Stories
Arc de Triomphe
One of the best views you’ll get of Paris is from the roof top of the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the Napoleon-commissioned monument that honors the French army for their victory at Austerlitz, and also serves as a powerful symbol of French patriotism. Looking around you can see the Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and 12 bustling shop-studded avenues below including the beautiful, exclusive, and world-famous Champs Elysees.
First, be sure to see the tomb of the unknown soldier that lies beneath the arc, and stay to watch the eternal flight be lit at 6:30 every evening. Either take the spiral staircase—284 steps—to the top, or take the elevator to the small museum to see the reconstruction of the military camp including some fascinating historical artifacts, including some that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
BonjourParis strong suggests that you do not even think about crossing the street to get to the Arc, instead take the underground passage at the end of the Champs Elysees.
The Arc de Triomphe (The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) stands like a five-star general in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle on the Right Bank, with 12 streets extending outward; the Champs-Elysées being the most notable. From the top, see Place de la Concorde, Sacré Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and more. Daytime historical views turn into nighttime romance over a twinkling Paris. The small museum inside offers Napoleon memorabilia, including a tent set up to depict life in the field.
Place du Général-de-Gaulle Paris 8th
Tél: 01 5537 7377
Métro: #1 Charles de Gaulle Etoile
Bus : 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92, Balabus
Vélib: too numerous to note
Hours: Oct. 1-March 31, 10am-10:30pm; April 1-Sept. 30, 10am-10:30pm. The monument is closed for public holidays.
2011 Admission: 9€ adult. Free every first Sunday from October to March, and always for children under 18 years if age and to veterans.
