The Champs-Élysées is known as the most beautiful avenue in the world. It travels from the Place de la Concorde, down to the Arc de Triomphe. On Bastille Day, it is the site of the largest military parade in Europe and in July, the finish line for the Tour de France bicycle race.

Traveling down this street, the thing I first noticed were the trees. They were much taller than expected and manicured as if a giant pair of hedge trimmers had smoothed out the sides to allow a perfect view down the street.  The Champs-Élysées ends at the Arc de Triomphe, built to honor the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte. The line going horizontal through the Arc is actually the 35 story Grande Arche de la Défense. It is home to government and business offices, marking the western end of this axis, miles away in the business district.