Charles de Gaulle – Etoile

Charles de Gaulle – Etoile metro station

The Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station in Paris is one of the most important and busiest metro stations in the French capital. It is located at the intersection of several major avenues, including avenue des Champs-Élysées, avenue de la Grande Armée, avenue Kléber and avenue Carnot.

Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station takes its name from the famous Place de l’Étoile, renamed Place Charles de Gaulle in 1970 in honor of former French President Charles de Gaulle. The square is characterized by its imposing Arc de Triomphe, which stands at the center of the square and is an emblematic symbol of Paris.

The metro station itself is a major interchange, offering connections with several metro and RER (Réseau Express Régional) lines. It is served by lines 1, 2 and 6 of the Paris metro, as well as by line A of the RER. This makes it a convenient departure or transit point for many travelers to various parts of Paris.

It has eleven entrances.

Inauguration of the station

Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station was inaugurated on September 1, 1900, when the first Paris metro line, line 1, opened. Originally, it was known as “Étoile” because of its proximity to the Place de l’Étoile. The name was changed to “Charles de Gaulle-Étoile” in 1970 to pay tribute to former French President Charles de Gaulle. Since then, the station has remained a major transfer point and transport hub for the city.

Where does the name come from?

Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station takes its name from two main elements: Charles de Gaulle and the Place de l’Étoile.

Charles de Gaulle is an emblematic figure in French history. He was the leader of Free France during the Second World War and the first president of the Fifth French Republic, in office from 1959 to 1969. In recognition of his contributions and role in French history, Place de l’Étoile was renamed Place Charles de Gaulle in 1970.

Place de l’Étoile owes its name to its star shape. It is located at the intersection of several large avenues that radiate out like the branches of a star. Parisians commonly refer to this square as “l’Étoile”. It is famous for housing the Arc de Triomphe, an emblematic monument of Paris.

The metro station was named Charles de Gaulle-Étoile to honor the memory of Charles de Gaulle and to mark its strategic location near the Place de l’Étoile.

Where to go from Charles de Gaulle – Etoile ?

From Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station, you can get to many of Paris’s interesting places using public transport. Here are some popular destinations accessible from this station:

1. Champs-Élysées : You can walk from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station to the Champs-Élysées avenue, one of the most famous and lively avenues in Paris, with its stores, restaurants, cinemas and theaters.
2. Arc de Triomphe: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station is located right next to the Arc de Triomphe. You can step out of the station and admire this impressive monument, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
3. Musée du Louvre: Take metro line 1 from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and get off at the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre station. From here, you can visit one of the world’s greatest museums and discover masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa.
4. Eiffel Tower: Take metro line 6 from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and get off at Bir-Hakeim station. From here, you can walk to the Eiffel Tower, the emblematic landmark of Paris.
5. Montmartre district: Take metro line 2 from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and get off at Anvers station. From here, you can explore the charming Montmartre district, visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and enjoy its picturesque streets.
6. Latin Quarter: Take metro line 6 from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and get off at Place d’Italie station. From here, you can head to the Latin Quarter, famous for its universities, lively cafés and student life.

These destinations represent just a small selection of the many places within easy reach of Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station. Paris’ extensive public transport network means you can easily explore the city and its many sights from this central station.

Many public transport lines pass through this metro station: metros 1, 2 and 6, RER A, RATP buses 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and 341.

What’s nearby ?

Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station is located in a central area of Paris and offers a wide range of nearby attractions. Here are some of the interesting places and sites you can find near this station:

1. Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe is located right next to the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station. You can step out of the station and admire this iconic Paris landmark, which offers panoramic views of the city from its summit.
2. Champs-Élysées : Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station is also close to the Champs-Élysées avenue, one of the most famous and lively avenues in Paris. You can stroll along this avenue, with its luxury boutiques, restaurants, cinemas and theaters.
3. Place de l’Étoile/Place Charles de Gaulle: The station is located on Place de l’Étoile, renamed Place Charles de Gaulle in honor of the former French president. This large circular square links several major avenues, and is dominated by the Arc de Triomphe.
4. Palais de l’Élysée: Not far from the station, you’ll find the Palais de l’Élysée, the official residence of the French president. Although it’s not open to the public, you can stroll around and admire its architecture.
5. Parc Monceau: Within walking distance of the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station is the magnificent Parc Monceau. It’s a peaceful, picturesque public park where you can relax, take a stroll or enjoy a picnic.
6. Musée Jacquemart-André: Located nearby, the Musée Jacquemart-André houses a rich collection of works of art and decorative objects. You can discover paintings, sculptures, furniture and historical artifacts.

These are just some of the attractions you can find near the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station. The surrounding area is bustling with stores, restaurants, cafés and hotels, making it an ideal base for exploring Paris.

Anecdotes

• During construction of line 1 of the Paris metro, which included the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station, there was a particular difficulty to overcome: the Arc de Triomphe. The arch was located directly above the metro tunnel, and its massive construction posed an architectural challenge.
  Engineers at the time had to devise a special method to avoid damaging the Arc de Triomphe while building the metro tunnel beneath it. They used a technique known as a “bridge crane” to temporarily support the arch during construction. This bridge crane was essentially a mobile steel structure used to move and support parts of the arch during the underground work.
  This innovative construction method was used successfully, and the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station was inaugurated in 1900 without damaging the Arc de Triomphe. This anecdote illustrates the creativity and ingenuity of French engineers of the time in solving unique architectural challenges during the construction of the Paris metro.
• In Henri Verneuil’s 1975 film Peur sur la ville, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Charles Denner, part of Marcucci’s chase through Paris takes place in the station’s corridors. Bernard Campan and Didier Bourdon’s 2001 film Les Rois mages (The Three Wise Men) features the three Wise Men returning to earth after two thousand years: on the trail to the Étoile, they eventually discover the newborn they’re looking for in the corridors of the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile station.