Jardin des Champs-Élysées in October, Paris

The Grand and Small Palaces are surrounded by a large green area known collectively as the Champs‑Élysées Gardens (Jardin des Champs‑Élysées). In fact, it is a whole complex of separate parks, each with its own layout.

On the avenue between the Seine embankment and the Grand Palais de l’Élysée, there is a monument to the national hero of France, Lafayette (Monument à Lafayette).

The bronze quadriga “Harmony Triumphant over Discord” (L’Harmonie triomphant de la Discorde), created by the sculptor Georges Resipon in 1900, adorns the south‑western corner of the Palace.

Near the southwestern walls of the Grand Palace is the Garden of New France (Jardin de la Nouvelle‑France). Here you can see a monument to the poet Alfred de Musset, titled “The Poet’s Dream.”

Next to the Alexander III Bridge, there is a monument to Winston Churchill, and the avenue that bears his name begins. The avenue is very short; it runs along the facade of the Grand Elysée Palace and ends at Place Clemenceau, where there is a monument to General de Gaulle.

The statue of Clemenceau himself (Statue Clemenceau) is hidden in the shade of the nearby trees. The famous politician headed the government during the most difficult period for France during the First World War and led the country to victory. The statue depicts Clemenceau in the uniform of an ordinary soldier.

Police buses lined up in the square, awaiting a demonstration against the pension reform. In 2010, everything was much calmer than the protests in 2018.

To the west, the gardens are bounded by Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue.

Jardin des abords du Petit Palais, which literally translates as “Garden on the Outskirts of the Small Palace.”

It houses a music veranda (Kiosque des Champs‑Élysées).

Nearby, on the side facing the Seine, there is a public automatic toilet booth.

To the east, the gardens are bounded by the Place de la Concorde.

In mid‑October, golden autumn in Paris is just beginning, but the paths are already covered with fallen leaves.

This is probably the best time — it’s still very warm, there are no prolonged rains, and the gardens and parks look incredibly beautiful.