Greetings, fellow adventurers! Welcome back to my Parisian escapade, chronicling my honeymoon with Jon. We’re picking up on day three, hot on the heels of our Louvre exploration. After a well-deserved respite at our hotel, we embarked on a leisurely stroll down the iconic Champs-Élysées, the famous Parisian avenue. It felt like Christmas on Fifth Avenue, bustling with activity, as we made our way toward the Arc de Triomphe.
A Stroll Through History: From the Tuileries to the Place de la Concorde
Our journey took us across the Seine River, leading us to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, a smaller yet equally impressive archway. The Jardin de Tuileries lay just beyond, a sprawling 70-acre green haven tucked between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. This once-royal garden, originally belonging to the Tuileries Palace, has seen its fair share of history. The palace may be gone, but its legacy lives on in this beautiful public space.
Imagine a magnificent palace standing tall where children now play! It’s hard to reconcile the past and present, but the Tuileries Garden offers a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city.
A Symbol of Revolution: The Place de la Concorde
Our walk led us to the Place de la Concorde, a square steeped in French history. It was here that Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI, and 1,200 others met their tragic end during the French Revolution. The square’s centerpiece is an imposing obelisk of Luxor, a 72-foot-tall, 220-ton, 3,300-year-old testament to the past. Gifted to France by Louis XVI’s brother Charles X, it once stood in Ramses II’s Temple of Amon in Luxor.
Shopping, Sights, and a Triumphant Arch: The Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées, a tree-lined avenue stretching 1.2 miles from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, is a haven for shoppers and sightseers. Luxury boutiques, cafes, and everything in between line this celebrated street. We resisted the temptation to splurge but couldn’t help but notice the long queues snaking out of designer stores, particularly Louis Vuitton. It was a good thing I’m not a purse person! 😉
The Arc de Triomphe stands as a testament to Napoleon’s triumph, built in 1809 to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. This Roman-inspired arch, soaring 165 feet high, was dedicated to the armies of the Revolution and Empire in 1836. Though Napoleon didn’t live to see its completion, he was honored by having his funeral procession pass through its grand arches.
This architectural marvel has witnessed history unfolding, serving as a stage for momentous events: the arrival of the Nazis in Paris, Charles de Gaulle’s return after the Allied victory, the tomb for the Unknown Soldier, and celebrations for the World Cup victory in 2018. The Bastille Day military parade begins at the arch, and the Tour de France concludes its epic journey here.
A Climb to the Top: Breathtaking Views and History Unveiled
Below the iconic roundabout, a staircase leads to the base of the Arc de Triomphe. You can walk around the base for free, but venturing to the top requires a ticket. Don’t be deterred by the long queues, they move surprisingly fast. We ascended 284 winding stairs, a heart-pumping workout, but the stunning views from the top were well worth the effort.
The panorama was incredible, with twelve avenues converging at the arch, and the mesmerizing traffic flow of the roundabout. The cars entering the circle have the right of way, a unique traffic pattern.
From this vantage point, we had our first unobstructed glimpse of the majestic Eiffel Tower, a breathtaking sight. We could see Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the distance, a hint of what lay ahead. (Spoiler alert: we walked there from our hotel the next morning.)
Capturing a picture without any obstruction was a challenge, but we managed to capture the beauty of this iconic landmark. The Arc de Triomphe is also a prime spot to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
A Culinary Delight and a Day to Remember
After our exhilarating climb, we walked all the way back to our hotel, another 2.7 miles. We then indulged in a delicious meal at Pizzeria Positano, our favorite Parisian eatery. Pizza, pasta, and tiramisu – what a delightful way to end a fantastic day.
Day three in Paris was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and history. We walked over 27,000 steps, exploring the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. It was an unforgettable day, a perfect blend of Parisian charm and historical grandeur. Stay tuned for day four, starting in Montmartre! 🙂
