Arc de Triomphe
Here are five amazing things you can do at the Arc de Triomphe
1.) Get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
Get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe to enjoy the view and visit the museum of the Arc de Triomphe. There, you will be able to see the whole city at a glance. Indeed, the top of the arch hires a viewing platform from where you have great views of La Defense, the Champs-Elysées and the Sacré-Coeur. But be careful, there is no elevator in the arch… Then be prepared to walk up 234 steps! Before the platform, you can stop to watch a video explaining the complex history of this national monument interactively.
2.) Have a walk on the Champs-Elysees
With its cinemas, cafés, luxury shops and famous trees, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous axis of Paris and one of the most expensive places for real estate in the world.
3.) Paris landmarks – Right Bank Tour
Discover Paris with locals and follow them through the right bank to enjoy a unique tour where you will learn about the secrets of every famous landmark. From the Opera House to the Jardin des Tuileries, you will walk at the core of Paris and the Parisian guides will give you their secret tips to find a great place to have lunch or a drink in the best bars of the right bank!
4.) Enjoy a Macaron at the famous Laduree Tea Room
The macaroon is the essential Parisian snack, and the Parisian patisserie Ladurée became worldwide famous thanks to this delectable dessert. Nowadays, with each new season comes a new flavor of macaroon. If you are ready to queue up, you will get the privilege of choosing among all colors and flavors… Hard choice!
5.) Hop on a Car Rouge
Listen to an audio-guided tour with Les Cars Rouge, which stops in front of the Arc de Triomphe. Les Cars Rouges are open-top-double-Decker buses, which proposes its city tour in many languages. The travel pass is valid for 2 consecutive days and you can therefore visit Paris as you wish.
Facts about the Arc de Triomphe
Designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe stands in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle. The place was originally called Place de l’Etoile because of its star shape, drawn by the 12 avenues starting from there. Haussmann, the famous architect of Paris during the 19th, built them all in the XIXth century. The Arc is 50 meters high, 45m large and 22m deep. It is located on the highest point of the axis running from the Louvre Museum to the Grande Arche de la Défense.
It was commissioned by the great Napoleon after the Austerlitz victory of 1806. The Arc de Triomphe then became the meeting point of French troops to parade after successful battles and for the annual Bastille Day Military Parade. Under the largest vault lies the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the main monuments in Paris. Anyone should at least visit it once in their life time! The view of Paris from the top is one of the most beautiful ones of the city, especially at night: You feel as if you were at the center of the city as if it was the living heart of Paris.
Parisians tend to feel quite emotional when they get to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe: In a wink, you feel like you could embrace the entire city. A piece of advice: Never ever try to cross this traffic circle walking.
MaÿlisHow to get there
By Metro:
Lines 1, 2 and 6, station Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
By Rer:
Line A, station Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile?
By Bus:
Lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92, stop Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
- 13 million visitors a year 99%
- Incredibly detailed 80%
- Contains hidden mysteries 70%
Near By
1.) Notre Dame Cathedral Tour:
English-speaking Parisian guides will introduce you to the secrets of this well-known cathedral and of the area surrounding it, which is one of the most interesting and beautiful neighborhoods in Paris.
2.) The Big Wheel of Paris:
This attraction located at the bottom of the Champs Elysées almost all year long will give you a wonderful view of the avenue and of the whole city.
3.) The Louvre Museum:
Loose yourself in the palace of the former Kings and Queens of France, now transformed into one of the most amazing museums in the world.
Why it’s worth visiting
- A central and historical monument in Paris.
- An impressive architecture and imposing “star square” (Place de l’Etoile).
- A spectacular view of the bottom of the Champs Elysées: straight in line, the Concorde square, the Champs Elysées Avenue and the Arche de la Défense.
