Ladies and gentlemen, the Arc de Triomphe. It's described in more detail in the caption to the first shot, but I'm sure that most people are familiar with it even if they aren't quite sure how big it is or where it is. It was one of the stops on our Big Red Bus tour. There are 330 stairs to the top. "But don't worry", the bus tour guide partially lies to you, "there's a lift". (Elevator, if you're from the other side of the pond.)

And there is. BUT... but what they fail to mention is that it's small and thus reserved mostly for the incapacitated. If you are able to walk, you and all of the other cattle are shoved into a stairway as soon as you pass through the door, and from there your only chance of survival is to ascend the stairs.

Upon reaching the top and eventually regaining consciousness, you will however be rewarded with some exceptional views of the French capital even on overcast days. I do wish that I had studied up on the various roads before I had gone up, though; knowing the names and histories of some of the roads beforehand would have made it a richer experience.

But for your education and entertainment, I offer such a guide here in this gallery.