Security to get to top of Arc de Triomphe

I just went to the top of the Arc 3 wks ago... we had to walk through a metal detector but I can't remember what the procedure was for my purse. Can't remember if they just looked in it or if it went through the metal detector as well.
I don't mean to make your friend more nervous, but there are endless opportunities for "bad guys" to do harm to people in Paris, or any city or town anywhere, including here in the US.
The mêtro and busses for a start... absolutely no security there.

Thank you! Knowing there is at least a metal detector will make her feel better. Go figure, she seems fine with the Metro and the buses, she just obsesses over this.

I have posted this before. Not to make light of the matter but if someone has an irrational fear, logic and common sense will not abate the fear. Also, remember your greatest risk for bodily injury and death will be the drive to and from your airport. Only she can reduce her own fears.

If you want risk, try crossing the road to get to the Arc de Triomphe. I did it once before I spotted the entrance to the underpass. Entertaining :-)

I think your friend needs lots of encouragement that new unusual places are not necessarily more dangerous than what she is familiar with, and may even be safer.

I went there in February and the security was about the same as most of the museums in Paris. They had a metal detector I had to walk through while a guide looked in my bag. It was easy and totally worth it!

We got there a few minutes before opening and when we got to the top it wasn't very crowded at all.

Just make sure she is vigilant on the busses and metro - if anyone is going to be pickpocketed, that is likely to be where it'll happen - especially if it is crowded and you aren't paying attention.

The one time someone tried something on us in Paris was when we were going on or coming off the metro with our luggage - no one else around and two girls get on the escalator below us - I turned just as they were stepping on and saw one of the girls hit the emergency stop. They were on me 'like that' to help me carry me suitcase up. I struggled a bit with them - we travel light, so no, I didn't need their kind of 'help' - and they left me alone - it could have been worse. I noticed the zipper on the outside pocket of the bag was unzipped - luckily nothing of value in there.

But it obv hasn't deterred us since we've been back since and are going back next month! Hope you have fun and she enjoys.

Frank is right on. The deadliest part of Paris is anywhere with traffic, backed up by the rate of fatal accidents. Your friend will be much safer up the Arc, looking down at the circus of demolition drivers approaching the roundabout from all sides.

Hi all:

Just wanted to comment on Chris F's comment. The first time I was in Paris I dodged cars while crossing the street to get to the Arc de Triomphe. I was thinking "what a stupid layout of the street". Later someone pointed out the entrance to the underground tunnel that gets you safely back to streetside.

Jumping forward 20 years I didn't see the underground tunnel to get to the British Film Institute's IMAX theater in London. It is situated like a traffic circle in the middle of a very busy street. Duh! Crossing the street to get to it was the easy part. However, I walked around the theater looking for an entrance and sometimes the walkway was no more than two feet wide with cars whizzing by. Then I saw the entrance to the tunnel and had to cross back to streetside.

Take care. The street layouts might be more rational than you initially think they are.

Geor(ge)