Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees

Today I decided to see the Arc de Triomphe and stroll down Champs-Elysees, which is a major street that is used for parades and such, and is also apparently a boulevard for very expensive shopping if that is what one goes for.  The Arc was much larger than I thought it would be.  It is very impressive especially as it stands in the middle of a roundabout and several large boulevards extend out from that point.  You can go to the top and look out for what I imagine is an awesome view, but I think I’ll wait until perhaps I can go with Jason.  I did not know that the Arc also stands as a tomb of an unknown French soldier from World War I.  Having seen the U.S. version at Arlington National Cemetery in January, I thought it was pretty cool.

Otherwise, Champs-Elysees (which I found mean Elysian Fields) was very nice.  I did not appreciate the scarcity of restrooms, (which actually goes for Paris as a whole), but enjoyed the wide sidewalks and variety of shops and restaurants.  The street itself is a madhouse.  Cars everywhere and it seems few rules. The roundabout at the Arc is approximately four lanes wide but you would know since there aren’t actually lines on the street and the cars just maneuver how they must to survive.

A few tips about Paris.  Feeling like a quality hamburger?  How about the Quality Burger Restaurant!

Need a Louis Vuitton purse?  How about the Louis Vuitton superstore!

Finally, how about some chic French men’s couture?  Try this place!  (Eeeeeek!!)

Coming up tomorrow?  EuroDisney!

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