Arc de Triomphe was built in 1806 by Emperor Napoleon to honour the French soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. The arch is prominently located at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, which is the busiest and most iconic place in Paris. It is one of the most iconic monuments in the world, and people flock to it from all over the globe.
Getting to the middle of Arc de Triomphe may be a bit tricky, for a first-timer, but fear not! Here, we’ll guide you on the easiest and most efficient way to get there.
The easiest way to get to the arch from nearby locations is via the Paris Metro. To reach it, you should take the 1, 2, 6, 9, or RER A lines from any of the nearby Metro stations. These all head towards the 1er Arrondissement, and so the nearest Metro stop to the Arch is Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, which is also a major RER hub too.
From there, you’ll want to take the escalators and then, head straight towards the arch. You’ll find the arch itself is a few steps away, across a street or two. There’s usually a sign that you can follow to get you to the arch in a jiffy.
Once you reach the arch, you can take the subway and take the 2, 6, or 9 lines to get to the exact spot of the middle and back. The subway routes will take you out of the 1er Arrondissement, so make sure you take the right route.
Alternatively, if you prefer to walk, you can just head straight from the main entrance of the arch, and you’ll reach the exact middle in a few minutes.
If you are vigilant, you may also spot guided tours that take you through the arc with experienced guides. Such tours may help in getting to the middle, but they can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.
Finally, if you are taking the Arc de Triomphe Metro or RER, make sure to always pay attention to the direction signs, which point out the way towards the arch.
Exploring the Area
Arc de Triomphe is located at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, in the heart of the city. This is the most vibrant and bustling place in Paris, and it is home to some of the most iconic sights such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
The area around the arch is buzzing with life: you can find a number of cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, and souvenir shops here. So if you have time to spare, take some time to explore around.
You can also take a walk around the district to take in the sights, as well as to explore some of the lesser-known attractions such as the Palace of Versailles and the Champs Élysées.
If you are an art lover, you can pay a visit to the Louvre or the Picasso Museum. Both these places are rich in history and house some of the most iconic artworks from across the globe.
For shopaholics, the area around the arch has a lot to offer. There are a lot of high-end boutiques and stores, offering a range of products for everyone. Many of these stores are at walking distance from the arch.
Cultural Experiences
If you wish to learn more about the history and culture of the city, head to one of the many museums situated around the arch. The Musée de l’Armée is a great place to start, as it offers a captivating tour of Paris’ grand military history.
To gain more insight into the city’s culture and art scene, take a trip to the Centre Georges Pompidou. This ‘modern art’ museum is home to some of the most important works in the world and is a treat to explore.
If you’d like to experience a full cultural tour of the city, take one of the many street tours available here. Street tours are guided tours of the city’s cultural and historic sights and offer an immersive experience.
Another great way to explore the city is through its markets. From the traditional Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen to the Saturday morning farmers’ markets to the designer boutiques of the Marais, Paris’ markets are a great way to learn about the city’s culture and also pick up a few souvenirs.
Events
If you are looking for some entertainment, head over to the various performances, concerts and festivals that take place around the arc. Some of these events are free and open to the public, such as the annual Bastille Day celebrations. Or, you could pay a visit to the world famous Moulin Rouge to experience the spectacle of its glamorous shows.
If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or a few drinks with friends, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from in the area. From the local cafés to the chic patisseries, there is something for everyone!
For a truly unique experience, head to the Place de la Concorde. This square is home to two large fountains and a grand equestrian statue of Louis XIV, which are all lit up in the evening and can make for a stunning evening show.
The city also hosts a number of music and film festivals throughout the year. These are great events for the whole family, and provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the city’s culture through music and movies.
Souvenirs
When it comes to souvenirs from Paris, the possibilities are endless. You can buy anything from keyrings to Eiffel Tower statues to mementos of the Louvre museum. In addition, Paris is known for its luxury goods, so if you’re looking to splurge, there are plenty of high-end stores to browse through.
For the ultimate souvenir of your trip, head to the Banksy store and pick up a replica of one of the artist’s iconic pieces. These are sure to make a statement and are also a great way to remember your visit to the city.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, look no further than the tourist markets in the area. Here, you can find a range of souvenirs, from traditional French items to postcards and magnets.
The world-famous flea markets are also a great place to find some unique items. This is an excellent way to shop for souvenirs, as not only will you find something unique, but you’ll also be able to get it at a great price.
Conclusion
Getting to the middle of the Arc de Triomphe can seem like a daunting task for first-timers, but it’s actually quite easy once you know how. Simply take the Paris metro or RER lines and take the escalators towards the 1er Arrondissement. From there, you’ll find the arch in a few steps. You can then take the subway to get to the exact middle and back.
However, it’s not all about the arch—this part of the city is full of culture, entertainment, and events, so take some time to explore the area. Whether it’s a visit to the Palace of Versailles or a street tour, you’ll sure to find something that suits your taste. And when it\’s time to take something home, don’t forget to shop for souvenirs at the tourist markets or flea markets.
