Even if you’ve never visited Paris, chances are you’ve heard of Montmartre. Today, I’ll share my travel tips and firsthand experience starting at Montmartre, then strolling down the famed Champs-Élysées, and finally visiting the Arc de Triomphe and its observation deck. Since these are some of the top attractions in Paris, it’s often a good idea to reserve tickets in advance—I’ll include booking tips, too!
Table of Contents
Montmartre: Historic and Romantic Paris
Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur)
Montmartre is the highest point in Paris, and its name literally means “Hill of the Martyrs,” because early Christians were reportedly martyred here.
Right in front of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, you’ll find Place Louise Michel. To get up and down the hill, hop on the Montmartre Funicular—it’s free if you have a Navigo transit pass.
In French, “Sacré” means “sacred,” and “Cœur” means “heart”—so Sacré-Cœur translates to “Sacred Heart Basilica.” (It always reminds me of a certain bakery back in Korea with a similar name!) Maybe it’s the “heart” in its name, but the fences outside the basilica are covered in love locks, creating a romantic atmosphere.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
- Place Louise Michel: 6 Pl. Saint-Pierre, 75018 Paris, France
In front of the Louise Michel Square, there’s a popular ice cream shop called Bachir. You’ll often see people lined up. The ice cream is pretty good, but a bit on the pricey side—something to keep in mind!
- Bachir Ice Cream
- Address: 7 Rue Tardieu, 75018 Paris, France
- Hours: Daily 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
The Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime)
Just behind Abbesses Station, at the center of Montmartre, is a small park with the Wall of Love—a mural where “I love you” is written in 250 different languages.
Of course, you’ll find “I love you” written in a wide variety of languages from all around the world—see how many you can spot! When I visited, I noticed one of the tiles with Korean was actually upside down, which gave it a quirky charm. According to recent reviews, it looks like it’s now been set right.
- Wall of Love: Square Jehan Rictus, 14 Pl. des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France
Champs-Élysées: The Heart of Paris Shopping
Coming down from Montmartre, my next stop was the Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in Paris, stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
As you’d expect from such a famous landmark, the avenue is lined with all kinds of shops—including the official Paris Saint-Germain store, where soccer fans love to pick up team jerseys.
Continuing from my previous post about stylish McDonald’s locations, here’s another unique one: a McDonald’s with outdoor tables and floral decorations—definitely not your everyday fast-food experience!
Given that this is some of the most expensive real estate in Paris, you’ll also find flagship stores for luxury French brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior. If you’re into luxury shopping, it’s worth stopping in for a browse, even if just for window-shopping.
- Champs-Élysées Avenue: Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Arc de Triomphe: A Symbol of French History
The Arc de Triomphe, located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, rivaled only by the Eiffel Tower. It’s a symbol of French history and pride.
Construction of the Arc began in 1806 after Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz, during the height of his power, but wasn’t completed until 1836—long after his downfall and exile. Napoleon never saw it finished, but after his death in 1840, his remains were carried beneath the arch in a posthumous fulfillment of his wishes.
You can actually see how many people have visited over the past 200 years just by looking at the worn steps and decorated manhole covers.
Beneath the Arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring unidentified soldiers who died in World War I, with an eternal flame that is never extinguished.
One of the bas-reliefs on the left side—the “La Marseillaise”—depicts the winged goddess Liberty leading the people, celebrating the birth of the French Republic.
A few years ago, the Arc was damaged during the “Yellow Vest” protests, with some sculptures broken and graffiti scrawled across it. Thankfully, all the graffiti has been removed and the sculptures restored, so you can now enjoy its original grandeur.
There’s more to the Arc than just the archway—you can climb to the top, but there’s an admission fee. Since ticket lines can be long, I highly recommend booking online.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
- April–September
- Daily 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesdays 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- October–March
- Daily 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesdays 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Ticket Prices
- Adults (18+)
- April– September: €21
- October–March: €16
- Wednesdays (June– September): €16
- Under 18: Free
- Ticket Booking: Official Arc de Triomphe Website
Observation Deck: The Best View of Paris
It might seem a bit expensive, but since I got into the Louvre Museum for free, I decided to splurge. The first thing that greeted me was a dizzyingly tall spiral staircase—brace yourself for about 284 steps! As I climbed, it was comforting to see others glancing up with the same apprehension. If you have limited mobility, don’t worry—there’s an elevator available.
Once you reach the 50-meter-high observation deck, you’re treated to a sweeping panorama of Paris. You can see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre in the distance, the Obelisk in Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden, and beyond to the Louvre Museum—truly spectacular.
From the observation deck, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of Paris. Look southeast for the golden dome of Les Invalides, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower rising proudly to the south. I went around sunset, and watching the city bathed in orange light was unforgettable.
I highly recommend timing your visit for sunset—the views are breathtaking as the city transforms at dusk. The Arc is open until 11 PM, so you can also soak in the dazzling Paris nightscape. I waited in an attic-like room for the night view, and it was absolutely worth it.
Paris in summer means very late sunsets, so I had to wait about an hour for darkness. Around 10:30 PM, the Eiffel Tower finally began to sparkle—check the time if you want to catch the show!
With such a beautiful cityscape, even the long wait is worthwhile. If you’re looking for the best night views in Paris, I highly recommend the Arc de Triomphe’s observation deck!
On your way down, you’ll see the Arc illuminated at night—a completely different vibe from daytime. Personally, I much preferred the nighttime atmosphere. The eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is even more striking after dark. Even if you don’t make it to the top, be sure to experience both the Arc by day and at night.
- Arc de Triomphe: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Final Thoughts
Today, I shared my journey up Montmartre and to the Arc de Triomphe. Both offer breathtaking views over Paris, each with its own distinct charm—it’s hard to recommend one over the other. If you have to choose due to time constraints, I’d personally pick the Arc de Triomphe for its superior city views. Just remember to reserve tickets in advance and factor in the admission fee. Choose based on your preferences and budget, and have a wonderful trip!
For more detailed tips and the latest updates, be sure to check the official websites listed above. Wishing you an unforgettable adventure in Paris!
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