The Eiffel Tower, the most iconic site in Paris
Alexander Bridge over the Seine River
Climbing the stairways of medieval monuments has become one of our favorite ways to explore European cities. It not only challenges us physically, but it seems to immerse us into the culture by giving us a better perspective of the history, the craftsmen, and the engineering of medieval architecture.
When we visited Paris this spring, we decided to scout out places where we would have the opportunity to climb to the top of towers, domes, or cathedrals. We decided on two different Parisian landmarks, both of which are equally famous and both of which we have toured several times in the past – just not from the top.
Cafe Le Dome at night
Paris continues to be one of our favorite destination cities. Ever since the first time we traveled there during the summer of 2000, we never tire of taking selfies with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background, or relaxing with the locals at a sidewalk café, or strolling the boutiques along the Champs-Elysees. And it’s hard to beat a sunset cruise on the Seine River.
Shops along the Champs-Elysées in Paris, France
But even though we cherish those experiences, we wanted to delve a little deeper into this wonderful city. So, this year we took to the heights in the hope of getting that just-right camera shot. We found two iconic landmarks that were built with internal stairways that are still accessible today and decided those would be the ones we’d start with. Both turned out to be excellent climbs that gave us totally different views of Paris.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe
Shelli inside the Arc de Triomphe
After we first arrived in Paris this year, we visited the Arc de Triomphe which is one of France’s most loved patriotic monuments. Although we’ve taken many a picture around the base of this beautiful structure, we’d never taken the 284-step climb to the top.
The 284 steps may not sound like that much, but it was a challenge to our climbing the stairways has become one of our favorite ways to explore European cities. It not only challenges us physically, but it seems to immerse us into the culture by giving us a better perspective of the history, the craftsmen, and the engineering of medieval architecture. . Before reaching the very top of the monument, there’s a large room with seating where we watched a video showing the Arc’s construction and triumphal parades that have passed under the famous arch. Then it was on to the last few flights of steep steps to the outdoors and the top of the monument. What an amazing view! The cars below seemed to buzz like little bees as they drove the round-shaped Charles de Gaulle Plaza below us.
From this perspective, we could also have a good look at the layout of the city. Twelve busy boulevards “radiate” from the Plaza, so from the top of the Arc, you can identify places such as the Carrousel, the Tuileries, the Obelisk on the Place de la Concorde, and the prestigious Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Further in the distance, we could identify another huge, albeit modern, arched structure, the Grande Arche de La Defense that was built in 1989.
View from top of The Arc de Triomphe
Climbing Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral
Another challenging climb that rewards your effort with magnificent views is the Notre Dame Cathedral. Although we have been inside the Cathedral several times before, we didn’t even know there was a bell tower climb — until we were researching for our latest trip.
Getting to the top of the Notre Dame is also a moderately difficult climb. It has 400 narrow steps, much of the path is one-way, and the route is pretty much straight up. But, there are little nooks and crannies to pop into if you need to rest.
Ron in stairway of Notre Dame Cathedral
Bell Tower of Notre Dame Cathedral from below, yes, we climbed to the top.
One place that we stopped and took a breather was the south tower belfry where the magnificent 17th century bells are hung. You don’t have to be Quasimodo from the The Hunchback of Notre Dame to find these multi-ton bronze bells amazing. Even the formidable gargoyles, beasts, and monsters stationed at the top seem to defend the mythical and eloquent nature that surrounds the Notre Dame.
This thirteen-ton bell hangs in the tower of Notre Dame Cathedral
A little more climbing and then we popped out at the top. We saw amazing views of not only the city, but the entire Notre Dame structure with its wide-eyed creatures, spires, and iconic rooflines.
Gargoyles overlooking Paris from top of Notre Dame Cathedral
Looking west, we could see the Sainte-Chappell, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. To the north stands the Sacre-Coeur, and looking over the roof on the east side, we could see the twelve apostles minding their places on the spire. We stayed for at least an hour enjoying the bird’s eye view of the city and the Seine River before we headed back down the narrow stairway.
Overlooking the Seine River from top of Notre Dame
We have found that climbing medieval monuments is an amazing experience. Although ascending the steps can be physically challenging, the views are well worth the effort. And the experience is one that you’ll never forget!
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