I couldn’t imagine there was an space in Phnom Penh constructed to seem like Paris, a pretend Paris in Phnom Penh! After I was researching issues to do in Phnom Penh for our journey, I stumbled throughout just a few images and references for a neighborhood or space referred to as the Elysee. I do know there are Paris replicas in China, however we didn’t know Phnom Penh had one as nicely.
Discovering the Elysee Phnom Penh
We now have been to Paris 6 occasions, so a pretend Paris space was fascinating to us. There are a selection of those areas around the globe, the place neighborhoods are constructed to seem like well-known areas. Cambodia has lengthy historical past with France, they colonized and developed the nation. Possibly that’s why they constructed this, or maybe all issues French are stylish as of late.
Would we be wowed by it? Would it not be meh or completely uninspiring?
The builders of the Elysee (the ACIC Group) dreamed large. They envisioned a slice of Paris constructed on Diamond Island within the coronary heart of Phnom Penh. The plans included replicas of Haussmann-style flats, modern boutiques, and at its heart, a proud reproduction of the Arc de Triomphe.
The event is split into three sections: 245 outlets and flats, 2 resorts, and 1 industrial constructing impressed by the French Arc de Triomphe. In actuality, it’s the dimensions of two metropolis blocks with the pretend Arc de Triomphe in the midst of every block.
We jumped in a Seize out the entrance of our resort, The Ohana Palace. The journey to the Elysee was simply 3 kilometers away, however Phnom Penh visitors meant it took us quarter-hour to get there as we ducked and weaved via vehicles, motorbikes and Tuk Tuks. The Seize automotive dropped us off within the shadow of the pretend Arc de Triomphe.
Our first impression was that the world appeared deserted, besides for 2 espresso outlets and half a dozen folks in view. In Paris, the arch stands because the centerpiece of eight converging avenues. This one presided over practically empty streets.
Strolling down the Champs Elysees Phnom Penh
We headed down the Promenade Des Champs Elysees in Phnom Penh. The dearth of individuals made it resemble a film set slightly than a busy promenade in Paris.
You end up on a small slim avenue with towering French-inspired buildings on both sides. The buildings look to be 4 or 5 tales excessive based mostly on the Haussmann buildings in Paris with the identical cream-colored facades.
As we made our means alongside the road, it was onerous to not discover a scarcity of individuals, outlets and exercise on this growth. There was a chemist, a medical centre and a small comfort retailer.
We thought as soon as we obtained onto the riverside of the advanced that there can be perhaps extra opened however no, the frontage to the river had even much less. Only a full two blocks with no outlets opened, simply indicators saying, outlets and flats for hire.
As we strolled alongside the riverfront boardwalk, taking in boats going up the river on one facet and the occasional have a look at the French-inspired buildings on the opposite, we’ve got to say we loved the dearth of individuals.
As we made our means again to the place we began , we chatted in regards to the deserves of the place and the truth that it does look slightly like Paris. The tropical warmth reminded us that we had been nonetheless very a lot in Cambodia.
Possibly you can go to the highest of the pretend arc for the view. No, not even that was doable as a result of the arc was truly an workplace constructing in disguise.
Will the Élysée ever replenish, or stay a unusual architectural experiment? In just a few years’ time it might grow to be widespread as extra folks transfer in, or not. Solely time will inform. However for now it’s fairly empty. However we’re glad we made the hassle to return test it out for ourselves
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Who Wrote This Article?
Mark is part of a husband and spouse writing and content material creation staff.
Mark Wyld
Father, husband, traveller. During the last 18 years, I’ve travelled with our children to over 45 nations, from toddlers to youngsters.
