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Location
From the Place de la Concorde all the way to the top of the Champs-Elysees, you will discover the Place de l'Etoile which is known today as the Place Charles de Gaulle. And, at this busy Place lies the Arc de Triomphe.
History
Until the year 1730, five streets radiated out from this "Etoile de Chaillot".
In 1758, several plans were drawn up, such as a bizarre one suggesting to build a gigantic elephant housing ballrooms and theatre in the midst of the square. However, the plans appeared a bit too ambitious. However, as Napoleon Bonaparte had other ideas, he built a monument for the glorification of his Grande Armée, a triumphal arch in classical style - the Arc de Triomphe. The Arch was finished for the inauguration in 1836, during the reign of Louis Philippe. However, the rest of the "Place de L'Etoile" was not finished until 1854.
Haussman, responsible for redesigning Paris (1853-1870), added another seven avenues to the existing five ones, streching of them stretching up to the boulevard called after him.
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.
Address
Rond Point Place Charles de Gaulle
Tel : 01 43 80 31 31
Fax : 01 43 80 64 12
How to get there
Metro line 1,2 or 6 : Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile
RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile
Opening times
1st Oct to 31 st March
10h to 22h30 tues. to Sat.
10h to 18h sun. & mon.
1st April to 30th Sept.
9h30 to 23h Tues. to Sat.
hotels in the neighbourhood
Hotel Timhotel Elysées
Hotel Timhotel Invalides