Champs Elysees :
Hotel Balmoral is close to the Champs Elysees.
The avenue des Champs-Elysees is the most famous on the 12 symmetrical avenues radiating from the huge rotary of Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile . The Champs is lined with chain stores and expensive cafes and Balmoral charming hotel, both of them frequented by throngs of strolling tourists but often passed by the fast-walking french. Although it has been a fashionable avenue since Marie de Médicis ploughed its first incarnation, the Cours-la-Reine, through fields and marshland in 1616, it remained unkempt until the early 19th century, when the city built sidewalks and installed gas lighting. From that point on, the Champs flourished, and where elegant houses, restaurants, and less subdued bars and panoramas sprung up, the beau monde was guaranteed to see and be seen. The infamous Bal Mabille opened in 1840 at n° 51. At n° 25, visitors have the rare chance of seeing a true hotel particulier from the second Empire - here the marquise de Paiva, adventures, famous courtesan, and spy, entertained the luminaries of the era. In recent years, the Champs elysees has become thoroughly commercialized. But Jacques Chirac has made a concerted effort to resurrect the avenue, widening the sidewalks, planting more trees, and building underground parking lots. Today, the avenue is an intriguing mixture of old and new, inviting tourists to tramp through the enormous superstores, while managing to preserve pockets of greenery along with timeless glamour. The tree-lined streets merge with park space just past avenue Franklin Roosevelt , one of the sixth avenues that radiate from the Rond Point des Champs-Elysees . Avenue Montaigne, lined with paris 's finest houses of haute couture, runs southwest. For help conquering the Champs Elysees along with the rest of Paris , visit the enormous tourist Office at n° 127 and Balmoral Hotel.
Paris has raised fashion and shopping to an art form, and nowhere is this more evident than on the Champs-Elysees , one of the most famous boulevards in the world. It's not the cheapest stretch of road on which to make a purchase, but nowhere else can you come home with a new pair of shoes, the most chic on the block, and say, “I got them on the Champs-Elysees .”
It's not all high fashion and glitz, but haute couture is certainly available if you want it. Here is a sample of the variety of shops you'll find whose address is Champs-Elysees :
Louis Vuitton – the name in luxurious luggage and handbags, now also produces fine women's shoes and clothing.
Cartier – glamorous and pricy, it's where to go if you are looking for some fine jewelry.
Natalys – spot for children's clothing and maternity wear with that special French fashion flavor.
Sephora – France 's leading perfume and cosmetic store; touch and sample many products before you buy and find scents you'll find only in Paris .
Solaris – the most well-stocked sunglasses store in France ; home to more than a thousand pairs, all the well-known brands.
Marionnaud – French department store known for its creams and perfumes.
Disney Store – for those feeling homesick, the largest store of the popular chain selling wares related to Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the gang.
That's just a taste, the list goes on, including names like Naf Naf , Yves Rocher , Lacoste and Celio . Whatever, you're shopping tastes, or even if you just like to look and touch, you'll find what you're looking for on the Champs-Elysees , and you'll have a blast in the process.
Arc de Triomphe :
L'Arc de Triomphe serves as a spontaneous patriotic rallying place for Parisians; for example, it was estimated that a million people surged through the streets here in spontaneous celebration when France won the World Cup in 1998.
To get a closer look at the Arc de Triomphe , you can take an underpass on the Champs Elysees or Avenue de la Grande Armee that leads you to the centre of the plaza. Cultural centres, deluxe hotels and other activities that participate in the tradition and prestige of the Champs Elysees are encouraged to return by the municipality.
The Arc de Triomphe and its massive piers are decorated with bas relieves depicting scenes from the revolutionary era (including the First Empire). To the right, on the side facing the Champs Elysees is the Marseillaise by Rude (the departure of the volunteers to the front in 1792); to the left is Napoleon 's Triumph of 1810 by Cortot. The resistance of 1814 and the peace of 1815 are on the other side, modestly facing away from the city.
To get a closer look at the Arc de Triomphe , you can take an underpass on the Champs Elysees or Avenue de la Grande Armee that leads you to the centre of the plaza. Cultural centres, deluxe hotels and other activities that participate in the tradition and prestige of the Champs Elysees are encouraged to return by the municipality.
Standing on the western summit of the Champs-Elysees , out on the horizon at the top of the Chaillot hill is the largest triumphal arch in history, the Arc de Triomphe . Built by J.A.Raymond and J.F.T. Chalgrin from to 1830, it is the first important monumental arch in Paris since the 1670s. The great size of the arch was chosen partly because of the impact be much more stronger for its elevated position. The upper part of the arch was designed as an attic and heavily emphasized to prevent it from appearing to lean backwards or to fade into the clouds, and the giant statuary and huge relief panels maintained the proportion. Since the 17th- century, the Champs-Elysees the most grandiose and potentially symbolic urban perspective in Europe with a length of over a mile, rising gently on an gradient until its eventual clouds. Napoleon as decision to mark the end of the vista with a great monument was very much in character.
Charming Hotel in paris, Balmoral.
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