In the time of Napoleon the 3rd, Baron Haussman was in charge of the Paris redesign schemes, meant to transform and, in parts, make homogenous a city that, like Bucharest, was at the time more heterogenous than it is today. Baron Haussman has had as a result the fame of redesigning and even creating many new streets called boulevards (from the German word Bollwerk-risen promenade, some of Paris' boulevards being placed in the space left open by the removal of walls on which guards used to patrol). Tributary to his efforts, this boulevard was also designed in the spirit of the Second Empire's grandiose dimensions but since the Bucharest road grid is becoming increasingly intricate and congested even its 8 lanes are not enough for a fluent circulation in the Bucharest rush hour, which lasts from around 11 to 19. Driving in Bucharest is still a nasty bussiness which I wouldn't recommend to anyone not wanting to replace his suspension. Apart from road jams, thousands of potholes make any journey through Bucharest an obstacle-course. Driving is to be avoided at all times unless no other choice is available. Besides being Bucharest's Champs Elysees, there's not much more to be said about this street. Some Second Empire, some Art Deco buildings to be seen, plenty of shops and a few food outlets to consider.