Champs Elysees is the most prestigious and broadest avenues in Paris and is called Avenue des Champs Elysees.

Champs Elysees was originally fields and markets until 1616 when Marie de Medici decided to extend the garden axis of Tui Lie Ries with an avenue of trees.

In 1724, TuiLieRies garden and the avenue were connected and extended leading beyond the place De Letoile and Champs Elysees had become a promenade with tall trees kissing the horizon. The green shelter made it easier for walkers to stroll around at their own wish. It is believed that queen Marie Antionette drove with her friends and took music lessons at one of the royal houses here.

Elysees palace is the grandest of the garden houses built along Faubourge Saint Honore. It became a property of the city in 1828 when fountains, footpaths were added. It was illuminated by then. In 1994, it was widened with large granite side walks. Famous military parades pass through it.

Because of the exorbitant rent , it is occupied only by offices and corporate houses. The splendid architecture of the Champs Elysees is beyond description.

The Presidential palace � Palais d� Elysees and the grand palace is a tourist trap. While waltzing and gaping at the world famous shops under the canopy of trees , we can see an open air Marionette Theatre for children, a French tradition popular through the ages.

It is shoppers delight which dishes out treschic items. Benetton, Disney Store, Continental, Europe�s largest gap and Virgin Mega Store as well as Sephora, Lancome, L�oreal occupy major space.

It is a home for luxury brands and one must visit Champs Elysees from November to December to marvel at its illumination for Christmas and New Year. The shimmering lights on the either side of the road and glowing lamps on the trees made me feel whether the leaves have changed their colour. There is an unending human and vehicular traffic even at night. During the Christmas eve, the shops are flooded with buyers who are intoxicated by the fragrance of French perfumes.

I curiously visited each and every shop to catch the glimpse of its wonder products. Reluctantly, I left Champs Elysees and proceeded towards Versailles.

(To be continued)

UshaRaja
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