The Avenue des Champs-Élysées

There is something special about strolling down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées!  It’s really hard to beat the looking at the Arc de Triomphe as you walk down the wide tree-lined sidewalks.  But, it hasn’t always been that lovely.

In the sixteenth century this area was nothing but fields outside the center of Paris.  Then in 1616, Marie de Medicis, wife of Henri le Grand (Henry IV), decided to create a long, tree-lined path going east from the Tuileries, the preferred Parisian residence for most French monarchs, from Henry IV to Napoleon III. Through the years the avenue has been expanded and lengthened. It also gained the name of "Champs-Élysées", or Elysian Fields in English. The name was derived from Greek mythology and refers to a place where heroes come to relax.  That’s a very fitting name since this is where Parisians celebrate their heroes and special holidays. 

The Arc de Triomphe anchors one end of the avenue and is, itself, an iconic symbol of France.  It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It was built to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and has the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI. 

Ironically, the day before our walk, a terrorist had gunned down a police officer, another hero who died as a symbol of France, on this very Avenue.  Additional security was obvious; in fact, it was probably the safest place on the planet at that time.  But, people were going about their business, the Arc was still majestic, cafes had tables set up on the sidewalk, and the Avenue  des Champs-Élysées was still lovely and unbowed.  It was time to find a table, have a glass of champagne, toast the French, and enjoy the view!