Place Charles de Gaulle is a stressful drive in Paris
Place Charles de Gaulle is a roundabout located in Paris, the capital of France. It’s famous for the 12 avenues radiating from the place, and thus indirectly for the giant traffic jams they tend to create. It's one of the world's 10 best roundabouts.
What’s Place Charles de Gaulle?
The road junction, also known as Place de l'Étoile, is among the most familiar symbols and landmarks of Paris, having witnessed many significant events in local history. It is the symbol of traffic congestion in Paris.
Why is it called Place Charles de Gaulle?
The square was named Charles-de-Gaulle upon General de Gaulle's death in 1970. Before, it was called Place de l'Etoile (Star Square) because of the geometrical design of the twelve avenues fanning out from the square. It measures 241 meters in diameter, which gives it a surface area of approximately 4.55 hectares.
How busy is Place Charles de Gaulle?
Straddling the 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements, the roundabout receives traffic from 12 avenues. This iconic road junction is situated at the intersection of several prominent avenues, including the world-famous Champs-Élysées. As a result, Place Charles de Gaulle is known for its heavy traffic and frequent congestion, making it one of the busiest and most recognizable intersections in Paris.
How to drive Place Charles de Gaulle?
The iconic roundabout is always full of cars, thousands every day. Traffic jams are really common at any time. If you don’t know exactly where you’re going to get off, it’s better to take the outer circle around the Arc de Triomphe, located at the center of the road junction. It may take longer because you’ll have to wait for the lights every time, but it’s less stressful when you’re a beginner. The experience of driving in this large road junction (aligned with the Arche du Carrousel and the Grande Arche de la Défense) will give you something to talk about at dinner parties for years to come... Despite its traffic challenges, driving through Place Charles de Gaulle offers a memorable experience and a unique perspective of Parisian urban life.