This tree-lined avenue begins at the Arc de Triomphe and ends 2km (1.2mi) east at the Egyptian Obelisk, through the 8th arrondissement. An ‘arrondissement’ is a district. Paris is divided into twenty with the first at the center and the others winding clockwise around it.

Along this avenue, one of a handful known by name the world over, is arrayed a cornucopia of cinemas and theaters, cafes and restaurants, and shops and hotels that rival those of Fifth Avenue in New York.

Originally parkland, by the late 1700s the Champs-Elysées had become the street to see and on which to be seen. Beginning in 1916 Louis Vuitton formed an association to transform it into a commercial shopping area. The mixture of commerce and fashion survives to the present.

The character of the road changes along its length with one part forming the commercial area (Place Charles de Gaulle) and the other a walking area lined with chestnut trees and flower beds (Place de la Concorde). After Unirii Blvd in Bucharest it is the widest avenue in Europe.

Above the greenery rise two large buildings, the Petit Palais (which is anything but small) and the Grand Palais. Both house several rotating exhibits. Overflowing with neo-classical carvings and statuary they both deserve a look.

Food and drink along the avenue runs the spectrum from the Fouquet, an upscale bar and restaurant, to MacDonald’s. But there is also the opportunity to sit at one of the many outdoor cafes and simply watch the parade of people while sipping excellent coffee.

There are dozens of shops – everything from the Gap, Lacoste or the Disney Store to specialty boutiques. Through them the Champs-Elysées maintains the reputation for fashion it has enjoyed since the mid-1800s.

Along with the designer stores there are several first class hotels. Whether interested in the Hotel Napoleon, termed ‘the place’ by Errol Flynn, or the Frontenac, or one of the dozen others all have been excellently maintained over the years. Even for those who can’t afford to stay, the lobbies make for a delightful (if discreet), visit.

Not only the hotels, but the avenue itself has enjoyed several upgrades over the years. The latest, completed in 1993, widened the sidewalks to allow for greater foot traffic. Even the streetlamps have been refurbished. The results help to maintain the avenue’s reputation as “la plus belle avenue du monde” (”the most beautiful avenue in the world”).

It may be pointless to describe how to reach the Champs-Elysées, since to be here is to be in Paris. But to be concrete, one can take the metro (subway) to Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile, George V or Champs-Elysées Clemenceau.

Photo by Adrian Denegar

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There are in fact several “Arc de Triomphe’s” in Paris. A large arch with two thick towers surmounted by a large horizontal section has been a popular architectural feature since the time of Louis XIV (the ‘14th’) in the late 17th century.

But the one located at the intersection of the Champs-Elysées and the Avenue de la Grande Armée (along with 10 other streets) is the one sought out by most visitors.

Its elaborate carvings and friezes make the work an artistic delight, but the monument’s sheer size – unimaginable merely from photographs – turns it into an architectural marvel. The Arc is 50m (164 ft) high, 45m (148ft) long, and 22m (72ft) wide. The vaulted passageway is 30m (98ft) tall.

As you stand underneath the structure (though given the traffic in Paris, never in the center, unfortunately) you’re overwhelmed by the massive stone. Here it’s easy to imagine Napoleon’s armies marching triumphantly down the boulevard and through the opening.

Commissioned in 1806 and completed in 1836, it was constructed for the purpose of celebrating Napoleon’s victories. Ironically, Napoleon never had the chance to do so. Wellington defeated his army at Waterloo in 1815 bringing an end to Napoleon’s self-glorifying monument construction projects.

The monument can be seen from several different sections of Paris far away, in part thanks to the Parisian zoning restrictions forbidding the construction of tall buildings.

But the structure can be seen not only from far away or under the arch, but underneath and inside as well. There’s a tunnel under the street from one side to the other and a spiral staircase in the interior.

At the base are four large relief sculptures set on the bases of four pillars. Engraved around the top are names of major victories of the period. Along the sides are the names of 558 generals – those underlined died in action.

Since the end of WWI the Arc has held the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, commemorating the dead killed between 1914 and 1918. The permanently burning Flame of Remembrance forms a touching part of the impressive monument.

