Paris by Métro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

Charles de Gaulle – Étoile at a Glance

Lines: 1, 2, and 6

Arrondissement: 8th/17th

Sights Within 1 Kilometer

East

Champs-Élysées-190m

Thomas Jefferson Home-650m

Ladurée-700m

Parc Monceau-1km

South

Arc de Triomphe-0m

Sight Details

East

Champs-Élysées: There aren’t as many places to visit near this métro stop, but the sights are quintessential Paris.  The Champs-Élysées is an elegant boulevard filled with high end shops and tourists.  Most big cities have a street like this, but somehow the French make it seem a little more elegant.  This boulevard looks especially patriotic near the Bastille Day.  Enjoy window shopping for a Renault or the perfect Louis Vuitton.  My money never leaves my purse, but it is still a spectacle to see.

Thomas Jefferson Home: The patriot’s home was shared with his slave, Sally.  It is believed that he fathered several children with her.  If you enjoy watching movie’s featuring Paris, you may want to see Jefferson in Paris to see Paris during a different time period with one of America’s most famous rebels.

Ladurée: We’ve all heard of the famous French macarons, but this is supposed to be the place to purchase some.  A line is typical, but the passing views of the interior along with a sample of macarons is a good way to introduce yourself to the French dessert.

Parc Monceau: I almost selected a different métro stop to expose visitors to one of my favorite areas in Paris.  Luckily, I was able to include Parc Monceau, but there is so much more to see beyond the 1 kilometer.  If you want to see the scenes of the Impressionists, this is the area you need to visit.  To learn more about this beautiful corner of Paris, view my post about my Paris Walk with the Impressionists.

South

Arc de Triomphe: Arches are popular in Paris, but this is the one you’ve been waiting to see.  It is big and elegant.  The roundabout surrounding the arch is enough to cause anxiety, but fortunately there are underground tunnels to safely transport you to the center.  Visit the tomb of the unknown soldier, and walk around viewing the boulevards that were designed with a military influence.  Think of the history that the arch has seen.  I get chills when I think of Hitler marching into town and occupying the city.  If you’re ready for a climb, go to the top for some of the best views of the city.

After

 

Am I missing something?  I’m not as familiar with this area of Paris, but if you think that something else should be included, please let me know!

Paris Walks: Paris of the Impressionists

I tagged along for another Paris Walk today and loved, loved, loved it.  Impressionism is my favorite style, and I try to include the major concepts in my photography.  Seeing the neighborhoods where famous impressionists like Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Caillebotte lived and were inspired was like being in an impressionist painting.

The walk starts at the Parc Monceau which contains enough beauty to knock you out (if not, a jogger will because they are everywhere).  The park is surrounded by architecture from the 19th century that screams Paris.  We weave around the area and end with the scene from “Rainy Day.”  Caillebotte’s painting resides at the Art Institute in Chicago.  It is one of my all time favorite paintings, yet I didn’t really know the artist or the subject.

Our guide, Oriel set up the Paris Walks organization with her husband.  Her talk was so multifaceted in the way she tied together the art, history, and literature of the time.  She brought the people to life, and gave meaning to the paintings that may otherwise not be there.  I can’t wait to go back to the D’Orsay to see many of the works we discussed, and truly understand the subject rather than just, “that’s a pretty painting.”  If you enjoy beautiful neighborhoods and/or impressionism, then this Sunday walk comes highly recommended for you.

Continue with me as I share some of my pictures from the walk and the rest of my day.