Place Charles de Gaulle is a stressful drive in Paris
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Place Charles de Gaulle: Paris's Most Legendary (and Chaotic) Roundabout
Ever heard of a roundabout so famous it's basically a tourist attraction? Welcome to Place Charles de Gaulle—or as the locals still call it, Place de l'Étoile (Star Square). This iconic Parisian landmark sits where 12 avenues converge in a dizzying starburst pattern, and let me tell you, it lives up to its reputation for absolute traffic mayhem.
The roundabout sprawls across an impressive 241 meters in diameter, covering about 4.55 hectares and stretching across three arrondissements (the 8th, 16th, and 17th). Named after General de Gaulle in 1970, this junction is dominated by the Arc de Triomphe at its center and fed by some seriously impressive thoroughfares—including the world-famous Champs-Élysées. The whole thing aligns perfectly with the Arche du Carrousel and Grande Arche de la Défense, creating one of Paris's most visually striking urban vistas.
Now, about driving here: thousands of cars pour through daily, and traffic jams? They're basically guaranteed at any hour. If you're not 100% confident about where you're exiting, take the outer circle around the Arc de Triomphe instead. Sure, you'll hit traffic lights, and yes, it takes longer—but your stress levels will thank you, especially if you're not a seasoned Paris driver.
Fair warning: navigating Place Charles de Gaulle is an experience you'll definitely be recounting over dinner for years. It's chaotic, it's intense, and it's absolutely quintessential Paris.
Where is it?
Place Charles de Gaulle is a stressful drive in Paris is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.4853, 2.1925
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.4853, 2.1925
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