The Magnificent Mile, Chicago's Champs-Élysées

Synonymous with luxury, shopping and walking, the area was named the Magnificent Mile in 1947 by Arthur Rubloff, a renowned property developer.

This part of North Michigan Avenue is home to many of Chicago's major buildings, including :

• The Palmolive Building is an example of an Art Deco building. Created in 1929, it is now a high-end apartment complex.

• The InterContinental Hotel is housed in a building dating from 1929. Here, entertainment is everywhere, from the elaborate bas-reliefs to the travel-themed decor.

• The Tribune Tower is a 153-metre-high skyscraper. It was built by architects John Howells and Raymond Hood of the firm Howells & Hood.
• 875 North Michigan Avenue is the city's third tallest tower, formerly known as the John Hancock Center (344 metres high). It's well worth a visit for its extraordinary views. From the 94th floor, you can access the Skywalk, from which you can dominate the city and its lake. It was built in 1969.
• Wrigley Building, note the white colour of this construction. This remarkable building is located in the Near North district. It was first built in 1920, and retains its French Renaissance-style architecture. The building stands out in the area, so make the most of its night-time lighting.

What's more, the area is a nugget for photography enthusiasts. All the buildings catch the photographer's eye. Especially the skyscrapers overlooking the Chicago River.

The Marina City (1964-1967) is remarkable for its two cylindrical towers representing ears of corn (that's what they're sometimes called).

The district is home to the city's largest retail offer. All the big names in fashion line these coveted pavements.

You'll find boutiques and shopping centres all over the place, but here are a few not to be missed:

• Bloomingdale's Building (900 North Michigan Avenue) has a department store and a host of other boutiques.
• Water Tower Place is home to a huge shopping centre. This temple to shopping has over a hundred boutiques. They are spread around a vertiginous atrium.

As well as offering a huge choice for shoppers and window shoppers, the Magnificent Mile is also a temple to gastronomy.

There are many restaurants to choose from in this shopping temple.

Among the most famous are The Purple Pig Restaurant and Mickael Jordan's Steakhouse, sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites!

For burger fans, the Billy Goat Tavern is also a sure bet!

The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is a 4 star hotel located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. It is on North Michigan Avenue between East Ohio Street and East Grand Avenue.

This address is recommended for fans of shopping and the urban madness of American metropolises!

The rooms are modern and comfortable, and some have a view of the buildings in the shopping district.

The hotel has several bars, a restaurant and a very modern fitness centre.

👉 When to go to Chicago to discover the Magnificent Mile?

Every season the district is transformed. In winter, Christmas decorations bring a touch of magic and the shopping frenzy is at its peak. Luxury boutiques and malls vie with each other in their ingenuity to attract shoppers.

In fine weather, the terraces of the bars and restaurants are packed to the rafters. The central flowerbeds of North Michigan Avenue are covered in colourful tulips in spring. A sight not to be missed if you're in the area at this time of year.