Everybody kept telling me sunrise was the perfect time to visit the Arc de Triomphe. Yeah, right. Let me tell you what actually happened.
Got up stupid early last Tuesday, like 5 AM early. Dragged myself through dark, empty Paris streets feeling like a zombie. Paid that stupid expensive ticket (seriously, prices now?!) thinking I’d beat the rush.
Big mistake. Huge.
The Sunrise Disaster
First off, it was freezing. My hands were shaking taking pictures. Second, the actual stairway up didn’t even open until like 6:45 AM. So much for “sunrise” access. Stood there stamping my feet with a bunch of other shivering tourists, all looking equally annoyed.
Finally get up top. Wind trying to blow me off. And the view? Honestly? Overrated at that hour. Everything was grey. The Eiffel Tower looked tiny and sad. Felt cheated.
Fool Me Twice – The Midday Mess
Figured maybe I just picked a bad day. Tried again Thursday afternoon. Around 3 PM. Holy smokes. This was worse.
- Busloads of school kids shouting everywhere.
- Selfie sticks waving around like swords – almost got poked in the eye twice.
- Line snaked around half the street? Forget it. Not happening.
Got jostled trying to cross the street under it. People pushing to get photos ON the traffic island. Madness. Saw three different couples arguing loudly. Fun times.
Getting Smart (Kinda)
Okay, plan C. Talked to a bored-looking security guy near the elevator. He just shrugged. “Try rainy Tuesday. Or like… an hour before they close.” Super helpful.
Actually listened to him once. Went back last week. Wednesday. Forecast said rain. Perfect. Packed my awful plastic poncho.
Showed up around 6 PM. Place was closing at 7 PM in winter.
- Sky was gloomy. Rain threatening.
- Crowds? Thinner. Like, actually bearable.
- No line at all at the ticket booth inside the passage.
- Made it up the stairs fast.
The view? Still cloudy. BUT. The streetlights were starting to come on all over Paris. Little gold dots everywhere. The Eiffel Tower sparkled off in the distance suddenly. Now that? That was kinda cool. Windy still, yeah. But manageable. Got my shots without anyone photobombing. Miracle.
Why This Whole Thing’s Stupid Anyway
Honestly? The whole “perfect time” search is kinda ridiculous when you think about it. I mean, we’re talking about standing on a giant traffic circle basically.
This obsession started after a trip to Barcelona years ago. Got utterly crushed by crowds trying to see the stupid Sagrada Familia basilica. Paid a fortune. Couldn’t move. Sweating buckets. Came out dizzy and angry. Never again, I swore. Started obsessing over “optimal times” for everything like some kind of travel lunatic.
Turns out the best time is usually: When people don’t want to be there. Rainy? Windy? Almost closing? Perfect. Be the sucker who shows up when everyone else gives up. Steal the experience right then.
