Champs Elysees to the Arc

October 9, 2008 by Sheila Whittaker

From our Batobus stop “Champs Elysees,” we had a meandering 30-minute walk towards the Arc de Triomphe. We strolled at a snails pace enjoying the atmosphere and popping in and out of shops.

The Champs Elysees is the famous shopping avenue in Paris but it is not as inaccessible as Rodeo Drive. Although there are a lot of high-end shops and few-to-no bargains, you can find the Gap and sports shops and other more plebian shopping venues.

Once you arrive at the Arc de Triomphe, find the underground passage – you definitely don’t want to step out into the traffic. Without any fee, you are able to walk around the base of the Arc and visit the grave of the Unknown Soldier. The grave represents all the fallen soldiers who were not identified during the wars.

If you would like to go to the top of the Arc, you can pay for the elevator. It is an interesting view, as there are 12 avenues that all meet at the round-about that circles the Arc. And you have a clear view to the Eiffel Tower and the Siene river.