Paris may be the city of lights, but near the Arc de Triomphe, it’s more like the city of frights — especially if you’re behind the wheel or walking.
You must descend upon the Arc de Triomphe – on the many iconic sites and views that your iPhone and your brain will snap memorable photos and videos of.
But before that happens, stop thinking like Emily for a moment and prep yourself for some transportation terror.
So, if you’re heading to Paris for the lights, glamour, cuisine and history…
Don’t worry. Pay attention here and you will be fine. And Paris will be more than worth it –- and safe.
Remember this: the iconic monument isn’t just a photo op. It’s a swirling vortex of traffic, tourists, and Parisian pride.
Locals love to mock visitors – especially Americans — who hesitate, swerve, or try to cross the roundabout on foot.
But with our Undercover Jetsetter Guide here, you’ll walk like a local, drive like a diplomat, and maybe even laugh like a Parisian.
By the way, you can get great deals to Paris with One Travel.
Walking Wisdom: Feet First, Fashion Forward
Use the Underground Passage: Never cross the traffic circle on foot. Locals will laugh, and drivers won’t stop. Use the Passage du Souvenir—the pedestrian tunnel under the Champs-Élysées.
Wear Chic, Walk Smart: Paris sidewalks are cobbled, uneven, and full of photo ops. Stylish sneakers or low-profile boots are your best bet.
Look Up, Not Just Around: The Arc itself is stunning, but so are the rooftops, sculptures, and historical plaques. Pause, absorb, and narrate for your segment.
Driving Tips: The Arc de Triomphe Gauntlet
No Lane Markings, No Mercy: The roundabout has zero painted lanes. It’s a swirling ballet of chaos. Stay calm, signal early, and commit.
Eight Roads, One Rule: Vehicles entering the circle yield to those already inside. It’s the opposite of most roundabouts. This flips many tourists upside down—literally and figuratively.
Rent Small, Think Big: Opt for a compact car. Paris streets are tight, and the Arc’s roundabout is unforgiving. Bonus: easier parking near Place Charles de Gaulle.
Avoid Rush Hour: 8–10 AM and 5–7 PM are peak madness. If you must film or drive during these times, do it for the drama—not the efficiency.
Use GPS with French Flair: Waze and Google Maps work, but apps like ViaMichelin offer Paris-specific driving tips and scenic routes.
Gear for Paris Survival
We’ve put together the basics to make your travel as easy and effortless as possible, whether you’re walking or driving.
Walking Essentials:
Keep things safe: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag
Cute and functional: Imeetu Bee Coin Purse
Practical and stylish: Fjällräven Kånken Mini Backpack
Stay comfortable while walking: Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers
Driving Gear:
Navigate effortlessly: Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS
Drive safely with your phone: iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Car Mount
Stay charged up anywhere: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (Type E)
Compact and user-friendly dash cam on the go: Rove R2-4K Dash Cam
Bonus Add-Ons:
Stay hydrated: Hydro Flask 21 oz Standard Mouth
Nothing beats a good travel umbrella: Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
Save time and money: Paris Museum Pass (Official Site)
Undercover Jetsetter Pro Tips
Climb the Arc for panoramic shots of the eight radiating avenues. It’s a killer shot to post for friends and followers.
Future Bonus Tip: EV Driverless Taxis in Paris
Not yet. But Paris is getting close. While the city doesn’t currently offer widespread EV driverless taxis, it’s been a hotbed for autonomous electric shuttles and robobus trials, especially around major events like the Paris Open and the 2024 Olympics.
WeRide & Renault have tested autonomous EV shuttles on Paris streets, using advanced sensors and LiDAR for 360° navigation—even at night.
These vehicles operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can drive themselves on set routes without human intervention.
Paris also experimented with electric flying taxis (eVTOLs) during the Olympics, though they’re still in the testing phase and not widely available to the public.
So while you won’t hail a driverless Tesla just yet, Paris is laying the groundwork for a future where EV autonomy meets French elegance.
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John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, and booze. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen, and all over the world. And yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone. Susan is an expert in food and wine since her childhood days in Australia and then the United States, being the daughter of two lifelong employees of Pan Am Airlines. John is also a world traveler starting when he studied in Italy through his alma mater Providence College. John is also a Nevada Hall of Fame Broadcaster during his years as a Las Vegas news anchor at KTNV. He gained international fame as the host of the first all-video news magazine show, Real TV while also securing his bartending and mixology credentials from the Harvard Bartending School. You can follow them here on the free Wingding app on the Food and Travel Channels, on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram.