Champs Elysees is a famous boulevard worthy of praise for its beauty, lights, charm and decadence, yet it is lined with commercial chains you can find in any American city. It is also lined with crowds of tourists from around the world, most of whom are either standing in que for a cappuccino at one of the many cafes or snapping photos from the busy narrow landing in the middle of the avenue.
Admittedly I did the same thing and was nearly run over by a bus trying to perch myself on an iron box to capture the distant swaying trees together with glittery dazzle in the foreground.
I used to make it to cities east of New York often as well as small European towns and villages; now it is a rarity. In all foreign cities, I make a habit of at least one shopping experience, largely do the fact that so few American cities give me much of a “creative” selection.
Enter for a moment Les Champs Elysees in the heart of one of the most romantic and fashion-centric cities in the world. My head was spinning after three blocks, but not because I was in awe over charming elegant boutiques and unique Parisian shops, but because of the mediocrity of store choices – on my left and right.
With ‘Arc De Triump behind me, I had in my view McDonalds, Benetton, Virgin’s Mega Store, Swatch, Disney, Hugo Boss and Sephora on my left, Adidas, Debusy, another McDonalds (how did this happen?), The Gap and Lacoste, on my right with Louis Vuitton and Cartier adding a little elegance close to the Metro entrance.
Most of the coffee bars and bistros were native, however there were a few Pomme De Pains (baggettes and chocolate) and Hamburger Restaurants, all of which called themselves the same name on both sides of the street.
Carole Boutique is a small crowded shop in a side promenade that carried western American clothing “finds” with lots of jewels and stones affixed to their denims and cotton shirts. (all ran about 100 Euros a piece ($140).
Two or three people volunteering for The Salvation Army stood in the middle of the boulevard ringing the bell, while another bell attached to the red metal bucket, somehow rang automatically. Despite no wind, the temperatures were brutal and my green cashmere scarf, leather gloves and fluffy hat didn’t seem to help much.
I walked into Cartier and a few leather shops, simply to avoid the chains. Is big business this important to the longevity and success of one of Paris’ most prestigious boulevards? How did the French let this happen?
Tara Jarmon’s window display drew me in amidst the clutter of generic shopping energy. Her half-mannequin tantalized me; the sexy naked window-display dummies were dressed in vividly bright yellow dresses and black cocktail attire; there was a sheer faded near-white back-drop. The display alone brought me back to Paris. And there I stayed.
Renee Blodgett is the Founder and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.
Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.
Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.
She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.
Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.
