HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

It's probably Hollywood's most famous landmark. "The Walk of Fame stretches from North La Brea Avenue to North Gower Street on Hollywood Boulevard, and from Sunset Boulevard to Yucca Street on Vine Street. The idea came from E.M. Stuart, president of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce: in 1953, he proposed immortalizing the names of the great stars of the day. The stars were inspired by the ceiling of the Hollywood Hotel, which was painted with these stars, in which the names of celebrities were inscribed. Even today, some twenty star-awarding ceremonies take place every year.

In all, more than 2,600 celebrities have their own slab, made of granito, a cement-based material that imitates marble. In the middle is the famous pink five-pointed star, engraved with the celebrity's name. Then, underneath, a brass emblem recalls the category in which the celebrity has distinguished himself or herself. Choose from film, radio, theater, music and television.

To appear on the Walk of Fame, you have to be nominated by production companies, by members of the film industry, by fans... Or you can nominate yourself. In all cases, you must have at least five years' experience in your field, and be involved in charitable work.

In addition, a star on the Walk of Fame is subject to validation by the artist: Julia Roberts and Clint Eastwood, for example, refuse to own one. Some are stolen: in 2005, a group of burglars stole Gregory Peck's plaque - most famous for his role in Roman Holiday, in 1953, with Audrey Hepburn - using a chainsaw. Others are the object of a veritable cult and are regularly covered with flowers, votive images and candles, such as those of Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor - among others. Then, in a rather distressing detail for fans, some stars suffer from their location, like Marilyn Monroe's star, located in front of a McDonald's: instead of being covered in flowers, it's regularly covered in grease and hamburger scraps.

Although a quest for the stars is sometimes listed as one of Hollywood's must-sees, it has to be said that the activity - which could hardly be more touristy - is of very limited interest. Instead, we advise you to take advantage of a visit to the neighborhood to keep a watchful eye on the sidewalk.