Just back from my honeymoon so look out for my Hawaiian reviews!!!
Just back from my honeymoon so look out for my Hawaiian reviews!!!
Member since:14.10.2005
Reviews:64
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Situated at the end of the Champs Elysées sits the Arc de Triomphe, a wonderful archway built to commemorate Napoleon's Grand Armée.
I had visited Paris on several occasions in the past and, despite having visited the Arc before, my trip in September was the first time that I had been to the top of this marvellous structure. For just 8€, or 6.20€ for under 25's, you can climb to the top of this 50m high structure to get some impressive views across the city. You can see down the Champs Elysées to the Place de Concorde and Le Louvre, across the rooftops to the Eiffel Tower that sticks out from a sea of white or up towards the Grande Arche.
The arc is situated in the centre of a roundabout from which 12 roads feed onto it making it probably one of the world's most dangerous stretches of road. To make it to the centre safely use the subway under the road, but for possible comedic value, visit the arc in rush hour and watch the mayhem that ensues below (I will upload photos as soon as I turn green!).
In addition to the benefits of watching rush hour unfold beneath you, it is well worth visiting the arc at about 6pm as every day a ceremony takes place under the arc to remember those who died in war. The flame of the Unknown Soldier whose grave sits below the arc is rekindled by a combination of veterans and soldiers.
My advice for visiting the arc is to walk the length of the Champs Elysées arriving at the arc at about 5:30pm. Marvel at its size and read the inscriptions in the stone that mark important battles and generals in the history of the French Army. Then watch the remembrance ceremony before climbing to the top to watch a summers evening across Paris. Finally descend and go for a meal at one of the small pavement restaurants on the Champs Elysées.
As promised, now that I've turned green, here are a few pictures of the Arc.
Pictures of Arc de Triomphe
French Traffic seen from the top of the Arc de Triomphe
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Advantages: Situated in the center of Paris, so offers a good view of most parts of the city. Disadvantages: there might be a long line to go to the top
dth999 23.10.2009 (23.10.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Arc de Triomphe
Advantages: Situated in the center of Paris, so offers a good view of most parts of the city. Disadvantages: there might be a long line to go to the top
dth999 23.10.2009 (23.10.2009)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Arc de Triomphe
May 2nd, 2006
(May 5th, 2006)
very helpful by (21%):
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