Paris - The Arc de Triomphe View 1 - 8me

Plate LXIX - Ave de la Grande Armee …

At the end of September each year France celebrates its heritage by freely opening the doors to hundreds of buildings and museums across the country for a weekend. This includes many buildings not usually granting public access including the Elysee Palace (home of the French President). Established back in 1984 these days are known as the Journées de Patrimonie. One of the places opened during my visit was the Arc de Triomphe. The elevators were not available (a discreet Parisian crowd control device perhaps) - but not to be denied the views from atop the arch I climbed it’s narrow winding spiral steps – all 280, I counted - to once again get my bearings and the layout of the city. 

From the arch, being the centre point of Baron George-Eugene Haussman’s Etoile one can appreciate the effect that his approach to urban planning has on the daily lives of Parisians. I can think of no other world city where the consideration given to the effect of new developments on the old is as carefully thought out as in Paris so as to preserve the aspects built before. Hausmann’s boulevards are the foundation of a rational city extending far beyond the old city limits. 

In this first view I was looking back along the Ave de la Grande Armée to the Grande Arch of La Défense. This avenue together with the Champs Elysées forms the main line of Paris' incredible Axe Historique (explained in an earlier posting). The trees of the Bois de Boulogne can be clearly seen at the left of view. It is in this area that the Roland Garros stadium, the site of the renowned annual French Tennis Open tournament is found. (And it is through watching this magnificent annual event on television that I am aware of the very changeable nature of Parisian weather).
The préfecture of La Défense with its skyscrapers, so thoughtfully allowed only outside of the greater city limits (la Tour Montparnasse being the one notable exception) dominates the skyline, the Grand Arche is seen at almost picture centre.