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

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Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Outside is free. Admission charges apply for the museum and viewing platform

Arc de Triomphe Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Phone: 01 55 37 73 77

Official Website: Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating A must. You go underground on the escalator to get there. Don’t cross the busy street! You join a queue and pay a small fee to go up the tower to the viewing platform. Take note of the stairs. You do wait a while to buy tickets. You can get a beautiful view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It’s stunning! We went mid afternoon - I think early morning might be better.
Hannah Markham - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Do NOT try to take pictures from the middle of the road. You can take good pictures from the barricades at the sidewalk close to the road. It's a grand arch & very impressive! The steps are steep & a bit of a workout to climb up but the view from the top is awesome! You have a great view over the city center and a good view of the Eiffel tower. Have your camera ready! ☺️
S. Dreg - a week ago

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5 Star Rating A beautiful landmark in Paris. Can't miss it. The place has attracted a large crowd. Some even stay in the middle of the road divider to get a best shot of the monument. There are tunnel entrance and exit that bypasses traffic to take visitors to the monument for a closeup. At night the monument is illuminated and less crowd.
qlv assoc - a week ago

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4 Star Rating Very nice experience! Enjoyed taking photos and reading the historical information around the arc. I recommend taking the subway and walking to get there. Parking is awful, enjoy the walk and experience the beauty that Paris has to offer. Wear comfortable shoes tho. 👌🏽
Jaime Aguilera - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating A lot of steps + 13 euro ticket but it's worth it to go up! The line looks longer than it is, just 20 minutes to get through initial security and then you walk another 5-10. Great way to appreciate Paris with twelve major roads starring out in each direction, fantastic view of Tower and other attractions. Go just before sunset for cool photos and memorable views.
Justin Buley - a month ago

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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.