Arc de Triomphe Elevator

After reading many articles, reviews, etc., I am left with mixed messages as to whether one can take an elevator to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Some readings suggest that an elevator is only available to persons with disabilities, while others claim to have taken it with no problem. I%26#39;m not really in shape to climb all those stairs at a pace that wouldn%26#39;t hold up those behind me. Would appreciate comments from anyone who has recently visited the Arc.

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My understanding from reading the forum was also that the elevator was only available to those with disabilities. However, when my husband and I went to the Arc de Triomphe this past August, it was around 9:40 p.m. and they were closing at 10:00. We were fully prepared to climb the stairs, but they sent everyone up in the elevator due to the time. I%26#39;m not sure if this is what they always do at the end of each evening, or if it was an exception.

So perhaps you could go for a late evening view from the top. It is spectacular!

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One note, travellinggal67,, the stairs are not so narrow that a person could not pass you, unlike some places where one person may feel bad holding up the line( like the Towers of Notre Dame)so if you are able but need to go slowly it can be done.

Since many disabilities are invisable ( heart conditions etc) I am sure if you just point to your knees( bad knees?) or your chest( insinuating breathing or chest issues) they would take you up elevator,, it does seem very hit and miss when you read about it, but, I don%26#39;t think I have read about people being actually refused. You really would have to ask though.

Good luck, I hope you get up there as I think it provides an amazing view.

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Dear Travelling...I also used the elevator last July in the evening around 7pm. The lady in front of me at the ticket office asked for it, even though she was accompanied by an adolescent boy. She was told to ask at the door. When we got to the door we just asked where the elevator was, we didn%26#39;t give reason and the man pointed to the left. We followed the lady and the boy.

The elevator is a bit hidden round a pillar past the eternal flame area but the attendant did not challenge either us or the boy.

There are still about twenty steps to the top when you get out of the elevator.

I don%26#39;t think there are any rules, after all how would they prove who was fit and who was not. The boy could have had a heart condition for all I know. I just don%26#39;t think they encourage people to use it because it would cause long queues.

Denise

love from England.

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We were just there this week and the elevator was (allegedly) broken. The stairs aren%26#39;t really all that bad. It seems worse than it is because there is no indication as to how far it is. There are a couple of places to pull off to the side, and the stairs are wide enough for someone to pass anyway.

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I just got back a week ago. I didn%26#39;t even realize that there was an elevator until I came down. And was not very well posted as to who could and could not use it. I would ask at the ticket counter.

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I have taken the escalator up the Arc de Triomphe 3 different times. Never has the elevator operator said anything but Bonjour. They don%26#39;t ask. Just get in and enjoy the ride up. It is true that when you get out of the elevator, there are about 40 more stairs which you need to climb in order to get to the top to see the view. They are definitely worth it. It is my favorite place to see the beautiful view of Paris. Enjoy!

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The elevator is for people who ask for it because they need it for whatever reason. Ask the person who sells tickets. It is a small elevator and you have to wait for it.

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We visited the Arc in October and the lady who took tickets asked us if we%26#39;d like to use the elevator. So we did. We%26#39;re just average looking adults - although my husband has asthma so we were planning to ask if we could use the elevator. She offered, so we didn%26#39;t even have to ask.

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I just ask to use the elevator at the ticket window. There is really no need to %26quot;point at your knees or your chest%26quot;.

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TravelingGal: I was not in the greatest shape when I was last in Paris but climbed the stairs at my own pace and simply stood to the side if anyone was behind me and wanted to pass. Do make the effort. The view from the top is amazing and it%26#39;s also interesting to watch the traffic negotiate the circle below with all its entrances/exists. Have fun!