Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a historic landmark of monumental proportions
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 platformArc de Triomphe Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 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: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: 01 55 37 73 77
Official Website: Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe Reviews
Rated out of 5
This is a must when visiting Paris. The history of the Arc is a basic for those that took French in High school. The details on the arc are so amazing. It is bigger than I expected and so much more. We visited during the Olympics so it was busy, but it was earlier in the morning so it wasn't too bad. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back when we are in the area!
Teresa Brown - a week ago
Beautiful view over the city. It's also a fascinating building worth a long history. Well worth a visit.
Be aware that there is a lot of steps up the stairs, but the is an elevator for people with extra necessities.
Torbjørn Høstmark Borge - a week ago
This is the most famous Arc de Triomphe of the world and you cannot missed it while visiting Paris.
It’s a remarcable monument (day or night), great spot to take beautiful pictures walk and learn about the heroes and French history.
I recommend you to book the tour (to go to the top of the monument) in advance because it gets really busy even in low season
Antonio Perez Coss - a week ago
This is definitely one of those got to see places when you travel the world. beautiful monument with a lot of meaning behind it as well getting to it though requires you crossing big giant roundabout with no crosswalk so be very careful when doing it to get across so cross with caution but definitely really cool if you get a chance to do it!
Chris V - a week ago
Arc de Triumph is one of the places one must see when in Paris. This monument is simply majestic. The history behind it is so rich and breathing. We visited on a sunny Friday morning, as we wanted to beat the busy times, which usually start at around noon.
We did bot reserve but instead got tickets directly at the desk after a short wait. Once you enter, you get to clime a spiral staircase, which leads to the 1st floor where all the history information is displayed and as well as interactive screens, shops and lavatories, etc. You also ge a breather as these stairs are steep.
Once you reach the top, you one will be Wowed. If you get nice weather, you see Paris differently. This is done to the positioning of the monument.
One has the feeling that you are on the centre as all 11 avenues lead to it.
On each corner of the arch, there is an interactive map that shows you all the landmarks that you can see in the distance.
Watching the public, traffic, and city life from the top one feel mighty and glorious. Great experience
Sabbi Gavrailov Art - 5 months ago
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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Accommodations near Arc de Triomphe:
Photo Gallery
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Dramatic view of the Arc de Triomphe at dusk cc licensed photo by Pragster -
Photo Credit: Pierre Blaché - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sergejf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lars Plougmann - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: miketnorton - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: koen_jacobs - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Graham Beards - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Lascar - cc license via Flickr
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