Inside the arch (’arc’ is French for ‘arch’) there’s a small museum with displays pertaining to its history. (Admission covers the museum and access to the top.)

From the top the views, as they are anywhere above Paris, are awe-inspiring. Not for nothing is it known as the ‘City of Lights’. From there the visitor can see the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde and other well-known sights.

The Arc de Triomphe is most easily reached via the Metro (subway). Exit at the Charles de Gaulle – Etoile station. Or simply stroll down the Champs-Elysées, you can’t miss it.

Photo by Jean-Marc Labbe

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Travel deals to Europe and Spain not only let you take a peek of “Old World” customs and culture but also help you to see differently, from a different perspective because they let you learn more.

Cruising On The Railway

Though some of you may not know it, there are a number of ways to enjoy the scenery and get to different destinations, one of which is on a train.  There are companies now that host different travel deals to Europe and Spain via a railway like the RailEurope that gives the best railway experience and offer a number of special deals the whole year round.  They also run an early bird special during the springtime giving discounts to people who can book travel deals to Europe and Spain at this time of year.

You can make your reservation at www.travelinginspain.com and also get to know more about their different European destinations.  RailEurope guarantees to give you one of a kind experience in traveling.

Cruising On The Sea

If cruise ships are more appealing to you when it comes to reaching European destinations, the Carnival Cruise Line could give you a luxurious experience during your whole trip.  With amenities like spas, salons, discotheques, and catering services, you are guaranteed to have the most relaxing and soothing travel experience.  They have special travel deals to Europe and Spain that can help you save money on your trip.  So what is more wonderful than getting to a nice destination like Europe?  It is the quality of the experience that you had on your way to your destination.

So book your cruise trip now by visiting www.carnival.com and get a quote or get to know more about the services that would best give you a luxurious trip.

Cruising The Clouds

Lastly, you can have the best travel deals to Europe and Spain via airplane and there are many travel agencies that could help you book your hotel, car rental, and airfare. Using up the least of your vacation time, airline travel allows you more time at your destination.

Travel deals offered by the Go-Today travel agency help you save money on your European adventure. You can make a reservation or get a quote by visiting their website at www.go-today.com. 

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Tourists can spend time in the hippie quarter in Lavapies or head north to Gran Via, Madrid’s premier shopping street. Even at night the shopping in Madrid never stops. The impromptu stalls around Plaza Mayor are always staffed with someone ready to make a deal. Many are just tourist traps, so beware how you bargain. There’s no point in coming all the way to Madrid just to get junk you could buy anywhere.

You can head to El Rastro, Madrid’s huge outdoor flea market. It has its share of junk too, but there are also some decent antiques and the odd great find. Jewelry, old clothes, books… just about anything you can think of. Nearby there’s a coin and stamp fair held on Sundays.

Located between the Plaza de Cascorro and Ronda de Toledo, there’s a Metro stop at La Latina. Easy to recognize, there’s a statue of Eloy Gonzalo in the middle of Cascorro Square.

If you go during the week the area is likely to be less crowded, but there are also many fewer shopping opportunities. You may prefer the weekend when the place is packed with tourists and natives alike and there is much more from which to choose.

The Alcalá area will prove to be a dream come true for some. Shoes, dresses, accessories and more are available in dozens of different stores. Everything here is the latest in style and you’ll find a gift for yourself and those who stayed home. Take the Metro to Sol or Sevilla.

On Calle Serrano shoppers will find all the upscale items their taste demands. Designer clothing shops, art boutiques and dozens of gifts for those unfortunates who couldn’t come along on the trip to Madrid.

For the men, the Calle Princessa has a range of options. Suits, shoes and much more can be found in this popular area. Take the Metro to Argüelles and Ventura Rodríguez.

Calle Preciados makes for a great shopping stop, because it’s strictly pedestrians-only. Ditto Calle Montera. Everything from men’s fashions to the most fashionable women’s clothing are easy to find on this street. Take the Metro to Sol.

Don’t forget to check out El Cortes Ingles, Madrid’s premier department store. Part of a chain, the main store is here and offers just about anything you can ask for.

