Champs-Elysees, Paris

It is often said Paris is like a lady - chic and sophisticated, temperamental and moody, sultry and mysterious. If this be true, then the Champs-Elysees is most certainly the heart of the lady. With the Arc de Triomphe on one end and the Place de la Concorde on the other end, this vibrant and busy avenue full of life and people at all times of the day and most of the night, is something special.

A long time ago, aristocracy promenaded its wealth on the Champs-Elysees, genteel madams and mademoiselles strolled along, protecting their delicate complexions against the sun under frilly parasols. Present day Champs-Elysees has been taken over by fast-food restaurants and cinema halls, overpriced cafés serving Middle-Eastern fare but it still retains its character and draws people from all over the globe.

Strolling down the avenue in the evenings, one can see people of all nationalities rub shoulders with each other. On the sidewalks, vendors sell cheap souvenirs and plastic toys made in Africa, India, East Europe or the Arab countries. Paris is a little like New York, many come here with dreams of a better life. And for those who depend on them for their livelihood, the tourists are lifelines.

Standing at the Arc de Triomphe, one is struck by the magnificence of this imposing ‘quartier de Paris’. Also called the Place de l’Etoile, the Arc de Triomphe is at the meeting of 12 avenues and a very busy roundabout indeed. Every evening, a memorial flame is lit under the arch to remember the Unknown Soldier who lies buried there, killed in the First World War. The Etoile was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his imperial victories, but was finally completed only in the 1830s. One can climb up to the top of the arch and can view this part of the city.