WHY VISITING THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE IN PARIS WAS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING?

Please Note: This post was originally published on May 17, 2021. It has since been updated with heaps of new information for you to enjoy! If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you’ll undoubtedly be adding the magnificent Arc De Triomphe to your itinerary. Completed in 1836, this impressive monument has been drawing people to it for nearly two centuries. It was commissioned by Napoleon to honour the French troops that fought in the Battle of Austerlitz, which took place in what is now the Czech Republic.

The Arc De Triomphe is not only a must-see stop on any Parisian itinerary, but also a death trap to anyone driving through it. So, before you book your rental car and go zipping around the country, there’s a few important things you might want to know before entering Europe’s most dangerous roundabout.

As always, I would encourage you to do your research before traveling to another country to ensure you apply for the correct visas and/or fulfill the appropriate entry requirements. If you’d like to learn more about France’s visa requirements, visit iVisa’s website. iVisa can provide you with the simplest solution to process your travel documentation. They enable travelers to process visas from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Find out more here.

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So, without further ado, let’s head to Paris, the city of love, to explore the Arc De Triomphe.   

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OUR FIRST GLIMPSE

When my husband Zac and I first arrived on our whistle-stop tour of Paris, the evening was just settling in. Workers were starting to clock off for the day, making the roads around the capital pretty busy. We were on the final leg of our tour of Europe when we started winding our way through the streets of Paris on a short tour of the capital.

At around 6.25 PM, we were traveling along the famous Champs Elysees when I caught my first glimpse of the famous Arc. We stopped at the traffic lights at the very top of the road. I had a window seat, so I started snapping furiously away with my camera, as I had the most incredible view.

THE ISLAND OF DEATH

Then the lights turned green, and our coach moved cautiously into our lane, and we found ourselves in the middle of an absolute free-for-all! It was as if the road rules simply didn’t apply here, which was made more evident as cars seemed to fly at us from every direction. We were all literally screaming as our driver desperately tried to navigate his coach around what I now like to call, the island of death!

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Then amidst all the chaos, everything suddenly calmed down, and order seemed to return to society once more. It was 6:30 PM, and unbeknownst to us, every evening, a ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, right beneath the Arc de Triomphe. For this ceremony’s duration, all the traffic was halted, and our coach was forced into a stop right at the foot of the monument. We practically had un-planned front-row seats. Zac and I were sat on the coach’s left-hand side, with a great view of the whole event.

We looked on as members of the French Army formed a guard of honour before lighting the candle underneath the Arc. After this, members of the public walked down the center carrying flags. One person carried a wreath and laid it beside the flame. It was all very moving, and getting to see it all so up close was a real privilege and something I will never forget!

The ceremony is relatively short – though it would have to be if they are going to stop traffic in the middle of the Parisian rush hour – and less the 10-minutes later, the traffic was moving again. I still find it very touching that they do this every night.

BRAVING A SECOND VISIT

The next day, despite having flashbacks from the night before, it was great seeing this magnificent structure again, as this time around, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so it looked beautiful against the blue backdrop. While we were taking in the views, we got to see more of the infamous psychotic Parisian driving. Just like the night before, people were driving in whatever direction suited them. Crazy!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Why are there so many accidents around the Arc de Triomphe?

Around ten roads lead towards the Arc roundabout, which then merges into 12-lanes of traffic. To make matters more confusing, there’s no road markings. The system in Paris is also quite different, as drivers entering the roundabout have the right of way, meaning motorists who are already on the roundabout are required to give way to let others enter. This is the opposite system to what most drivers are used to.  

Is car insurance expensive to be able to drive in Paris and around the Arc?

When hiring a car in Paris, if you intend to drive around the famous roundabout, then you have to have the right cover. Otherwise, it will be costly if you get into an accident. Most insurance companies will have an Arc De Triomphe roundabout add-on, so you can choose whether to include this or not.

What happens if I get into an accident on the Arc De Triomphe?

In Paris, there is special legislation when driving around the Arc De Triomphe that dictates all drivers will be considered equally at fault in the event of an accident. This means if you get into a collision on the roundabout, the insurance companies will split the cost equally, but if you don’t have insurance, you will obviously have to cover your own share.  

How can you drive around the Arc De Triomphe without crashing?

In order to limit your chances of getting into an accident, be sure to give way to other vehicles which are entering the roundabout. It’s also a good idea to stick to the outside lane. This way may be a little slower, but you’ll find it much easier to leave the roundabout when you approach your exit.  

How much does it cost to go to the Arc de Triomphe?

The price to enter is 12 Euros. Admission is free for under 18s or citizens of the EU aged between 18-25. If you are a non-European but are a permanent resident of France, you can also enter free of charge. The monument is open from 10 AM to around 10 – 11 PM, depending on the time of year. Inside there is a museum, and at the very top, you can experience some fantastic views of the city of love.  

What is there to do nearby the Arc de Triomphe?

There’s several places you can visit nearby, and I suggest you start by wandering along the famous Champs Elysees. There’s plenty to see and do along this street, and taking some time out to indulge in some retail therapy is a must. While exploring the famous row, be sure to visit the Petit Palais, a fine museum with exhibits from the medieval period through to the 20^th century.

At the opposite end of this well-known boulevard, you’ll find the Place de la Concorde, the city’s largest public square. It has a rather gruesome history as it’s the very spot in 1793 where Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and many other members of the nobility were beheaded during the French Revolution. Nowadays, it’s a much more peaceful place where people go to hang out.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter and peaceful, then why not have a stroll around the Jardin de la Nouvelle France? Just a 20-minute walk from the Arc, it offers you a peaceful spot to sit and eat lunch away from the crowds.

Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France | www.paris-arc-de-triophe.fr

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Thanks for reading my post on the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. Although my experience with the roundabout wasn’t exactly stress-free, the Arc itself still makes for a beautiful icon of Paris and one that you simply can’t leave without seeing. Having only been driving for a short time myself, I imagine that maneuvering around this monument would be a scary experience, but it’s still something I would like to do in the future.

However, let’s not forget, if you’re traveling here by foot, you’ll be able to skip all the craziness and take in the sights from the safety of the pavement. I encourage you to walk around it, head inside and learn all about its history. Then, to round off your visit, head to the viewing platform and take in some truly wonderful views of Paris. I’ll meet you there at sunset 😊

Are you planning on visiting Paris in the future? Have you visited the Arc de Triomphe before? Did you have a less terrifying visit than I did? Let me know all about your experience in the comments section below.

You might like to read my guide on How To Spend 24-Hours in Paris, The City Of Love for more inspiration.