Axe Historique
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
Yesterday, you may recall I posted about the Eiffel Tower and a little about Paris hotels. Today, I want to talk about the Axe Historique, which runs from the center of Paris, westward. This precisely laid out axis began with building of the Champs-Élysées, and today it extends from the Louvre to the La Grande Arche, and almost 400 years! That just amazes me, but it is true. Marie de Medici developed the idea for what became the Champs-Élysées in 1616, and the latest addition, La Grande Arche de la Fraternité was inaugurated in 1990. This monument was designed by a Dane, and was designed to celebrate humanity instead of military victories. It’s often called a modern Arc de Triomphe (which also sits on the axis).
One could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring the monuments, gardens, museums and shops on the Champs-Élysées and the Axe Historique. And of course, you’d rather spend money on admissions and souvenirs than hotels in Paris. In addition to the attractions already mentioned, the Place de l’Étoile, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, the Jardins des Tuileries and the Pyramide du Louvre all demand a visit.
