Friday, April 30, 2010 Holiday of a Lifetime in Europe- PARIS (Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysées)

Arc de Triomphe is also a must see place in Paris. This is also a historical structure commissioned back 1806 and was finally completed in 1836.

It was extremely convenient to reach Arc de Triomphe by the train. Once you have came out by the right exit, you were immediately greeted by the arch ! This arch is located at the end of Champs-Elysées. It is also a round-about for motors and the only way to cross over to the arch is via an underpass. (Do not attempt to dash across as the traffic is heavy and the drivers drive in high speed)


This is most likely the first spot to take the arch for many tourists just when you came up from the train station. How convenient ! Har, the arch is under some kind of construction. Not the best time to capture it's glory. Try reaching the arch by 9am as it was not very crowded then. The place will be flooded by 10am. (But if you are climbing up to the top and need not queue up to buy tickets, it should be ok)

Another angle to look at Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe is engraved with names of generals who commanded French troops during Napoleon's regime.

CK bought a ticket to climb up Arc de Triomphe ! There are 234 steps to climb and I shall leave it to the brave and fit ones ! (No lifts or elevators) I just walked around the arch area and taking some photos of the streets. It was a rather blissful moment for me as I took in everything from approximately 12 streets that Arc de Triomphe stretches out to. This picture was taken by CK on top of Arc de Triomphe. This is one of the most famous street in Paris called Champs-Elysées which sited branded goods shops !

Picture taken while I circled around Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower can be spotted from Arch de Triomphe


Video taken by CK on top of Arch de Triomphe


Champs-Elysées itself ... we settled down at a big 2 storey Italian restaurant for a long lunch.


We spotted the LV shop !!! Got very good customer service from the LV shop staff. I believe the LV staff know that Asians love this brand and could spent thousands in their shop ! I was really so tempted to buy an LV wallet but it was pretty expensive even after tax rebate. CK has kindly said I can choose one wallet for myself but after thinking, I actually rejected his offer ! Come to think of it, a bit regretful ... hee hee. Anyhow, we have bought a wallet for my mum and she said it was too expensive for her and she feels heart-pain to use it ... lol !