Arc de Triomphe, Paris

Well worth the climb! This was our first stop on the Big Bus tour. Pretty chilly due to snow. Short queue - maybe 10 minutes. Narrow staircase with very few opportunities to stop or step out of the way of others. Toilets at the top should be avoided. Observation deck was wonderful, but, again very chilly. We will go back tomorrow on a clear day. Nice gift shop as well.

As one of Paris’s most famous, celebrated, and visited attractions, the Arc still remains France’s essential symbol of power and unity. The attraction is not only the Arc itself, but there’s a gift shop and a great view from the platform atop of the structure, and the Arc is actually fascinating. The views from the top of the arc are definitely worth the climb (284 steps), as you can see all the 12 avenues of Paris. Of course, the views of the Arc looking up from the ground level are breathtaking as well, like when you drive around the structure, along the roundabout surrounding the arc. The Arc is so intricately designed with different patterns carved into and on top of the surface as well as sculptures that it could take a long time to marvel at how beautiful of a structure it is, especially at night, not only when there’s less people around the area and therefore a better opportunity to admire the structure, but when the lights surrounding the Arc turn on. It’s a wonderful sight to see and a great photo op. Its proximity to the Louvre Museum also makes it a prime site to see when visiting Paris, as it extends from the courtyard of the Louvre Palace to the outskirts of Paris. I absolutely loved seeing the Arc!

The Arc is an impressive site. If you want to be able to access it easier, go at night. Dur ing the day (also at night) it is an insanely busy roundabout death trap with no lanes, signals or reasoning. As an American you'll wonder how cars don't just pile up at the base of this thing. That aside it's incredible architecture that's quickly photographed so not an attraction to budget too much time to go see. The main strip leading up to it can also get congested so hop out the car and walk if need be. It's not a difficult one.

Boy, did we get lucky or what! A fantastically sunny day in early April and short queues as everyone else was preoccupied with the Paris Marathon. Combined with free entry for our two kids (anyone under 18) and it's the perfect recipe. The walk up the spiral staircase is challenging but also makes for great photos. At the top there is some history before you make your way to the roof. Stunning 360 degree views across the whole of Paris. A great place for photos and to see how Napoleon and Hausmann designed the surrounding streets for the Arc to be at the entrance to this historic city. Well worth the price and the effort of climbing the stairs.

This place was the first place in Paris I visited and oh my my this is eye popping and catching at the same time .The Arc is an impressive site. If you want to be able to access it easier, go at night. During the day (also at night) it is imensly busy roundabout death trap with no lanes, signals or reasoning. As an American you'll wonder how cars don't just pile up at the base of this thing. That aside it's incredible architecture that's quickly photographed so not an attraction to budget too much time to go see. The main strip leading up to it can also get congested so hop out the car and walk if need be. It's not a difficult one.