“De Gaulle,” the name echoes through history. Rue du Général de Gaulle is not just a street. It’s a testament to a leader who shaped France. This street, like many others bearing his name, stands as a reminder of Charles de Gaulle’s enduring legacy.
Streets in France often commemorate historical events. They celebrate people who contributed to society. Charles de Gaulle certainly left his mark. Following the French Revolution, names including république were popular. Autocratic leaders like Napoleon then got in on the act. He saw street signs as a means of self-advertisement.
The naming of streets only began in the medieval period. Names were lengthy geographical descriptions back then. “The street that goes down to the river” was common. Street signs as we know them today appeared only in the 18th century.
After the death of President Charles de Gaulle in 1970, Place de l’Étoile was renamed Place Charles de Gaulle. However, it is still often referred to by its original name. The nearby Métro and RER station retains the designation Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. The Place Charles de Gaulle is the meeting point of twelve straight avenues. This includes the Champs-Élysées. Paris’s Axe historique cuts through the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle.
The avenues radiating from the Place de l’Étoile were created during the Second French Empire. This was part of Haussmann’s renovation of Paris. The square was completely redesigned. Avenues de Bezons, Joséphine, Kléber, de Saint-Cloud, Essling, and Prince-Jérôme formed a star. They surrounded the Arc de Triomphe with the Champs-Élysées.
The Place Charles de Gaulle has a diameter of 241 metres. It is the second largest square in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe is accessible via a pedestrian underpass. This avoids the confluence of vehicular traffic.
The twelve avenues include Avenue de Wagram. There is also Avenue Hoche. Avenue de Friedland and Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Avenue Marceau and Avenue d’Iéna are also present. Avenue Kléber and Avenue Victor-Hugo are other avenues. Finally, there are Avenue Foch, Avenue de la Grande Armée, Avenue Carnot, and Avenue Mac-Mahon.
The Place Charles de Gaulle is split between the 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements of Paris. The 8th arrondissement encompasses the area between Avenue de Wagram and Avenue Marceau. The 16th arrondissement encompasses the area between Avenue Marceau and Avenue de la Grande Armée. The 17th arrondissement encompasses the area between Avenue de la Grande Armée and Avenue de Wagram.
Rue du Général de Gaulle is more than just a name on a sign. It’s a link to the past. It is a tribute to a man who helped shape modern France. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet.