Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 8th
M° and RER Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Tel 01 55 37 73 77
www.monum.fr
One of the best-loved monuments in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe crowns the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. At the base is the Eternal Flame of the Unknown Soldier, while the rooftop platform presents a history of the monument accompanied with panoramic views of the city.
Opening Hours:Daily, from April 1-September 30 from 10am-11pm; October 1-March 31 from 10am-10:30pm (last admission 30 minutes prior to closing). Closed January1, May 1, May 8 (morning only), July 14 (morning only), November 11 (morning only) and December 25.
Tickets: Entry to Arc €9; reduced rates of €5.50 for under 25.
Info and Services: Conference visits in English can be scheduled in advance. Bookshop has a selection of works and reproductions of the Arch.
Heather’s Notes: I think the Arc de Triomphe offers a much better view of Paris than the Eiffel Tower. It’s less crowded, there’s only one elevator (or easily managed stairs for the fit visitor), and the platform is huge, so you don’t get squashed up against a cage like at the Eiffel Tower. It’s taller than the surrounding buildings, but still low enough that you can actually get good photos of Paris, and not just see everything ant-sized. Finally, it’s much more accessible, right on Metro line 1, unlike the long walk for the Eiffel Tower from the metro.