While you’re in the area try Mercado de San Miguel, which used to be a fish market. Today, it offers a variety of small shops that offer fresh fruits, vegetables and much more in this small area. You’ll need some food after all that shopping!

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The gates were once the entrance to Madrid. Like many medieval towns it was surrounded in the 15th century by a protective wall. Through the gate passed traders and visitors from all over the known world. It gradually grew to an important meeting place for important merchants and politicians.

Visitors will find here a number of attractions. There is the large sculpture of a bear eating the fruit of the madrone tree, for example. The name ‘Madrid’ derives from the Spanish word for this plant and the bear is a powerful symbol for the madrilenos.

At the beginning of Alcala Street, in front of the Regina Hotel, you can pause and take in two outstanding examples of architecture. Pause to admire the statues atop these banks and then move on down the road.

At the House of the Post Office you come upon one of Madrid’s most important buildings. Built in 1768 and housing a giant clock with faces on each side of the tower, it is the central point for the New Year celebrations. During the traditional festival for eating the Twelve Grapes, the clock will chime out. The joyous occasion has been broadcast live from this point for over 40 years now.

Enjoy the sight of the statue of Charles III there, honored for his many public works programs. Today the point is ablaze at night with the sign of Tio Pepe. Here, too, is the Mariblanca statue of Venus. Actually, the sculpture is a replica of the original in the Municipal Museum.

Because of its location and prominence in the life of Madrid, the Puerta naturally serves as the focal point for many political protests. Vigorous, but not dangerous, you may see one during your visit.

Not far away are dozens of shops, restaurants and other attractions. The El Corte Ingles department store is always a popular draw for tourists and the bars are busy from early in the evening until early the next morning. Some are just getting started at 1 a.m.! Street music is frequently ‘on the menu’ as well.

The area is a short walk from the Plaza Mayor and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) so you’ll be well positioned to enjoy those other fine sights of Madrid, too. Parliament is not far away and there’s a Metro station underneath the square. There are dozens of side streets full of shops and interesting restaurants, so explore!

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A relatively young museum, established in 1991, the Queen Sofia contains hundreds of works by dozens of artists, including the famed Guernica by Picasso. As a result it is now ranked among the most important collections in modern art in Europe.

Unusual for a museum dedicated to modern art, the collection is housed in a building designed in the 18th century. Scheduled to be demolished, it was declared an historic monument in 1977 and eventually was re-purposed to its present use.

Located near the Atocha roundabout not far from the Prado, the theme of traditional combined with modern continues in the famed transparent elevators. From them visitors can obtain an excellent view of Madrid on their way to the paintings.

Off the elevator banks there are several interesting Solana pieces, among them The Circle of the Cafe Pombo, The Chorus Girls and The Meeting of the Pharmacy. All are works of the 20s and 30s, but the collection of Queen Sofia covers a range from the late 19th century to the most contemporary works.

Miro is well represented with works such as Man With A Pipe, Escargot, Femme, Fleur, Toile and Femme et Oiseau Dans La Nuit (Woman and Bird in the Night). Painted in Barcelona these works from the 20s and 30s of the artist continue to attract large crowds of visitors.

Dali has a number of works in the museum. The style runs the gamut from the 1927 Still Life By the Light of the Moon, which appears to be a take-off of Picasso, to the naturalistic portrait Galarina of 1945, to the Crucifixion paintings of 1951 and 1955 in which surrealism is suppressed in favor of a stylized realism.

There are several Picasso works, some of them that will surprise all but the most knowledgeable devotees of the Spanish painter. The First Communion from 1896, for example, shows the young artist painting very much in the academic style of the 19th century. Even the Woman In Blue of 1901 still shows much of this influence.

By the time you come upon the Las Señoritas de Avignon of 1907 the cubist style for which he is most well known is prominently on display. The famed Guernica, painted in 1937 is yet another evolution of this ever-changing artist. Taking its inspiration from the Nazi bombing of the town of the same name, it shows the mature Picasso’s slant on surrealism in an unmistakable way.

Besides the paintings, there are porcelain, pottery, glass and a great many other objets d’art housed in the over 46,000 square yards (39,000 sq m) of exhibit space. There’s also a public library and a cafeteria.

