Explore the real places in Paris that appear in The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Élysée Palace, The Sorbonne, Orly Airport, Le Bourget Airport, Place de la Concorde and 10 more.
55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré — The target
The Élysée Palace is President Charles de Gaulle's official residence and the ultimate target of the Jackal's assassination plot. Throughout the novel, the Jackal meticulously studies the palace's security, schedules, and protocols, planning to kill de Gaulle during a public appearance. De Gaulle himself appears at key moments, oblivious to the threat—his stubborn refusal to increase security and his fatalistic attitude fuel the entire narrative.
The Élysée Palace has been the official residence of French heads of state since 1848. During the de Gaulle era (1959-1969), it was heavily guarded due to multiple assassination attempts by the OAS (Organisation de l'Armée Secrète), a right-wing paramilitary group opposed to de Gaulle's Algerian independence policy.
The Élysée Palace remains the official residence of the President of the French Republic. While not open to the general public, the building's façade and grounds are visible from the street, and it continues to be one of France's most recognizable symbols of state power.
Latin Quarter, Rue de la Sorbonne — OAS meeting place
The Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter serve as a base for OAS operatives and sympathizers within Paris. Colonel Rodin and his conspirators coordinate their assassination plot from safe houses and meeting points throughout this historic academic district. The Jackal is hired here through OAS intermediaries, and the Left Bank becomes the geography of political intrigue and clandestine meetings.
The Sorbonne, founded in 1253, is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. By the early 1960s, it had become a hotbed of political activism and housed many intellectuals sympathetic to various political causes, including anti-de Gaulle factions.
The Sorbonne remains part of the University of Paris system and is open to visitors during academic events and tours. The Latin Quarter around it is a vibrant student district with bookstores, cafés, and galleries.
Visit: La Sorbonne - Université Paris I Panthéon-Assas (historic site)
South of Paris — Jackal's entry point
Orly Airport serves as the Jackal's initial entry point to France. The assassin arrives here under false papers, and security officials are unable to detect him despite international alerts. Forsyth's detailed descriptions of passport control, customs procedures, and airport security establish the Jackal's meticulous planning and highlight the difficulty of stopping a determined professional operative.
Orly Airport opened in 1961 and quickly became Paris's second major airport alongside Le Bourget. By the early 1960s, it handled a significant portion of international traffic and was a critical entry point for travel to the French capital.
Paris-Orly Airport continues as one of Europe's major airports, serving millions of passengers annually. It remains one of Paris's two primary international hubs alongside Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Visit: Paris-Orly Airport (landmark)
North of Paris — Intelligence operations base
Le Bourget serves as a base for French security services tracking the Jackal. Deputy Commissioner Lebel and his task force coordinate surveillance operations and intelligence gathering from here. The airport becomes a nexus for DGSE (French foreign intelligence) activities as they desperately try to intercept the assassin before his attack.
Le Bourget Airport, established in 1909, is one of the world's oldest airports and has historically served as both a civilian and military facility. During the Cold War, it was used by French intelligence services for various operations.
Le Bourget Airport remains operational and hosts the annual Paris Air Show, one of the world's premier aviation events. It is partially open to the public for aviation-related tours and exhibitions.
Visit: Paris Le Bourget Airport & Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace (museum)
8th Arrondissement — Presidential route
Place de la Concorde is one of the Jackal's potential killing grounds. De Gaulle's motorcade frequently passes through this vast, open square, and the assassin studies it as a possible point of attack. The wide-open space, minimal cover, and heavy security make it both an opportunity and an obstacle for the Jackal's meticulous planning.
Place de la Concorde is one of Paris's most famous squares, designed in the 18th century. It was the site of the French Revolution's public executions, including King Louis XVI's death in 1793. By the 1960s, it had become a symbol of French state power and presidential authority.
Place de la Concorde remains one of Paris's most iconic landmarks, featuring the famous Obelisk of Luxor and grand Hôtel buildings. It is open to the public and accessible as a major tourist attraction and pedestrian plaza.
Visit: Place de la Concorde (landmark)
8th Arrondissement — Presidential motorcade route
The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées approach are studied by the Jackal as part of his reconnaissance of de Gaulle's likely routes. The Jackal considers the symbolism and military significance of this national monument as he maps out potential ambush points. The monumental scale and heavy police presence make it both an obvious and challenging location for his attack.
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and completed in 1836. It has served as a symbol of French national power and military glory throughout its history. During de Gaulle's presidency, it remained a key site for state ceremonies and presidential processions.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's most visited monuments. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views, and the monument is open daily. The surrounding Étoile intersection is one of Paris's most recognizable traffic circles.
Visit: Arc de Triomphe (monument)
36 Quai des Orfèvres, Île de la Cité — Police command center
The Prefect of Police headquarters serves as the operational center for the hunt for the Jackal. Deputy Commissioner Lebel coordinates the massive manhunt from here, directing thousands of police and security personnel across France. The tension builds as the Jackal remains elusive despite intensive police operations and international cooperation.
The Prefect of Police headquarters at Quai des Orfèvres has been the center of Paris's police operations since the 19th century. By the 1960s, it was the nerve center of French law enforcement and counterintelligence operations during the height of the OAS threat.
36 Quai des Orfèvres remains the headquarters of the Paris police (DGPN). While the building is not open for general tourism, it is a famous landmark in crime fiction and police history, recognizable from numerous French films and novels.
18th Arrondissement — Urban safe house zone
Montmartre serves as part of the Jackal's operational geography in Paris. The district's narrow streets, cafés, and dense population provide anonymity and escape routes. The assassin uses the upper reaches of the city to maintain cover and conduct surveillance before making his move against de Gaulle.
