The Arc de Triomphe in Paris stands at the heart of a roundabout, an axis and maybe even a nation. You could say it is the king of all triumphal arches constructed in the modern era. There is no better symbol of the greatness and grandeur of France throughout history. Viewed from above, it stands proud at the heart of the Place de l’Étoile, with its 12 radiating avenues making it look like a star or shining sun.

As you approach the Arc de Triomphe, you will soon see that it is surrounded by a big and busy roundabout. All the cars make it tricky to get a good look at the monument and you may want to prepare yourself for all the road rage that goes on here! They don’t call this the worst roundabout in Europe – or even the world – for nothing!

You’re probably asking yourself how on earth you cross this beast of a roundabout. The only option is to go via the underpass, which just so happens to be very well signposted. It stretches from the Champs-Elysées to the Avenue de la Grande-Armée opposite. And you can exit in the middle to visit the Arc de Triomphe.

Once you’ve made it to the centre of the roundabout in one piece, it’s up to you if you want to have a wander underneath the arch or head straight up to the observation deck.

When you’re up on the observation deck, the view of all 12 avenues extending away from the roundabout is absolutely incredible. There’s no better way to admire the city’s unique layout. In one direction, you can look down the Champs-Elysées all the way to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. On the other side, you can admire La Grande Arche, a more modern arch located in the La Défense district. And, of course, you get a good view of the Eiffel Tower from here too.
Make sure you take a moment to look at the crazy busy traffic below you. It’s all-out chaos that somehow works!

The ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ honouring a hero who was killed during the First World War is buried beneath the Arc de Triomphe. The ‘eternal flame’ of remembrance has amazingly been burning here since 1923 and there is a ceremony at 18:30 every day to rekindle it. This serves as a reminder that the Arc de Triomphe was originally built to honour the French army and it lives on as a memorial to all fallen soldiers to this day.

Make sure you admire the beautifully decorated ceilings and arches inside (hello stiff neck!) and walk all the way around the outside so you can see all four of the huge sculptured groups.