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

Map of nearby accommodations: Booking.com

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

Excellent sight. Make sure you look closely at each part as there are beautiful sculptures commemorating important historical events. Spend some time learning about each sculpture. Beautiful piece of history here!

Benjamin Meade - 4 days ago

I feel Arc De triumph is much more then its history. In today's world Arc de Triumph and Champs Elysee's are need to be discussed together. The Avenue is a paradise for Shoppers. I am amazed to see the transformation of street from day time to night time. One must visit Paris twice Once in Day time and Second in Night time.

Bharat Jain - 14 days ago

This is a Paris’ Icon and I recommend you take the time to get up close and not just pass it by or view it from a distance as it’s a remarkable historical monument to many fallen heroes. Beautiful structure, we (me & friends) went in the afternoon, and then walked down a sweeping boulevard to the river. As soon as you come out of the Metro on the escalator, it's right in front of you. Watch out for groups of people trying to get you to sign up for things! There are a lot of people in the area generally, lots of tour groups, and the traffic is insane! Please use the underground walks way!! Once at the Arc, itself it's nice to walk around, you can pay to go up to the top if you like. PS: Make sure you go to the top! For the best view of Paris, be sure to go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. It is a fair climb to the top but you won’t be disappointed as it provides a wonderful alternative view of the city. We visited at day and the unobstructed view of the entire city was amazing. It's a better view than going to the top of the Eiffel Tower because you can see the Eiffel Tower.

Mohsin Munir - 22 days ago

Another world-wide famous icon of Paris that you definitely must visit. After you bravely go through the stairs you will enjoy a fantastic view of Paris, since from this point start several straight avenues and you can see very far from there. Also, give yourself the proper time to appreciate the details of this beautiful construction. There's plenty to see and enjoy. A must go.

Michael Rachid - 1 month ago

It's famous and it's amazing. Even my cat knows that. If you are in Paris you HAVE to visit it. It's probably the most beautiful monument with the tomb of Napoleon. If you happen to gen a nice and clean day (yes I know, Paris...) the monument shines. Now please have a look at the 1 and 2 star reviews if you want to have a good time.

Lorenzo Maglio - 1 month ago

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Video

Video of the Arc de Triomphe

Photo Gallery

Dramatic view of the Arc de Triomphe at dusk cc licensed photo by Pragster
Eiffel Tower from Arc de Triomphe cc licensed photo by miketnorton
Paris - Arc de Triomphe, wideangle cc licensed photo by Daxis
Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile cc licensed photo by Shutterbug Fotos
Spiral staircase up the Arc de Triomphe cc licensed photo by waitscm
Underground passage to the Arc de Triomphe cc licensed photo by waitscm
Arc de Triomphe with French Flag cc licensed photo by Yortw
Arc de Triomphe with French Flag cc licensed photo by Yortw
Paris - Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel cc licensed photo by corno.fulgur75