Take a trip to the top of this magnificent example of Napoleonic self-celebration. At 164 ft/50 m high, it is the world's second-tallest triumphal arch (North Korea built one a smidgen taller). Climbing to the top offers a view of the entire city, from the modern towers of La Defense to Montmartre and the Pantheon. Twelve avenues radiate from the Arc, which is decorated with larger-than-life sculptures and friezes. Underneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The safest way to get to the monument is through the tunnel on the north side of the Champs Elysees. April-September daily 10 am-11 pm; October-March daily 10 am-10:30 pm. 9 euros adults. Place Charles de Gaulle (8th; Metro Etoile), Paris. Phone 01-5537-7377. http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr.