Paris and the Champs-ElysEes

This famous boulevard in Paris got its name from the Elysian fields of Greek mythology where heroes were laid to rest to live in perfect happiness. After making your way from the airports on the outskirts of the city, reaching Champs-ElysÈes is like reaching heaven.

This tree-lined avenue begins at another famous Paris landmark, the Arc de Triomphe. It ends at the Egyptian Obelisk though the Eighth District. Paris is divided into 20 districts similar to American neighborhoods, each with its own postal code. The districts begin at the city's center and the others wind clockwise around it.

One of the few avenues of the world known by name, Champs-ElysÈes is full of theaters, cafes, restaurants and shops and hotels that compare to those of New York's Fifth Avenue.

Though the area was originally parkland, the street became a social setting by the late 1700's. In 1916 fashion designer Louise Vuitton formed an association to transform the land into the commercial shopping area we enjoy today.

The character of the road changes with one part forming the commercial area (Place Charles de Gaulle) and the other a walking area lined with chestnut trees and flower beds (Place de la Concorde). After Unirii Blvd in Bucharest it is the widest avenue in Europe.

Two large buildings, the Petit Palais and Grand Palais, found on the lower part of Champs-ElysÈes offer rotating exhibits, neo-classical carvings and statuary.

Food and drink along the avenue runs the spectrum from an upscale bar and restaurant to McDonald's. Of course there is also the opportunity to sit at one of the many outdoor cafes and simply watch the parade of people while sipping excellent coffee.

There are dozens of shops where you can find everything from the Gap, Lacoste or the Disney Store to specialty boutiques. Through them the Champs-ElysÈes maintains the reputation for fashion it has enjoyed since the mid-1800s.

Along with the designer stores, there are several first class hotels. Whether you are interested in the Hotel Napoleon, termed 'the place' by Errol Flynn, or the Frontenac, or one of a dozen others, all have been well-maintained over the years. Even for those who can't afford to stay, the lobbies make for a delightful visit.

Along with the hotels, the avenue itself has enjoyed several upgrades over the years. The latest, completed in 1993, widened the sidewalks to allow for greater foot traffic. Even the streetlamps have been refurbished. The improvements help to maintain the avenue's reputation as "la plus belle avenue du monde" or "the most beautiful avenue in the world."

The Champs-ElysÈes is the heart of Paris. One can take the metro (subway) to Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile, George V or Champs-ElysÈes Clemenceau to arrive on this beautiful boulevard. Though all roads don't lead here, all roads in Paris do spring from here.

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