- History and tour of the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris
- Discover the Surrounding Attractions of Place Charles de Gaulle
- Transfer to the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris
History and tour of the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris
Place Charles de Gaulle is the limit of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissement of the city of Paris. It is attached to the districts of Chaillot and the Champs Elysees. It measures 240 meters long and wide. The creation of this site was made in 1670. Previously, it was known as the Place de l’Etoile. The name it now bears was given on November 13, 1970, in memory of General Charles de Gaulle. It is served by the Charles de Gaulle metro station.
Formerly, the location of the Place Charles de Gaulle was called Butte Chaillot. The redevelopment of the mound ended in 1777. The place was previously a cross hunting ground. Adjustments were made to the barrier of the Star in the Wall of the Farmers-General in 1787. This barrier functioned to limit the Paris city with the former first district. Two buildings were around the barrier. The ground cover was made with star-shaped pavers, hence its name Place de l’Etoile. The Arc de Triomphe is built in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle from 1806 to 1836.
Restructuring was established by the architect Jacques Hittorff during the Second Empire. The work was supervised by the prefect of the Seine, Baron Haussmann. Mansions took possession of the environment of the arc following a decree dated August 13, 1854. They were constructed with uniform shapes. The gardens of the luxurious hotels are open on the square. There are twelve avenues leading to the square in a star shape. These include Avenue de Wagram, MacMahon, Carnot, Grand Army, Foch, Victor Hugo, Kleber, Jena, Marceau, Champs Elysees, Friedland, and Avenue Hoche. These avenues implement six Parisian axes. The square is bordered by two streets that form a circle, the Rue de Tilsit and Rue de Pressburg. The cobblestones of the square are of different colors; those dark lead to the hotel while the red lead to the streets. This site has two underpasses, one is reserved for vehicles while the other, called Passage of Remembrance, is for pedestrians.
Place Charles de Gaulle has been the scene of public events. It was the venue of various public events such as the one on May 30, 1968, which brought together around one million demonstrators. A terrorist attack also took place on this site on August 17, 1995, and resulted in 17 injuries. It houses the restaurant’s garden Royal Monceau. Patrick Modiano’s novel released in 1968 is called “Place de l’Etoile”. The sudden change of name of this place was made four days after the death of General Charles de Gaulle. Initially, it was the Champs Elysées that was to be renamed, but ultimately it was the place that was renamed. New rules were established by the Councillors of Paris stating that streets will no longer bear the name of a deceased person in less than five years.
Discover the Surrounding Attractions of Place Charles de Gaulle
The Place Charles de Gaulle, not only renowned for its iconic Arc de Triomphe, is surrounded by a myriad of attractions that offer visitors a rich cultural experience. Just a short walk away, you can explore the famous Champs-Élysées, known for its theaters, cafés, and luxury shops. The Avenue Montaigne, another prestigious avenue in the vicinity, ishome to high-end fashion brands.
For art enthusiasts, the Grand Palais, an architectural masterpiece, hosts major exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Palais de Tokyo and the Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris, located nearby, offer contemporary art exhibitions. Nature lovers can enjoy a stroll in the Parc Monceau, a classical French park with statues, a large pond, and beautiful walkways.
Culinary experiences around Place Charles de Gaulle are diverse, ranging from traditional French bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants. For those interested in nightlife, the Lido, one of Paris’ most famous cabarets, presents spectacular shows on the Champs-Élysées.
Moreover, visitors can take a guided tour to discover the history and secrets of the Arc de Triomphe, including an opportunity to climb to the top for a panoramic view of Paris.
Transfer to the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris
Place Charles de Gaulle airport is at a distance of 25.4 km from Orly Airport, 28.8 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 85 km from the airport of Beauvais. During your stay in Paris, choose between a collective shuttle, private car, or luxury car VIP to visit the Place Charles de Gaulle from Parisian airports.