Visiting the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
PARIS, FRANCE
Another one of the famous monuments in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe. It stands in memory of those who fought for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. In stands in the middle of a roundabout that has twelve streets imitating from it like spokes on a wheel. To the east is one of the most famous and expensive shopping districts in the world, Champs-Elysses.
To get to the monument you must cross under the roundabout via one of two tunnels due to the massive amounts of traffic at all hours. Occasionally, a person will try and run across the road and it is like a real-life version of Frogger. Don't try it! You can also climb the tower via a circular staircase. There is not an elevator and it is quite a few steps so I don't think it is ADA accessible but worth the climb. I went just before they closed and was able to get some great views of the city at night. In one direction you can see the Eiffel Tower, in another you can see the financial district and in yet another, Champs-Elysses. No matter where you look, you are promised a treat.
Once back on the Champs-Elysses side, there is a crosswalk that crosses right in front of the arch. I was able to walk to the center median and then walk right to the end closest to the monument. I sat on the ground and set up a tripod for some long exposure shots. While I don't advise this, as I was almost run over several times, they shots were some of my favorite of my whole trip.
If you happen to find yourself in Paris, make sure to pay a visit to this war memorial. Make sure to add your email address at the bottom of the age to keep up with my adventures.
