Champs-Elysees

=Champs-Elysees=

Paige Bjerke - Paris
The Avenue des Champs-Elysees is a world famous boulevard that the French nickname “la plus belle avenue du monde” – the world’s most beautiful avenue. The French meaning for Champs-Elysees is the Elysian Fields. In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields were the final resting place for fallen heroes. Fortunately for us, we don’t have to die to enter.

The area where the current Champs-Elysees now lies was originally laid out during the reign of Louis the XIV in 1667 by Andre Le Notre but was not named Champs-Elysees until 1709. By the late 18th century it was known as the fashion district that it is still famous for today. It is now 1900 meters long and 70 meters wide and runs from the Palace de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, which is one of the most recognized things in France. It is still filled with the best shops and high end fashion as well as theaters and cafes. Though it looks much more classic and romantic it reminds me of Times Square in New York, even having many of the same shops like Disney, Nike, H&M, Gap, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and Sephora.

In addition to the awesome shopping cafes and theaters, Champs-Elysees is also the location of several important events for France every year. For over 40 years, both the finish line and the award ceremony for the Tour du France have been on the Champs-Elysees. On July 14th it is the location of the largest military parade to celebrate Bastille Day, which celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution. Also from November until January it is lit up to celebrate Advent and Christmastide. The Champs-Elysees has also been used for large celebrations on New Year’s, to celebrate the 1998 FIFA World Cup and also as a location for political protests. While we are in France in the summer of 2016, I would expect to see some activity there surrounding the Euro Cup which will take place while we are there.