Transfer service from Paris airport to place Charles de Gaulle in Paris

History and tour of the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris

Place Charles de Gaulle is the limit of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissement of the city of Paris. It is attached to the districts of Chaillot and the Champs Elysees. It measures 240 meters long and wide. The creation of this site was made in 1670. Previously, it was known as the Place de l’Etoile. The name it now bears was given on November 13, 1970, in memory of General Charles de Gaulle. It is served by the Charles de Gaulle metro station.

Formerly, the location of the Place Charles de Gaulle was called Butte Chaillot. The redevelopment of the mound ended in 1777. The place was previously a cross hunting ground. Adjustments were made to the barrier of the Star in the Wall of the Farmers-General in 1787. This barrier functioned to limit the Paris city with the former first district. Two buildings were around the barrier. The ground cover was made with star-shaped pavers, hence its name Place de l’Etoile. The Arc de Triomphe is built in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle from 1806 to 1836.

Restructuring was established by the architect Jacques Hittorff during the Second Empire. The work was supervised by the prefect of the Seine, Baron Haussmann. Mansions took possession of the environment of the arc following a decree dated August 13, 1854. They were constructed with uniform shapes. The gardens of the luxurious hotels are open on the square. There are twelve avenues leading to the square in a star shape. These include Avenue de Wagram, MacMahon, Carnot, Grand Army, Foch, Victor Hugo, Kleber, Jena, Marceau, Champs Elysees, Friedland, and Avenue Hoche. These avenues implement six Parisian axes. The square is bordered by two streets that form a circle, the Rue de Tilsit and Rue de Pressburg. The cobblestones of the square are of different colors; those dark lead to the hotel while the red lead to the streets. This site has two underpasses, one is reserved for vehicles while the other, called Passage of Remembrance, is for pedestrians.

Place Charles de Gaulle has been the scene of public events. It was the venue of various public events such as the one on May 30, 1968, which brought together around one million demonstrators. A terrorist attack also took place on this site on August 17, 1995, and resulted in 17 injuries. It houses the restaurant’s garden Royal Monceau. Patrick Modiano’s novel released in 1968 is called « Place de l’Etoile ». The sudden change of name of this place was made four days after the death of General Charles de Gaulle. Initially, it was the Champs Elysées that was to be renamed, but ultimately it was the place that was renamed. New rules were established by the Councillors of Paris stating that streets will no longer bear the name of a deceased person in less than five years.

Discover the surroundings of Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris

Place Charles de Gaulle, commonly known as the Étoile, is a pivotal hub in Parisian geography and history, dominated by the monumental Arc de Triomphe. This iconic structure, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor French military victories, offers visitors an insightful museum within and a panoramic view of Paris from its terrace. The area is a gateway to the Champs-Élysées, known as « La plus belle avenue du monde » (the world’s most beautiful avenue), which stretches east towards Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Garden.

Surrounding the Étoile, twelve grand avenues radiate outward like spokes on a wheel, each lined with trees and showcasing Parisian architectural elegance. Among these, Avenue Victor Hugo leads to upscale residential areas and chic boutiques, while Avenue Kléber heads towards the Trocadéro, site of the Palais de Chaillot and a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine.

For culture enthusiasts, a short walk from the Arc is the Palais des Congrès, a major venue for concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. The area also boasts numerous cafes and restaurants where visitors can indulge in gourmet meals or casual French fare. To explore these attractions with ease, consider using a comfortable minivan car service, perfect for navigating the bustling streets of Paris.

Transfer to the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris

From Orly Airport, Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Beauvais Airport, travelers have several options to visit Place Charles de Gaulle, including shuttles and private cars. While taxis from Charles de Gaulle Airport offer direct routes, their higher costs and the variability in travel experience due to traffic suggest considering alternative transportation. Public transport like the RER and metro, though cost-effective, pose challenges for those with heavy luggage. Thus, a shuttle service becomes a compelling choice, balancing cost and convenience, providing a stress-free arrival. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, consider a luxury car VIP service, or for practicality, choose the shuttle from Orly.