Saturday, 28 February 2015

J'aime Paris et l'Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile



The Arc de Triomphe is the center of Paris and circling it is a roundabout with no lanes.  (I kid you not!)  The streets go out from it like spokes from a wheel, or like a star, which is why it is called Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile.  You can see we would have to cross over the crazy roundabout to get to the Arc, but there is a tunnel that goes under the street and leads to the entrance to climb the stairs inside.  (The tunnel is a life-saver - literally!) You can see people standing at the top also.


This is one such spoke - probably the most famous one - the Avenue des Champs-Elysees.  This picture was taken from the Place de la Concorde, and you can see the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.  The sidewalks along both sides are huge and there are trees and benches and it is lovely, even in February!   Sharon recently reminded me of a line  from MASH - Hot Lips Hoolihan:  "Blow it out your Champs-Elysees!"   It kept running through my head and making me giggle like a  kid periodically!


Napoleon's idea in having it built was so the troops could pass under the triumphal arches upon a victorious return home to Paris.  Construction began in August of 1806 and it was completed and open in 1836.  According to the information about it, the monument is dedicated to heroes and historical remembrance.  There are 697 names and 174 battles inscribed on the monument.  In 1921 they completed the burial of the unknown soldier under the arch and an eternal flame. 




Hmmm, a bit windy!


This is the roundabout from above -  with no lanes!  Driving in Paris is NOT for the timid-hearted!




I just thought it was interesting to see these people at the top in 1910 just strolling around and there are no metal bars like you see in the shot of Steve and I at the top.


This picture is workers refurbishing it in 1948.


Below are some views from the top.  It was hard to get clear shots from the top because of the wind!  Paris is a beautiful city.



 Above is a shot looking down the Champs-Elysees.









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