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: No

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

A monument built to commemorate Napoleon's victories, with an observation deck. This arch is huge and has a car roundabout around it. There is also an underground tunnel which will take you inside the Arc. You can see the Eiffel tower from the top as wall as very scenic view of Paris. I recommend making a point to visit this monument.

Russell Horton - 4 days ago

A structure gate to commemorate Napoleon's victory.It has some other side gates to complete it. It's surrounded with a huge park at three sides and also in one side across a good park to work as a good photo stop. Good for kids place.

Sharad Kumar Rastogi - 12 days ago

Make your plans to go right before sunset so that when you get to the top it will be down. The view of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc De Triomphe after the sun has set and it's all lit up is amazing. Bring a small tripod and snap some pictures. At 10pm the Eiffel Tower has a light display that makes it look like a diamond glistening. The lights twinkle for a couple of minutes. It's beautiful.

Clint Wilcoxen - 1 month ago

We purchased a museum pass so we were able to skip the ticket queue and go straight up. There's quite a few stairs to the top though so be prepared for the climb. Once at the top the viewing deck offers spectacular views. We were there for sunset and it was a great experience to see Paris disappear into the night and the Eiffel Tower come to life at night. Don't be like my wife and try and cross the road to get the the Arc de Triomphe there's a tunnel to get you from the Champs Elysees and back again.

Tim Collins - 1 month ago

Very cool how you need to go underground to reach the arc (around it are moving cars that won't stop for you). Just going around the arc and seeing stuff like the eternal flame is free, if you want to get inside you have to pay (unless you're under 26 and a EU citizen). After you walk a lot of stairs, there isn't really a lot to do or see. But if you walk a few more stairs you get in the top and my God the view is stunning. I would even say that the view is better than from the top of the Eiffel tower. Simply because you can see much more details (because everything doesn't appear tiny) and you get to see all the impressive monuments, including the Eiffel tower. So I highly recommend to get to the top and enjoy the view.

Ilias Azagagh - 3 months 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
Arc de Triomphe / Champs-Élysées. cc licensed photo by Yortw
Arc de Triomphe - París cc licensed photo by Jose Losada Foto
Eiffel Tower from Arc de Triomphe cc licensed photo by miketnorton
Arc De Triomphe cc licensed photo by Rose Morelli
L'Arc de Triomphe by night cc licensed photo by sergejf
Arc of Triumph - down stairs cc licensed photo by Cesar I. Martins
Arc de Triomphe cc licensed photo by Nicolas Ciotti
The Eiffel Tower Seen from The Arc de Triomphe cc licensed photo by Johannes Martin