The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world. It has cafes, cinemas, and exclusive specialty shops. It is lined by gorgeous trees. If you would like to rent some shop space, you will soon discover it is the most expensive strip of real estate in all of Europe.At the western end of the street of the Blessed Dead is a monument to those who fought for France, originally those in the Napoleanic wars, L'Arc de Triomphe.
12 Avenues radiate from the Arc de Triomphe.
Some reading this have probably been lucky enough to walk down the Grand Avenue, and stare up at the Monument Arch. Some who live there probably don't give either a second thought. Pity.Then, there are those of us who will never see it, and we know who we are. Sigh.
How are you going to keep them down on the farm, once they've seen Paree?
I was wondering where you were headed on your last post.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Paris forever beyond your grasp? I've never been, but I have been to Nice and Rome, so I don't despair.
I have been lucky enough to have walked down it many times, as you know, Max. The first time I saw the Arc I was so stunned, I walked all the way around that outer perimeter just so that I could see it from every angle. It was another day when I fell into the arms of the waiting policeman. And yet another when I first drove around the Arc - and lived to tell the tale.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of it is generally totally clogged with traffic and people and best seen... OK I'll stop now before I turn into a travelogue
I have also been priviliged to visit there twice in my lifetime so far and it is absolutely fantastic. Just imagine being in a bus and traveling around that big circle going the wrong way around!!! (we drive on the opposite side of the road in SA and of course it was frightening to see the vehicle entering the circle one way when you were expecting to go the other way around.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to know why you will not be visiting Paris? It is worth the visit so do try and make it someday