The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is amazing.  Pictures don't do it justice.  It is incredibly grand, imposing, and definitely regal.  In the picture above, the little ant-like creatures, those are people.  This monument is huge!

One of the most interesting things about it is that traffic runs right beside it.  I am so used to American monuments where vehicles aren't allowed in their vicinity.  But there is a steady stream of quickly moving traffic around the Arc de Triomphe.  The monument can be accessed by entering a tunnel and walking under the road.  That is a much better solution than having tourists try to dodge cars. 

After spending time admiring the relief sculptures on the outside of the Arc, E. and I decided to go to the top.  We climbed the 280 steps to reach the observation deck.  Have I mentioned that I was six months pregnant in March of 2010?  I was pretty amazed that I could make it to the top considering the size of my belly at the time. 

The climb was worth the effort.  The view stretches for miles.  We spent as long as we possibly could on the observation deck.  The wind was extremely strong.  When our cheeks were numb and our eyes were watering from the cold we decided to go back inside.  We spent a little bit of time warming up before heading outside again.  Next stop was the Eiffel Tower.

This is the Champes-Elysee.  E. pointed out that there are four lanes in each direction.  I imagine that traffic was light because it was a Sunday afternoon.

My reflection being blown in the wind.

Just a note for anyone who might be considering visiting the Arc de Triomphe the restrooms there aren't too bad.  Coming from a woman who was pregnant during her visit to Paris, you should take me as an authority.  I am familiar with, maybe too familiar with, Parisian public restrooms.