Arc de Triomphe

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The Arc de Triomphe is a historic landmark of monumental proportions

View of the Arc de Triomphe from across the traffic circle cc licensed photo by asw909

Seeing the Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch) in person is a must if you are visiting Paris for the first time. This huge and impressive historical monument is an example of French patriotism at it's highest. The Arch stands 164 feet high and 148 feet wide. The large opening is 96 feet high and 48 feet across. You can reach the top of Arch by a combination of a lift and steps. There you will find a museum about the Arc de Triomphe and at the very top a viewing area where you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris.

The Arc De Triomphe is located at the west end of the Champs-Élysées in the centre of a large and chaotic traffic circle from which 12 streets radiate. The monument, designed by Jean Chalgrin, was commissioned in 1806 as a tribute to the Grand Army in celebration of Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz during the height of his success. Construction took place over a period of 30 years and eventually, in 1940, the remains of Napoleon passed beneath the Arc enroute to their resting place at Les Invalides.

Four significant sculptures on the Arc De Triomphe are Le Départ de 1792', Le Triomphe de 1810, La Résistance de 1814, and La Paix de 1815. There are also six reliefs sculptured in the Arch that epitomize significant events surrounding the French Revolution and the time of Napoleon. These sculptures are incredibly detailed and must be seen to be appreciated.

On Armistice Day in 1920 an unknown soldier was interned beneath the Arc de Triomphe in what is now known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A flame on top of the tomb burns continually in memory of the many fallen soldiers from World War I and II who where never identified.

Nearby attractions: Jacquemart-Andre Museum - (Private Art Collection) and Parc de Monceau

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Outside is free. Admission charges apply for the museum and viewing platform except entry is free with the Paris Pass

Open Now

Hours This Week:

Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Phone: 01 55 37 73 77

Official Website: Arc de Triomphe

Directions

Metro / RER Line	Nearest Station	Walking Time
Metro 1, 2 or 6 or RER A	Charles de Gaulle—Étoile station	2 minutes

How to get to Arc de Triomphe by Metro / RER

By Metro or RER: Take the Wagram exit from Charles de Gaulle—Étoile station and look for the stairs to the underpass which are located on the north side of Avenue de la Grande Armee right next to the traffic circle. Do not try to walk across the traffic circle - it is far too dangerous.

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Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Arc de Triomphe Star Rating

Very good place for history!!!! Although I have visited Paris many times and seen the Arc de Triomphe repeatedly, this visit was the first time to go up to the top. It is a serious climb (spiral steps that seem to go on forever), but upon reaching the top, the views over the city are amazing. It's open late, so you can enjoy the views during the day or night. We were lucky enough to arrive at the top at sunset and the view was stunning. Well worth the steps!

Yashodeep Boob - 4 days ago

Beautiful to be there! The detail id absolutely stunning.... such history! Must take a walk down to the bottom .... shops are amazing and buildings are magnificent. Lots of tourists and traffic, so best to walk. Enjoy!

Leona Dufour - 18 days ago

This is one of those sites that are even more impressive in person than they are in pictures and movies. It's really amazing to stand at the Arc de Triomphe and watch the traffic go around it with no traffic lights. The monument itself is absolutely gorgeous there's so much details in the arc so pay close attention to all the writing engraving and statues.

Fun Life Oz - 20 days ago

Beautiful structure, very well preserved. We went at night, when it was not too busy. Unfortunately it was a rainy trip, but that didn't mean we couldn't get a great view of the city at night. I enjoyed being able to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up! If you want it to be truly spectacular, go when you can look out at the top of the hour at night. The tower sparkles and looks beautiful from the Arc.

Emma P - 20 days ago

I believe this is the best place to take pictures in Paris. It is easy to get to in the city and not too expensive to go on top of the arc. Being up there you get to see all of Paris from all directions so you really feel ingrained in the Paris hustle and bustle. The Eiffel Tower just takes over the sky and makes for a great photo op. Definitely get to experience the city from this location if you get the chance.

Ruben Dorado - 21 days ago

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