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Even though less than 10% of the room is open to the public, there is still far more than a visitor could see in a single day. Everywhere the eye looks can be seen fine rococo decoration, lush tapestries, bejeweled clocks, delicate porcelain and thousands of other precious objects.

Long the home of Spanish monarchs (it was conceived by Phillip V, and occupied until Alfonso XIII in 1931), this palace was once the center of power for a dynasty that ruled half the then-known world.

Sited at the former Moorish fortress, Alcázar (built in the 9th century, but burned down in 1734), the palace itself is an outstanding example of French classical architecture. But beyond the building there are statuary and grounds that complete the work.

The stone statues of an Inca prince, Atahualpa, and the Aztec king Montezuma are only two of the many unusual touches around the palace grounds.

The two-hour tour of the palace includes the Salón de Gasparini, where you can see astonishing ceramic walls and sparkling chandeliers. It also covers the magnificent banquet hall, which can seat over 100 guests for dinner.

Twenty-five years in construction, the palace contains the throne room and armory of one of the world’s superpowers of the 18th century. Both are on display today.

In the throne room are the two seats occupied by a succession of Spain’s rulers, from which they issued edicts that influenced much of the world’s history for centuries. The Armeria Real (Royal Armory) shows a number of weapons and armor, along with a range of medieval torture implements used in the Spanish Inquisition.

But there are also on display examples of Spain’s more exalted aspects.

You’ll have an opportunity to see the famed Biblioteca Real (Royal Library), too. Not a serious competitor compared to the Vatican collection, but well worth a visit. You’ll see a first edition of Don Quixote, Cervantes magnum opus, and several Stradivarius stringed instruments.

The Royal Pharmacy displays many of the instruments used to treat the members of the royal family, and gives some insight into the medical knowledge of the day. It’s still in use, and therefore is closed during official functions.

Visitors can witness the changing of the guards outside, while taking in a view of one of the best of Madrid’s many fine gardens. Stand on the Patio de Armas and enjoy the view of the Manzanares River.

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The park grounds were once the province of a royal palace of Phillip IV. Evidence of that remains in the form of the Casón Del Buen Retiro and the Museo del Ejército. The remaining buildings were decimated largely by the Napoleonic wars around the beginning of the 19th century.

The Casón now houses a collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, including art by the Spanish painter Sorolla.

The Ejército is one of Spain’s foremost Army museums and it houses the sword of the famous Spanish warrior El Cid. Along with El Cid’s famous La Tizona, there are displays of armor, a cross carried by Columbus on his sea voyage to the New World and other artifacts.

Though created in 1632, the park was first opened to the public in 1868. Since that time, madrilenos have strolled its sidewalks enjoying views of rolling greenery, street musicians, jugglers, fortune tellers and just ordinary citizens out for a warm walk.

The centerpiece of that beautiful scenery is the large lake near the northern entrance called the Estanque del Retiro. Visitors can rent a boat and row leisurely across the surface. As they do they can see, along with those on the shore, the statue of King Alfonso XII astride his horse. Erected in 1922, the statue is backed by a semi-circular colonnade that completes the view.

At the southern end is another lake next to which is the extraordinary Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). Completed in 1887 and modeled after a similar building in London, it was intended to house a variety of exotic plants. A short stroll away is the Palacio de Velázquez which once held exhibitions for various industries. It’s now used primarily to house temporary exhibits from the Queen Sofia art museum.

The Rosaleda rose garden is another of the park’s beautiful features, one frequently enjoyed by tourists and natives alike. Among the many rose bushes stands a statue called El Angel Caído depicting Satan as one of the fallen angels. It’s easy to locate by walking down the Avenida de Cuba through the Plaza de Honduras.

Nearby are the equally delightful Cecilia Rodriguez gardens and not far away are outstanding restaurants on Serrano Street. For something less expensive, there are many outdoor cafes near the lake. Only a few minutes walk distant is the Prado museum where you can spend hours enjoying the works housed in one of Europe’s finest art museums.

The Buen Retiro – ‘the good retreat’ – is aptly named. Visit and find out why.

