Eiffel Tower - Paris France

The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in the city of Paris, when people visit Paris they always have to see the Eiffel Tower. While many people are happy just being able to see it and admire the beauty of it, many others want to climb to the top. There are a few things that you should know about the Tower if you decide that you want to journey to the top to get one of the most beautiful views in Paris. The first thing that you need to know is that there are three levels, the first level has a good view and a gift shop and a restaurant or two. The second level has more gifts and restaurants, and has a better view of the city. This is also where if you are going to the top you have to change lifts. The third floor has the best view and a Champagne bar, as well as Gustave Eiffel's office that has been restored to original condition.

Depending on what level you want to get to there are different tickets available. I would recommend that if you are going to buy a ticket you might as well get the one that goes to the third level. But just so you know what your option are the first is a ticket for stairs that will take you to the second floor, this is hard as you have to walk all the way to the second floor. You can get a ticket to the lift to the second floor or a ticket that will give you a lift to the third floor. But if you want to see the first floor you will have to walk, as when I went there was no lift to the first floor, I am assuming this is always the way that it is.

You can purchase some tickets online, I believe that you can only purchase the tickets that go to the third floor online, but if you do this, make sure that you know what time the tickets are for and get there at that time or a little early. The tower is open every day of the year and the hours can change but most of the year the hours are 9:30- 11:45 with the last lift admission being at 11:00 and the last stair admission being at 6:00. If you can its a great idea to make sure that you visit the tower twice, once in the daytime and once at night, I am certainly glad that i decided to do it this way.

While the tower is a must see there are few things that you need to know before you go to visit it. One, make sure that you check the website to make sure of what the hours are as they can change as certain times and for certain events. Two, if you are going be prepared for crowds and also be prepared to be hounded as you enter and leave by people selling all sorts of things. I was lucky when I went and didn't have any problem with being hounded to much or pickpockets, but a couple people in my party were not so lucky. So make sure that you do not stop for those selling these, and make sure that you keep your belongings safe and secure with no pockets or flaps left open on bags.

 Also, if there is a big event going on when you visit this can make the tower even busier. On my trip I happened to be there when there was soccer match going on and during the day the tower was crammed with fans and it made for a great experience but might not be what everyone enjoys. The tower is a place that many people visit and its also a place that events are held so check the schedule before you go. But enjoy your trip and make sure that you are careful.

The Official Site is a good place to find any information that you might want.

Arc de Triomphe - Paris France

The Arc de Triomphe is Paris France is one of the most well known landmarks in Paris. If you find yourself in Paris then you must go visit this site. The history behind the site is something that not many visitors know, for instance it was ordered to be built by Napolean in 1806, but construction was stopped between 1814 and 1826. The Arc de Triomphe was not completed until 1836 long after Naploean died, in 1821. The design of the structure itself is amazing, the names of 128 battles of the first French Republic as well as Napolean's Empire are written on the walls that are under the vault as well as the names of the generals that took part in each battle.
To me the thing that really touched me the most when visiting this site is that of the unknown soldier that is buried at the Arc de Triomphe. At the base you will see a torch every night this torth is rekindled, the torch stands as a reminder of the sacrifice that an unknown soldier gave in World War I.
 

The Arc de Triomphe is not an easy place to get to. The thing that you should make sure that you remember is that the traffic is not worth braving. The traffic in this area is awful and can be dangerous especially if you are not familiar with the area. When I went we ended up having to cross the street to get there, and let's just say I feel lucky to have made it safely. You can look at the monument from ground level and see the flame and the details, underneath it. Or you can climb to the top and look out at a view of Paris. The key to remember is that its a great idea to travel all the way to the top to see the view but you have to remember that the only way to get to the top is to climb about 40 stairs and then enjoy the view. This can be a great place for you to visit with kids if you don't want to have to put up with the crowds that are at many other places, but the climb to the top could be difficult for younger children.

 

The hours are

April 1 to September 30: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

October 1 to March 31: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Luxor Obelisk - Paris France

In Paris France there is a little known area called Place de la Concorde. It has some really beautiful things to see such as statues, but to me the most interesting thing to see is the Egyptian Obelisk. This Obelisk weight about 220 tons. Its over 3300 years old and has hieroglyphics running down it that exalt the reign of
Ramses II. This Obelisk used to mark the entrance to the famous Luxor Temple in Egypt. Making this something that is not only beautiful to see but also a piece of history. Being someone that loves the history of Egypt and is always wanting to learn more this was one of the must see stops on my lists of things to see in Paris. There is no admission and its open for you to see whenever you like however I would recommend going during the day but either early in the morning to towards the later part of the day as the middle of the day is busier than the early morning or early evening. There really isn't much to advise when you are going to see this momument, other than be mindful of the weather.