8th Arrondissement: Arc de Triomphe and the Madeleine

The 8th Arrondissement is one of the most famous and popular locations for tourists to visit. This area includes Paris' famed Champs-Élysées, a large boulevard lined with luxury shops. This is the Paris often seen in films. On end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is located. Also located on the avenue is the Obelisk of Luxor,  the oldest monument in France. It was originally located at the Luxor Pyramid in Egypt, and had been a gift from the Viceroy of Egypt. The Obelisk has been located on the Champs-Élysées since 1833, when the revolution ended and the guillotine previously occupying its spot was removed. 

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile: Tourist Attraction

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most well-known monuments in the city. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to serve as a monument to recognize those who died for France during the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution. Numerous prominent military marches have taken place under the arc. When Victor Hugo died, his body was exposed under the arc before he was buried in the Pantheon. This is also where the Bastille day parade takes place each year, with a military march and a parade of planes. We went to the parade this year and were amazed by the show! 

L'eglise de la Madeleine: Architectural Object

The Madeleine is a Catholic church designed to honor Napoleon's army, commissioned by Napoleon himself and consecrated in 1842. Today, services at the Madeleine are still celebrated daily. 

Gare Saint Lazare: Interesting Site
The Saint Lazare Train Station is located close to the Madeleine. Claude Monet lived close by starting in 1877, and finished 11 paintings of the railways. 

This clock sculpture outside the station was interesting! 

Saint Augustin: Commercial Business

Hotel Madeleine Opera: Two Star Hotel

Hotel Madeleine Opera is located close to the Madeleine in the 8th arrondissement and Galeries Lafayette in the 9th. Double rooms start at around 140 Euros per night. 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8th_arrondissement_of_Paris

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champs-Élysées

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxor_Obelisk

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Madeleine,_Paris

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_Saint-Lazare