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Over the centuries the plaza has hosted bullfights, political battles, festivals and more than one beheading. Today, the most likely site for a tourist lazily munching on a sandwich and enjoying the sunshine. The surrounding shops offer a good reason for a pleasant stroll and for the truly curious, you can visit the baker’s guild.

Established centuries earlier, the Plaza Mayor took its approximate current shape in 1790 after the most recent fire. The brainchild of Phillipe II, as part of his effort to make Madrid the capital of Spain, it was completed in 1619 under the auspices of Phillipe III. The latter’s statue in the center of the plaza serves as a reminder to all of its patron.

Not large by some standards, it is nearly square at about 100m on each side. But within the area nearly 50,000 spectators have stood at one time or another. Whether cheering and dancing during one of Madrid’s many festivals or gawking and horrified at one of Spain’s many executions, the plaza has served as a public square in the most literal sense.

Weddings have alternated with trials by the Spanish Inquisition. Bullfights have traded places with summer lounging. The buildings surrounding the square provide convenient perches for those who want to look down on the events taking place below.

In the summer those observers will see dozens of tables where a tourist can get a meal or a drink or just take a rest. No matter where you sit, it won’t be long before a waiter from one of the surrounding restaurants arrives to take your order. When he does you’ll have a chance to experience first hand Madrid’s friendly atmosphere.

There are dozens of cafes, bars and restaurants. When you’ve finished your meal, and perhaps had a little siesta, there are numerous shops around to peruse. Antiques, coins, military memorabilia and a variety of other choices are within an easy stroll.

Like any big city, petty crime is not unknown there. Tourists should be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate cautions to avoid being taken advantage of. Paranoia would be extreme, but prudence is called for.

Though one is unlikely to see a royal coronation, looking around it isn’t difficult to imagine what the scene must have been like during some of the historical events centered at the Plaza Mayor. Fortunately, today’s visitors no longer have to be very concerned about witnessing an auto de fe – a ritual of public penance by heretics, after a judicial sentencing by the Spanish Inquisition.

Madrilenos today are much more interested in enjoying life. Come join them in the Plaza Mayor.

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The museum got its beginning when the Spanish government offered to purchase that collection in 1993 for $350 million and converted the late 18th century Villahermosa Palace into the present site to house it. The family, overflowing with paintings in a Swiss villa near Lugano, Switzerland, took the offer and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza was the result. The museum renovation added another $45 million to the total price.

Though the price may seem high, in the eyes (and calculators) of most art experts the total is worth somewhere between $1 billion and $3 billion. Given that the collection consists of over 700 of some of the best paintings in the world that, as they say, is a steal.

Among the works are paintings by Canaletto and Caravaggio, El Greco and Goya, Rembrandt and Hals, Velázquez, Dürer, Watteau and dozens of other masters. There are works that range in style from Picasso to Sargent, Kirchner to Kandinsky. American artists are well represented including Homer and Hopper, and several moderns.

As recently as 2004 the collection acquired new exhibition space by expanding into the former Palace of Goyeneche on nearby Marqués de Cubas street. In the new space there are sculptures by Rodin, examples of German Impressionism, as well as works ranging from 17th century Italian and Flemish to 19th century American landscapes.

One of Holbein’s many Portrait of Henry VIII samples is in the museum along with Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington’s cook. Pissarro’s Saint-Honore Street in the Afternoon is not far from Renoir’s Woman With A Parasol. Picasso’s Harlequin With a Mirror is near Dali’s Dream Caused By The Flight of a Bee. There are lesser known examples of Wyeth and O’Keefe down the hall from German Expressionists.

Though there are paintings from the 13th to the 20th centuries, the works are well laid out in spacious surroundings. They follow a chronological order and visitors will find it easy to zero in on the period that most interests them.

The formerly private collection was considered second only to that of the British monarchy which is only nominally private, since it ‘belongs’ to the British people. It came to the museum largely by the efforts of Baron Thyssen’s wife Carmen Cervera. Another 100 works from the collection are housed in Barcelona.

The results of her efforts, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, with its sleek marble floors and salmon colored walls is a show place of extraordinary beauty. With 86,000 square feet of exhibition space in the new addition alone, art lovers will want to alot ample time to see the collection and its stunning homes.

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