The western end of that most elegant of avenues, the Champs-Elysees (Elysian Fields) is justly famous for its cafes, commercial art galleries and sumptuous shops. At the other end of the avenue, the powerful axis is continued by the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuilleries and finally the Louvre.
A city of world importance and the business, historic, intellectual, diplomatic, religious, educational, artistic, and tourist center of France, Paris owes its prosperity in large part to its favourable position on the Seine, which has been a major commercial artery since the Roman period. Paris has many interesting areas to explore. The city is made up of 20 arrondissements, which translated ,means rounding. Beginning at the Louvre, these blocks form a spiral similar to the shape of a halved snail shell through the city. Paris is also divided into 3 distinct areas: Rive Droite, the Right bank; Rive Gauche, the Left Bank; and Les Iles, The Islands - Birthplace of Paris. Interesting places one will see starting with the Right Bank are:
L'Arc de Triomphe (Paris)
This structure was built between 1806 and 1836 to commemorate Napoleon's victories. Designed by Chalgrin, the construction was delayed through the years. In 1810 when Empress Marie-Louise arrived in Paris, a painted canvas was quickly set up, to hide the faltering project. The fall of the Empire caused the work to be stopped, and it became the laughing stock of Paris. Finally in 1836, 20 years after the death of Napoleon, Louis-Philippe inaugurated the still unfinished Arch. The original plans called for a giant star on the top of the Arch, an idea that was permanently abandoned
The Arch is 164 feet high and 132 feet wide, with sculptured friezes, notably Rude's La Marseillaise. Each figure is over 6 feet high. The arches are inscribed with the titles of the victories, and the names of war heroes. Between the arches is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the eternal flame is rekindled each night at 6:30 PM. Visitors may take an elevator to the top for a great view of the Champs Elysées, and the other 11 streets that radiate from the Arch. Even though it is still unfinished, it certainly does represent its role as a national monument representing the Empire. The only safe way to get over to the Arch, is via the underground pedestrian tunnel. The 12 avenues joining at the arch, make it one of the most chaotic intersections in Europe. The Arch is located at the Place Charles de Gaulle.
Champs Elysées (Paris)
Paris' most famous boulevard. A swampland until 1616, it was slowly converted and in the 1660's, André Le Notre, who later designed the grounds at Versailles, created gardens and a wide avenue radiating out of the Tuileries to the Queen's courtyard. During the second empire, High Society was often found strolling among the flower beds with the Arc de Triomphe as a magnificent backdrop. In 1800 there were only six buildings on the avenue, and it was not until 100 years later that it resembled what it looks like now lined with plain and horse chestnut trees, shops, theatres, clubs and cafés. The round point of the Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde, is still home to a park area, and is marked off with glass fountains by Lalique. To the north of the round point is the Palace of L'Elysée, the official residence of the French president. Many other streets off the Champs Elysées are worth visiting, like rue Foch, rue Françoise Premier or rue Montaigne.
Grand Palais and Petit Palais (Paris)
These elaborate buildings were built for the 1900 World Exposition. The turn-of-the-century style of these buildings is glass and stone, with huge stone columns, and a large glass roof that is a classic example of Art Nouveau in iron architecture. They are both devoted to art exhibitions, the Grand Palais is devoted to the sciences, and the Petit Palais is a museum of fine arts. The Palais' are located on Avenue Winston Churchill. Take the Métro to Champs Elysées-Clemenceau, for more information call 42-89-54-10 for the Grand Palais and 42-65-12-73 for the Petit Palais.
Place de la Concorde (Paris)
One of the most beautiful squares in the world. It has sweeping views from the Tuileries, to the Champs Elysées and from the Madeleine to the Palais Bourbon (home of the French National Legislature). It was designed by Gabriel, at the request the magistrates, and was originally named after Louis XV, until the revolution, when it became known as Place de la Révolution. Under the new monarchy of Louis-Philippe, who wanted to avoid any political symbolism, it was renamed Place de la Concorde
The square was commissioned as a location for an equestrian statue of Louis XV. In 1759, Louis XV donated marsh land at the end of the Tuileries. Gabriel then created the square and matching Ambassador's Mansions which are now the famous Hotel Crillon, and the Navy Ministry building. Surrounding the square was also an octagonal moat which has since been filled in. The square was inaugurated in 1763. During the French Revolution this place was chosen to host the execution of the enemies. The statue was removed, and replaced by the guillotine. It was here that Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, among others, were beheaded. In 1829 the government of Egypt made a gift to France of the 3,300 year old pink granite obelisk that stands there today. The obelisk was taken from the Temple of Ramses II at Thebes. It is 75 feet high, and inscribed with hieroglyphs. There are two fountains at the base, and there are eight colossal statues of the great towns of France surround the perimeter of the square.
Place Vendôme (Paris)
Octagonal in shape, this is one of Paris' prettiest areas. The square was requested by Louvois and Louis XIV and designed by Jules Mansart in the late 17th century. Originally it was meant to attract the wealthy into building their homes behind the well defined square. Now, home to the Ministry of Justice, its aristocratic atmosphere is retained by world famous jewellers and banks. In the centre of the square, there once stood a statue of Louis XIV, that was knocked down during the Revolution. A 144 foot column, composed of some 1,200 cannons captured by Napoleon at Austerlitz, stands there now with a statue of Napoleon I on the top. To get there, take the Métro to Pyramides or Tuileries.
Place des Vosges (Paris)
The oldest square in Paris, located in the Marais district, north-east of the Louvre, was a marsh that was converted and completed in 1612 by request from Henry IV. The houses are all built in a like symmetry, with a soft pink brick, and a cloister-like arcade. All the original façades remain intact, though the buildings behind have been updated. Victor Hugo lived at number 6. This is now a museum containing items from the poet's life, including a few rare paintings and ink drawings.
Père Lachaise Cemetery (Paris)
This final resting place is actually more of a 125 acre woodland park, with an unbelievable variety of monuments. At the entrance, there are maps to help you find the tombs of such famous people as Chopin, Delacroix, La Fontaine, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and even Jim Morrison among others. Located on Boulevard de Menilmontant.
Palais de Chaillot (Paris)
This Palais was built for the Paris Exposition of 1937, on the site of the Palais du Trocadéro, which was constructed for the Exposition of 1878. It offers a splendid view of the Eiffel Tower and the gardens and fountains that lead up to it. The building houses a theatre, an aquarium and four museums: i.e. man, cinema, maritime and French Monuments. The Palais is located on Place du Trocadéro.
The Opera (Paris)
Paris' original opera house was designed by Charles Garnier. Said to be the most perfect example of 19th-century architecture, the construction took over 15 years to complete. The building was inaugurated in 1875. The façade is decorated with sculptures, notably Carpeaux's The Dance. The interior is magnificent, with an ornate grand stairway, a beautiful foyer, and gleaming marble. The Opera is open for visitors during the day. It is located at Place de L'Opéra.
L'Opéra Bastille (Paris)
Carlos Ott designed this futuristic structure. Constructed in the historic district of the Bastille, it is an imposing futuristic building, with a curved glass façade contains theatres, shops and walkways.
Interesting places one will see starting with the left Bank are:
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