Metro-expo-resto #8
“mÉtro, Expo, Resto”
Break out of the mould of “métro, boulot, dodo” (a French expression that, translated literally, means “Métro, work, sleep”) and get ready for “Métro, expo, resto”, as Babylangues introduces you to a new way of exploring the Paris Métro system. Join us in our quest to discover the various stations dotted across the city. How did they get their names? What are the surrounding neighbourhoods like? What can be found nearby? So many questions and Babylangues has all the answers!
charles De Gaulle Étoile (8ème Arrondissement)
Charles de Gaulle Étoile metro station borders the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements and connects the lines 1, 2 and 6, in addition to the RER A overground service.
Where Does It’s name Come From?
The station was originally opened in 1900 under the name of ‘Étoile’, taking its name sake from the nearby location of Place de l’Étoile. However, following the death of Charles de Gaulle in 1970, Place de l’Étoile was amended to Place Charles de Gaulle and thus, the station assumed the longer name of ‘Charles de Gaulle-Étoile’.
Interesting Things Nearby
The station platforms sits at the western end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and lies beneath the large square above, in which the Arc de Triomphe sits regally and assumes pride of place. From an aerial view, Place Charles de Gaulle is particularly famed for its twelve avenues which radiate from its famous focal point, the Arc de Triomphe, and form the star shape from which the square originally took its namesake of ‘Étoile’.
The road traffic around this square is, more often than not, very chaotic and is often surrounded by tourists. However, the Arc de Triomphe offers a magnificent 360 degree viewing platform of the Parisian skyline. In fact, many would go as far to say that this is one of the most impressive views that you can get of the city, particularly thanks to the Arc’s proximity to the Eiffel Tower!
If you are under 25 and an EU citizen, then you are eligible to climb the Arc de Triomphe free of charge upon presentation of a valid identity card – “profiter”, as the French would say!
