Arc de Triomphe monument was our first destination. We finally reached Paris. Our travel agency did a good job of assigning us a punctual shuttle driver. Our driver was accommodating to our questions. We arrived at our hotel after a short drive. Checking in was efficient, the staff friendly, and the room, though slightly smaller than expected, was clean and well stocked. We needed to freshen up and be ready to go again after the long trip.

Arc de Triomphe was one of the major tourist landmarks that was within commuting distance from our hotel. We were there in no time at all. The tourists, including us, were all around. It was difficult to get a good position for a photograph. The tourists apparently has become a permanent fixture around the monument. Motorists even had to slow down for distracted tourists. The roundabout surrounding the monument was totally chaotic but it didn’t deter pedestrians from running through it. The underpass was the safer way to get to the monument.

The dedication for the Arc de Triomphe monument was for the French soldiers who fought and died for the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Underneath, the tomb of the unknown soldier for World War I lies.

The Paris Fire Brigade was present on the day that we were at the monument. It was the founding day of the brigade. They were laying a wreath beneath the monument to commemorate the event.

There were 284 steps of climbing to reach the top of the monument. The top was a good vantage point for viewing the Paris cityscape. It was worth the effort of climbing 284 steps.

Revised: September 3, 2023.