Advantages: quite cheap, panoramic views of Paris, interesting attraction
Disadvantages: v.busy,

...I went to Paris for the weekend last summer with my girlfriend and had a great time. It soon became clear that almost every major attraction offers amazing panoramic views over Paris and the Arc de Triomphe is no exception. It is one of the most famous monuments in Paris and fronts many postcards. The Arc de Triomphe is at the western end of the Champs-Elysees; a sight in itself. The arch is a tribute of respect to those that have fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic wars. It was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806; his work was taken on by Huyon in 1811 when Chalgrin sadly died. However, the monument was not completed until 1836 by Goust and Huyot. The Arc stands at 165ft tall, 148ft wide and 72ft deep, the design inspred by the Roman Arch of Titus. It has been unchanged for many years now but has to be occasionally jet... Read review

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Advantages: Less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, Great Views
Disadvantages: Thirsty Work, not

...In the first rush of love my fiancé and I decided to take a few days off and go away somewhere, a very Bridget Jones mini-break scenario! After looking at a few cities that we thought we would like to visit we decided on Paris. Paris is traditionally known as the city of romance and it did not disappoint. However this review is about the Arc de Triomphe, so I will stop rambling now. The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory in Austerlitz, regarded as his greatest victory of all time and destroyed the armies of enemies Russia and Austria. The arc was not finished until 1836, after Napoleon's reign had finished and indeed after his death in 1821. The structure was designed by Jean François Thérèse Chalgrin and completed during the reign of Louis Philippe. The Arc de Triomphe stands at around 50 metres... Read review

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Advantages: Spectacular monument in central Paris
Disadvantages: None

...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... Read review

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Advantages: Good view...
Disadvantages: ...but not the best

...♫ "Aux Champs Elysees… Aux Champs Elysees… Au soleil… sous la pluie…" ♫ Do you know the song? If not, at least you must have heard of the Champs Elysees. French people like to call it "The most beautiful avenue of the world". I am sorry to contradict them, but I have always wondered why. It is in fact quite ordinary. You'll find lots of cars, bad traffic, nice crowded shops and over-expensive coffee. That's it. Oh no! How could I forget? Among all that, you will find one of the most famous sights in Paris: the Arc de Triomphe. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 in order to commemorate his victories, but wasn't finished until 1836. It is 50 meters tall and 45 meters wide. I always thought the Arc de Triomphe was nice to look at, but I had never bothered visited it… until last summer. I had taken my boyfriend... Read review

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Advantages: something new for people who never saw skyscrapers
Disadvantages: no architectural or historical value in its traditional understanding

...When I first got to Paris, our guide, among the standard programme, suggested to see La Defense. When we got here, after seeing the famous sites of old Paris, i was just wondering, why are we brought here. Living in the beginning of the XXJ century, it's no suprise that a lot of companies prefer to have offices in a high buildings. it's common in big cities like New York and Tokyo nowadays. Actually, no one can be surprised by that. And in this case I don't understand why is La Defense considered as a tourist attraction of Paris. This is an ensemble of modern design scyscraper buildings in the outskirts of Paris, where the offices of companies like IBM are situated. Together with this, a "new Arc de Triomphe" is situated there, also being a modern construction of steel and glass. An "architectural site" is famous and much... Read review

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Advantages: Great place to start your trip
Disadvantages: Need good walking shoes and a pack of plasters

...It has got to be said the Champs Elysees has to be the best Street in the World! I have just come back from an absolutely fantastic time spent on a weekend in Paris - one of the best parts of my trip there was looking down the Champs Elysees from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Something I will never forget - and will treasure the photo I took of that view! The view is absolutely fantastic - a birds eye view of not only the Champs Elysees but of the whole of Paris strectching over to the Effiel Tower. It certainly is a must-see when visiting Paris. Once you pull yourself away from the dizzy heights of the Arc de Triomphe - be prepared to shop til you drop on the Champs Elysees - and remember to pick your lower jaw up off the floor at the magnificant shops that are there to be seen and explored - everything you could want from perfumery... Read review

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Advantages: warm in summer, romantic, architecture, street cafes
Disadvantages: street entertainers wanting money for nothing, Hotel Favart

...My boyfriend and I travelled by Eurostar to Paris last summer and I can truly say it was the most wonderful holiday we have ever experienced. Disneyland Paris was the first stop and it is far more attractive than its American counterparts. We had to take the metro to Paris and carrying our luggage up four flights of escalators was a struggle, but it was worth it. Our first hotel was a great disappointment - Hotel Favart. It was a total dump and we were only allowed to leave and cancel our reservation after I flooded the lobby with tears. A very fast taxi journey took us to Hotel California on Rue de Berri, just of the Champs Elyesse. I will never forget turning the corner at the Place De la Concorde and seeing the Arc de Triomphe for the first time. Forget the Eiffel - Paris is about architecture and the Arc is incredible. I could go... Read review

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Advantages: Location, Comfort, Class
Disadvantages: Price

...I stayed at the Hilton Hotel Arc Du Triomphe in Paris for one night (Saturday night) whilst in Paris for the weekend. We booked approximately 3 weeks prior to travel. The location is approximately 5-10 minutes away from the Champs Elysees in a quite area near to the beautiful Parc Marceau. The metro is a couple of minutes away, but the Airfrance airport bus is unfortunately about a 20-25 minutes walk, so best bet is a taxi from the airport. After getting a taxi from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (which is actually quite an atrocious airport for one of the biggest and most important cities in the world), we arrived at the hotel at around 11.00am. Check-in is not until 12.00 but that wasn't a problem, and they let us check in to the room early. The check-in was very simple and we were greated by a very pleasant receptionist who... Read review

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Advantages: fresh seafood
Disadvantages: busy...

...Chez Clement is a chain of about twelve restaurants around Paris; the one we visted is about a quarter mile from the Arc de Triomphe on Ave MacMahon. We spotted this place on our first night, with huge trays of fresh oysters being shucked in view of the street. We arrived for dinner on our second night and, while we hadn't made a reservation, they found space for us (at 9pm on a warm Saturday evening). The decor is homely, if bizarre, with picture frames lines with spoons and copper saucepans as lampshades. My wife had a wonderful dish of scallops with Chorizo sausage on a bed of saffron rice, while I went for one of the 'assiettes' - a mixed platter of seafood. I ordered the 2nd size, 'the explorer' and was stunned when it arrived: 6 medium oysters, 6 large oysters, 6 mussels and 6 medium sized scallops - all served raw... Read review

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Advantages: It's the height of fashion daaahhhling
Disadvantages: It's ability to be tres expensive

...It's no secret that I like expensive things, so when my partner told me we were going to Paris for a weekend, I was beside myself with excitement and worry. Ok, with a destination such as Paris you can't really go wrong, but when you've got a partner like mine, the choice of hotel can leave a lot to be desired. (Like the time we went to Thailand and he thought it would be great to live in a hut for a week with the local wildlife. Not funny) However, he decided he would keep it a secret until we arrived. As we drove along Rue de Coucelles, it became very apparent that he had made the correct choice. A massive "Hilton" sign appeared in view, and my excitement trebelled. It is a very massive and inspiring building, spanning 7 floors of sheer opulence. The Arc de Triomphe is a stonesthrow away from the hotel lobby, and it truly... Read review

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