Champs-Elysées

Since the Greeks, for whom the Elysian Fields (Champs-Elysées) were the resting place of warriors, by way of players of Monopoly in French, Marcel Proust looking out for his Gilberte and politicians aiming at moving into the presidential palace, 'the most beautiful avenue in the world' has always conjured up dreams. However, the history of this roadway designed for Marie de Médicis in former marshland truly began with Napoléon III. The laying out of the gardens and the building of private mansions enabled the success of the avenue running from the Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It is now the traditional place for parades and commemorations. Rehabilitated in 1994, it has recovered its prestige even if hamburger bars and cars are a bit too visible.