Paris, Champs Elysees
A swamp became a luxurious avenue
The first draft of the Champs Elysées appeared in 1616: Marie de Medici decided to develop in swampy fields a long tree-lined driveway. At that time, the Champs Elysées then were called "Course of the queen." During the 17th century, the landscape of Versailles, Le Nôtre redesigned the Tuileries Gardens by extending the aisle, from the Louvre to the current roundabout of the Champs Elysées. The Sun King, Louis XIV, could admire the sunset in the center of the avenue. In 1709, the central promenade lined with elms was named Champs Elysées: the name refers to the place frequented by the heroes of Greek mythology.
The avenue then became a promenade and festive fashion. In 1724, the Duc d'Antin and the Marquis de Marigny, successive directors of the royal gardens, ended the Champs Elysees route: traffic there was thus improved while increasing the prestige effect. At the end of the 18th century, the Champs yet contained few real estate and commercial properties. In 1828, the avenue became the property of the city of Paris. The Hittorf Alphand and architects were commissioned to develop it. It settled fountains, sidewalks and gas lanterns. The arrival of the first metro line in Paris led to the construction of buildings in the style of the builder Haussmann, welcoming luxury hotels, restaurants, offices, luxury shops and a few houses. The avenue became from that moment the window of the French industrial upgrading, especially with the establishment of the factory of Guerlain perfumes.
The Champs Elysees perspective
The Champs Elysees avenue crosses the 8th arrondissement of Paris, on the northwest axis of 1910 meters in length. Since the Palais du Louvre, you can admire the view offered by this avenue: the Obelisk of the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, then to the defense's Ark, outside Paris. The rows of trees, green spaces, the architecture of 19th-century buildings, light poles, Art Nouveau kiosks, as well as the Morris columns give this avenue a romantic air.
A popular place of entertainment
Since the 1900s, the Champs Elysées is the international showcase of major French retailers. In this majestic and romantic environment, coexist different areas: luxury (luxury boutiques, Guerlain, Vuitton, the fashion houses, the exhibition hall Mercedes ...), culture (cinemas, major retailers multimedia such as FNAC and Virgin Megastore, and theaters), food (great restaurants such as Maxim's and the Fouquet's) and entertainment (Planet Hollywood, the cabaret Lido, nightclubs ... ).
The Champs Elysees is the major axis of the great French events: for example, it is here that take place the national holiday of July 14 and the last stage of the Tour de France cycling. The French love to celebrate the transition to the new year by attending a huge concert of horns. Finally, this incredible place of Paris amaze you day and night, thanks to its luxury and dynamism.
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