Dinner and the Arc de Triomphe

After a busy day, I headed out for dinner - still amidst the pouring rain. Opposite the restaurant from last night, I found Les Hirondelles - a lovely little restaurant. Due to the rain, I requested a table inside and was given what I would consider the best table in the restaurant: slightly elevated, overlooking all the tables and also outside. The staff were again super friendly - I also noticed that in Paris, one always receives complimentary water, bread, etc., without having to ask, which I think is wonderful. I ordered a Hugo Spritz (later I realized it contained liqueur) and received a Hugo the size of a fishbowl - it was delightful. The pasta was also excellent. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay long, as I wanted to be at the Arc de Triomphe by 10 PM to see the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower from a distance.

Upon arriving at Place Charles de Gaulle, I took the underground tunnel to the Arc de Triomphe - this is necessary due to the heavy traffic around the roundabout, which makes it impossible to reach above ground. The Arc de Triomphe is impressive; its size and grandeur are difficult to capture with a camera. Downstairs, I went through the security check (yes, my small crossbody bag was opened and checked, and I had to pass through a scanner like at the airport) and then climbed a full 284 steps up (see spiral staircase). At the top, I had some time to take in the surroundings before I joined about 100 others to secure a good spot to fully enjoy the sparkle at 10 PM.