Montmartre in the 1960s was a mix of tourist attraction, residential neighborhood, and red-light district. The area had historically been associated with bohemian culture and artists, and by the de Gaulle era, it remained a place where transient residents could blend into the crowd.
Montmartre is one of Paris's most visited neighborhoods, famous for the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, street artists, and historic cafés. The winding streets and artistic atmosphere remain largely unchanged, making it a popular tourist destination.
Visit: Montmartre District (landmark)
8th Arrondissement — Grand avenue and escape route
The Champs-Élysées is extensively studied by the Jackal as a main artery through Paris and a likely route for de Gaulle's motorcade. The wide avenue, lined with trees and buildings, offers both surveillance opportunities and escape routes. The Jackal calculates sight lines, traffic patterns, and police presence along this most famous of Parisian streets.
The Champs-Élysées was developed in the 17th century and became the heart of Paris's entertainment and commercial district by the 19th century. During de Gaulle's presidency, it remained the primary ceremonial route for presidential motorcades and state parades.
The Champs-Élysées remains one of the world's most famous avenues, lined with luxury shops, restaurants, and hotels. It is pedestrian-friendly and open to the public, though the security presence near the Élysée Palace is significant.
Visit: Champs-Élysées (landmark)
10th Arrondissement — Jackal's escape route planning
Gare de l'Est represents one of the Jackal's potential escape routes from Paris after his assassination attempt. He studies the station's layout, train schedules, and security as part of his comprehensive operational planning. The railway becomes an element of his contingency plans for rapid departure from the city.
Gare de l'Est opened in 1849 and became one of Paris's major railway terminals, serving destinations in Eastern France, Germany, and beyond. By the 1960s, it was a crucial transportation hub for both domestic and international rail traffic.
Gare de l'Est remains one of Paris's major railway stations, served by high-speed TGV trains and regional services. It is open to the public and remains a busy transportation hub serving millions of passengers annually.
Visit: Gare de l'Est (landmark)
1st Arrondissement — Surveillance and reconnaissance route
Rue de Rivoli is studied by the Jackal as part of his reconnaissance of central Paris and the routes leading to the Élysée Palace. The long, straight street with government buildings and the Louvre Museum provides both vantage points for surveillance and potential ambush locations. The assassin walks these streets repeatedly, memorizing details that will inform his final plan.
Rue de Rivoli was built during the Napoleonic era in the early 19th century and has served as one of Paris's major commercial and governmental streets. By the 1960s, it was lined with important government buildings, shops, and the famous Louvre Museum.
Rue de Rivoli remains one of Paris's major streets, connecting the Louvre with the Place de la Concorde. It is open to the public, lined with shops and cafés, and remains a major pedestrian and vehicle thoroughfare.
Visit: Rue de Rivoli (landmark)
16th Arrondissement — Media & state broadcasting
France's national broadcasting headquarters serves as a symbol of state authority and control. The Jackal recognizes the importance of media in announcing state events and tracking de Gaulle's public appearances. The broadcast of the presidential speech where de Gaulle will make his public appearance becomes crucial to the Jackal's final timing calculations.
The Maison de la Radio was built in the 1960s as the flagship broadcasting facility for French state television and radio. By the time of this novel's setting, it represented the central nervous system of France's media infrastructure and political communication.
France Télévisions continues to operate from this iconic circular building on the Seine. While not open for general public tours, the building remains a landmark of Paris's media landscape and is recognizable from the riverside.
Place Vendôme, 1st Arrondissement — Intelligence gathering point
The Ritz Hotel serves as a high-end observation post and gathering place for intelligence operatives and wealthy individuals connected to de Gaulle's security and government circles. The Jackal uses information gathered in places like this to understand security protocols and presidential movements. Wealthy patrons and hotel staff become inadvertent sources of intelligence.
The Ritz Hotel opened in 1898 and has been one of Paris's most prestigious luxury hotels throughout the 20th century. During the de Gaulle era, it was frequented by diplomats, government officials, and international dignitaries, making it a hub of informal intelligence gathering.
The Ritz Paris remains one of the world's most exclusive luxury hotels. It is open to guests and visitors, with fine dining restaurants and the famous Ritz Bar accessible to the public.
Visit: Ritz Paris (restaurant)
1st Arrondissement — Cover for reconnaissance
The Louvre serves as a location where the Jackal can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance while maintaining cover as a tourist. The museum's position overlooking the Tuileries Gardens and proximity to government buildings make it useful for studying traffic patterns and security arrangements along routes to the Élysée Palace.
The Louvre has been France's primary art museum since the 18th century and remained one of Paris's most visited attractions throughout the 1960s. Its grand architecture and extensive grounds provided excellent vantage points for observing the city.
The Louvre remains the world's most visited museum, housing thousands of artworks and artifacts. It is open to the public daily and is one of Paris's most iconic cultural institutions.
Visit: Musée du Louvre (museum)
7th Arrondissement — Government intelligence coordination
The French Foreign Ministry on Quai d'Orsay serves as a center of governmental intelligence coordination in the hunt for the Jackal. High-level officials and intelligence operatives coordinate with Deputy Commissioner Lebel's task force, attempting to track the assassin through international intelligence networks and diplomatic channels.
Quai d'Orsay has been the location of the French Foreign Ministry since 1855. During the Cold War and the de Gaulle era, it served as a crucial center for French foreign policy and intelligence operations, particularly regarding threats to the president's security.
The Quai d'Orsay building remains the headquarters of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. While not open to the general public, the building's façade along the Seine is recognizable and represents a major center of French governmental power.
More by Frederick Forsyth: All Frederick Forsyth books
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