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

As an American tourist I wasn't able to appreciate its true definition as a war memorial; however, it's location, structure, and architecture was beyond amazing. It drew my attention because I've seen it countless times on television and movies. This should be the main attraction in Paris. Structure was enormous. Sculptures were so detailed. A must see if you're in Paris. Also, you can pay to take an elevator to the top. Fairly inexpensive.

Carolina Medrano - 12 hours ago

The Arc is an impressive site. If you want to be able to access it easier, go at night. Dur ing the day (also at night) it is an insanely busy roundabout death trap with no lanes, signals or reasoning. As an American you'll wonder how cars don't just pile up at the base of this thing. That aside it's incredible architecture that's quickly photographed so not an attraction to budget too much time to go see. The main strip leading up to it can also get congested so hop out the car and walk if need be. It's not a difficult one...!

NIKHIL DEVADIGA - 4 days ago

What a brilliant monument. My wife and I had the usual tourist photo taken beside it. We didn't go up as the queue was a wee bit long. If we ever get back to Paris maybe we might join the queue it looks fantastic up there. Handy to get to via the subway. Can't imagine getting across that road.

David Pettitt - 8 days ago

Well worth the climb! This was our first stop on the Big Bus tour. Pretty chilly due to snow. Short queue - maybe 10 minutes. Narrow staircase with very few opportunities to stop or step out of the way of others. Toilets at the top should be avoided. Observation deck was wonderful, but, again very chilly. We will go back tomorrow on a clear day. Nice gift shop as well.

Erin Rozman - 27 days ago

As one of Paris’s most famous, celebrated, and visited attractions, the Arc still remains France’s essential symbol of power and unity. The attraction is not only the Arc itself, but there’s a gift shop and a great view from the platform atop of the structure, and the Arc is actually fascinating. The views from the top of the arc are definitely worth the climb (284 steps), as you can see all the 12 avenues of Paris. Of course, the views of the Arc looking up from the ground level are breathtaking as well, like when you drive around the structure, along the roundabout surrounding the arc. The Arc is so intricately designed with different patterns carved into and on top of the surface as well as sculptures that it could take a long time to marvel at how beautiful of a structure it is, especially at night, not only when there’s less people around the area and therefore a better opportunity to admire the structure, but when the lights surrounding the Arc turn on. It’s a wonderful sight to see and a great photo op. Its proximity to the Louvre Museum also makes it a prime site to see when visiting Paris, as it extends from the courtyard of the Louvre Palace to the outskirts of Paris. I absolutely loved seeing the Arc!

Ayla Kim - 2 months ago

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