonious blend of Art Deco and neoclassical influences. Decorative elements include eight columns of gray granite from Scotland and additional red granite columns, along with walls clad in beige and black marble. The glass roof, crafted by master glassmaker Fernand Jacopozzi, and the intricate wrought ironwork by René Gobert, add a touch of refinement. Renowned glass artist René Lalique designed the gallery’s lighting and two glass fountains, which once adorned the space.
The Lido: From Beauty Salons to Cabaret
The basement of the Arcades originally housed the Lido, a luxurious spa and beauty salon inaugurated in 1928. This spa, inspired by the Venetian seaside resort, offered hairdressing services, massage rooms, saunas, showers, and a heated 4,400 m² pool. In 1933, the Lido closed its doors but was transformed into a dinner-show venue by Léon Volterra in 1936. In 1946, brothers Joseph and Louis Clerico relaunched the Lido as a cabaret, famous for its exotic shows and Bluebell Girls dancers. The cabaret moved in 1977 to larger premises at 116 Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
The “Pompadour” Boutique by Offenthal
At the heart of the gallery was the “Pompadour” boutique, the first shop opened by leather goods maker Offenthal. The Offenthal family contributed to the construction costs of the gallery, securing a prime location. The boutique stood out for its luxurious design, including a massive octagonal table with an Alpine marble top and a Baccarat chandelier of the same size.
A Sumptuous Interior
Les Arcades des Champs-Élysées are renowned for their sumptuousness. The gigantic glass roof, stained glass windows, wall sconces, and René Lalique chandeliers create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Although the two Lalique fountains have disappeared, most of the decor remains intact, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and luxury of this iconic place.