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 Beautiful. I didn't pay to climb the top but I don't believe it was necessary. It's located right on the metro line which was very convenient. The upscale shopping was a nice. This is also a hop on hop off tour location.

Nancy Estrada - 4 days ago

Beautiful. Is a long 280 stairs climb but worth it. Takes about 15 minutes to climb. There's also a 10 minutes long AV which takes you through the history of the Arc in detail. Tickets are under €20 and we'll worth it. Go in late evening, so that you're on top of the Arc at 10pm, that's when the Eiffel light show happens and looks absolutely stunning. Great views of Paris from the top too.

Paramjeet Singh Bhalla - 5 days ago

It's hard to admire it from the ground. If you are right next to it, you can explore small parts only as it's too big to take it all in. When you get further away, there is all this traffic in between. Some people try to take pictures from the middle of the boulevard... Not recommended! But from the top the views are glorious. And you can finally observe the full design of the city. I highly recommend reading about it ahead of time or right there as we did. Also, it's quite entertaining to watch traffic below. The complexity and dynamics of it is mesmerizing.

Raman Shrestha - 23 days ago

It's worth it to research the history of the Arc before you visit. Only then can one appreciate the full experience in this major attraction. I don't know if there is supposed to be a dedicated crossing area to get to the grounds of the Arc itself (it is located in the middle of a high-traffic circle). I had to run while hoping I didn't get tackled by a speeding car in a foreign country. Don't forget the eternal flame on the base of the Arc.

Ulet Natalius - 1 month ago

It's hard to admire it from the ground. If you are right next to it, you can explore small parts only as it's too big to take it all in. When you get further away, there is all this traffic in between. Some people try to take pictures from the middle of the boulevard... Not recommended! But from the top the views are glorious. And you can finally observe the full design of the city. I highly recommend reading about it ahead of time or right there as we did. Also, it's quite entertaining to watch traffic below. The complexity and dynamics of it is mesmerizing.

Yulia Zamriy - 1 month ago

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