First Impressions of Paris: The Timeless Arc de Triomphe

📍 Address｜Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France 🕰️ Opening Hours｜Daily 10:00–23:00 (extended to 23:00 in summer, until 22:30 in winter; last entry 45 minutes before closing) 🎫 Ticket Information｜Adults €16, free for those under 18; holders of the "Paris Museum Pass" can swipe directly for entry—time-saving and convenient! 🇫🇷 The Story of the Arc de Triomphe｜A Blend of Glory and Remembrance Located at the most spectacular roundabout in the heart of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate the victory of the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. The construction took 30 years to complete, symbolizing the honor of French soldiers and national pride. At its base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a flame is rekindled every evening at 6 PM, reminding the world of the importance of history and peace. ✨ Recommended Itinerary｜ On my first day in Paris, I took the metro from my suburban Airbnb to the city center. The only plan for the evening was to visit the long-awaited Arc de Triomphe. As soon as I exited the metro station, the illuminated Arc de Triomphe stood majestically before me, with the Champs-Élysées sparkling in the night like a starry carpet of Paris. I climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe’s observation deck (though it required navigating a very loooong spiral staircase, it was absolutely worth it). From the top, the streets of Paris stretched out below, and the entire city unfolded before my eyes—you can clearly see the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre... The night breeze was cool, and standing atop the Arc de Triomphe, I captured my first-ever photo of Paris at night—a memory that became the most irreplaceable highlight of my trip. 📸 Tips and Personal Recommendations｜ 1️⃣ Arrive around dusk to enjoy both daytime and nighttime views! 2️⃣ The observation deck requires climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. 3️⃣ Take Metro lines 1, 2, 6, or RER A to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station. Use the underground passage to safely reach the base of the Arc de Triomphe—do not attempt to cross the roundabout! 4️⃣ If you have the "Paris Museum Pass," bring it along for convenient entry. 5️⃣ Pair your visit with a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, all the way to Place de la Concorde or the Louvre—it’s incredibly romantic. The Arc de Triomphe is not just a landmark of Paris; it was my first and most awe-inspiring encounter with this city. Let the night in Paris tell you its story!