The Golden Triangle (Triangle d’Or in French) is one of the most well-known parts of Paris the world over and perhaps one of the most surprising in terms of properties.
It is bounded by Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and the Champs-Élysées, all three of which have garnered international renown.
Between these three avenues, around 30 acres are filled with superb boutiques, world-famous brands, headquarters of luxury houses, Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, museums and theatres, incarnating the Made in France of the luxury sector.
Architecture in the Golden Triangle
This district sprung up under the urging of a bourgeoisie eager to move out of the centre of Paris in the late 19th century, with the Exposition Universelle marking the culmination of this exodus, personified by the Grand Palais.
The avenues are wide, the private mansions are majestic, the ceiling heights are generous... Haussmann carved out a district on a par with its new inhabitants, with a subsequent spattering of Art Deco that has only served to enhance its charms.
The area is particularly harmonious in its architecture, with a few intriguing curiosities like the trompe l’oeil building of 39 avenue George V or the Hôtel Lalique with its iconic glass panel on Cours Albert 1er , the unique and colourful façade of the Raspoutine cabaret with its decoration designed in its entirety by Erté or the stunning Hôtel de la Païva on the Champs Élysées, an icon of Art Deco elegance.
The architecture is a little over a century old, which is fairly recent by Paris’ standards, but perfectly captures the modernity sought by Baron Haussmann and symbolised by the world’s most renowned avenue - the Champs-Élysées.
Neighbourhood life in the Golden Triangle
Shaped by excellence, the district is naturally home to a real estate portfolio that very much sings from the same hymn sheet. Here good fare is duly represented by gastronomy at the Pavyllon by Yannick Alléno and the Plaza Athénée kitchens run by Jean Imbert.
The best sushi in Paris are to be found at the Prince de Galles under steady hand of Chef Akira Back while the Manko provides a true regal for the taste buds.
The district is also unstinting when it comes to more traditional food. The Bistrot Marbeuf, on the street of the same name, and the typically Alsace-Lorraine brasseries serve up a time-tested menu in an unchanged setting.
Not to be missed
Stroll along Avenue Montaigne lined with big brand names before sitting back with a hot cup of tea under the arcades of the Petit Palais.
Or take a walk around the gardens of its larger counterpart the Grand Palais to the tulips sculpted by Jeff Koons and relax on the banks of the Seine while admiring the reflections of the glinting golden rooftops of the Russian Orthodox Church. And, of course, the shimmering Eiffel Tower that illuminates once the sun sets.
The Paris of day dreams and movie screens.