Avenue des Champs Elysees is a 1.25 mile-long street with its own website.

In 1616 Marie de Medici turned this pastoral setting into a tree-lined promenade and thus its illustrious history began.

The broad boulevard is walked by almost every tourist who comes to Paris, at least once. It appeals greatly to some, not at all to others. This is because it has become so commercialized that many abhore it for its chain-store mentality. You'll find everything here that you find everywhere else, including Nike, Louis Vuitton and even a MacDonald's.

The Cinema Gaumont Champs-Elysees Marignan is at #27. This avenue is always teeming with people from all over the world. It's a cross between Fifth Avenue in New York and Disneyland.

On an historic note, at #99 Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Fouquet's, the brasserie, is over 100 years old. It has been declared an historic monument. Laduree, at #75, the revered tea salon, has recently opened the glamorous Laduree Bar, which is definitely worthy of a visit.

From the Arc de Triomphe on the West side of the avenue, to the Place de la Concorde to the East, there are times when a stroll becomes infused with magic.

During the Winter holiday season, the trees are festooned with lights which twinkle and shimmer in the nighttime.

Each July 14th, there is a Bastille Day parade on the Champs Elysees, reviewed by the President of the Republic.

The last stage of the bike race, the Tour de France is completed here.

This photograph of the Pennsylvania 28th Infantry Division was taken on August 29th, 1944 when the Allied Forces liberated Paris.

www.champselysees.org
Champs Elysees translated, means Elysian Fields. Elysian Fields, according to the ancient Greeks, was the final resting place of those chosen by the Gods.