Sue4

I' m going to be in Paris for two weeks in May, and have been thinking about finally going up in the Arc, after avoiding that for many years. I did climb up those stairs in 1951, and needless to say, it was no problem then! However, now is a different story. I understand there is an elevator for "older" people like me. I was wondering if any of you have used that elevator, or if that is possible these days. And if it goes all the way up to the top, or you still have to climb stairs to do that.

I also think I read somewhere that the arch is partially covered with scaffolding now, which obstructs a lot of the view. I'll have a Museum Pass, which covers the entrance fee.
Any thoughts - to try this or forget about it? At least I've been up there once in my life, but back then there wasn't all that fascinating traffic to gawk at.

travelhorizons

Since you've been thinking about it for more than 60 years, I think you should do it!

As I recall, there is an elevator…

cathies

There is a lift that is really meant for disabled people but if you explain you'll be allowed to use it. Once you leave the lift there is a small set of stairs, maybe 10? I can't remember now.

adrienne

I've used the elevator. It's my understanding that if you buy an elevator ticket you're entitled to use it, no matter what. The elevator takes you to the museum level and there is a short flight of stairs to the top open area. I can't remember how many steps there are but it was not many.

There are also stairs to get to the elevator after you buy a ticket. The ticket booth is underground and the elevator is at the base of the arch.

I don't remember a ramp to get underneath the arch so there must be stairs there as well. You can't cross the street to get to the Arch but must go underneath the street to get to it (underground passage).

anyegr

Adrienne wrote: "You can't cross the street to get to the Arch but must go underneath the street to get to it"

Actually, you can, if you are really stupid or possibly feeling suicidal. No one had told me I was supposed to go underneath the street, so I played tag with the cars to get across. I did go under the street to get back, since a nice person showed me the way down.

cathies

Anger, you are lucky to be here to tell the tale!

cathies

Anyegr, sorry, not anger. Autocorrect error!

adrienne

anyegr - I'm so glad you made it across Etoile! It's a memory you'll always have of visiting the Arc!

TDudette

Guide in Aix told us that all car accidents on the Etoile are automatically deemed ¨no fault¨. Glad you made it anyegr.

anyegr

Thanks. I know I was stupid. I blame the heat for the brain malfunction.

adrienne

anyegr - this sort of thing happens and it's what makes traveling such a wonderful experience (as long as we live to tell the tale!). I once almost drove up a flight of stairs in Italy. Who knew the road would end with concrete steps which weren't apparent since they were under the road above. If it hadn't been for my friend screaming "stop" we would have taken the short cut to the next level! LOL

Sue4

Thanks for the replies. I'll do it if they let me take the elevator. And if I can find my way underground to the Arch!