The 284 steps inside the Arc de Triomphe are probably not for the faint of heart, but there are places to stand aside and rest.

Sunday. A lot of attractions are free today. Unfortunately, it’s cold and rainy…the type of cold that seeps into your bones. I took the metro to Champs-Elysees, mostly to go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. I took pictures all around it and while I was on the top level. I happened to get there just before a crowd came (which I saw on my way out). The lift was broken, so I had to walk up a lot of stairs in a very winding staircase – I thought I heard someone say there are 222 steps to get to the top – but hostel staff told me there are 284. While the width of the staircase was small, there were occasional landings where you can step aside and rest while allowing others to pass; as someone who studied design, I found that design detail impressive. Sometimes it has seemed to me that designers and architects forget much-needed details, like having spaces for people to catch their breath on staircases while not holding up people behind them. There were exhibits in the Arc de Triomphe on military uniforms and aspects of the monument’s design. There was also a shop for souvenirs. I people-watched for a bit: I love seeing the joy on people’s faces as they investigate Parisian sights.

After I took plenty of pictures (and had a couple taken of me), I was so cold I had to leave. I didn’t want to. I went to the McDonald’s on the Champs-Elysees to use the restroom, and took some more pictures until my fingers were too frozen to handle the camera. It might have been the coldest day of the trip. Funny enough, I was feeling so frozen, I decided to take a couple of pictures of Queen Elsa.

I headed back to the hostel and grabbed a Grand Marnier crepe on my way. It was hard to eat with frozen fingers, but I managed. (!)

Queen Elsa on the Champs-Elysees. It was so cold when I was there, I’m sure she felt right at home.

Salut !

Images of Ferris Wheel at the Place de la Concorde and McDonald’s by Can Stock Photo. Image of Arc de Triomphe staircase by Wally Gobetz, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. All other images by Elsa L. Fridl.

Information on the Arc de Triomphe taken from Wikipedia article, “Arc de Triomphe,” retrieved July 26, 2015.

Spring is a time for renewal and trying new things. Grab a light coat, scarf, and umbrella and visit Paris ahead of the crowds. Here are three activities that I recommend.

See Paris by Helicopter on a round-trip to Versailles.

Source: 40 Things To Do In Paris March 2016 | Paris Insiders Guide

VIP Helicopter Tour to Versailles

I love the water and being high in the sky. I’ve seen Paris taking a cruise on the Seine River — one of my best memories from my latest trip — and now I can’t wait to have the opportunity to go on a VIP Helicopter Tour to Versailles. You depart from Heliport de Paris in southwest Paris and fly to Versailles, where you soar over the grounds before landing. French law requires all helicopter tours to have a stopover for 1 hour, and you spend it by enjoying a glass of champagne, taking a few photos, and learning a bit about Versailles and your helicopter. You then board for your 10-minute flight back to the Heliport where you started.

Details:

Price: Adults and Children age 3-11: from $471.27 per person (price might vary)

Depart/Return: Heliport de Paris, southwest Paris  (Metro:

Check-in: 30 minutes before departure

Helicopter: 6-passenger Ecureil

Book here

Le Grand Orgue (The Grand Organ) and West Rose window of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame Cathedral Special Easter Season Performances

While Easter this year is Sunday, March 27, Notre Dame Cathedral is holding a series of concerts to celebrate the season, including a concert by Notre Dame’s celebrated organ on March 15.

Reservations are required. Prices vary.

View the schedule and book here

Market Tour & Classic French Cooking

Paris Insider’s Guide offers a wide variety of 1-time cooking and baking classes. My two favorites are the Market Tour & Classic French Cooking class (6-hour market and cooking class) and the Secrets of Croissants (2 1/2 – 3 hours).

Price: Market Tour & Classic French Cooking Class is 190 euros per person ($207.70 ), 2 people min. Baking classes are 125 euros per person ($136.65).

View the schedule and book here

Au revoir!

Aerial view of Paris by Gabriel, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Notre Dame organ by JanetandPhil, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Illustrations by CanStockPhoto.