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

Official Website: Arc de Triomphe

Fee: Outside is free. Admission charges apply for the museum and viewing platform except entry is free with the Paris Pass

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website, especially where Covid restrictions are in effect.

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

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Address: Place de l'Étoile
75008 Paris
France

Phone: +33 1 55 37 73 77

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 670 Reviews.

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"If you could read my heart, you would see the place I have given you there." - Gustave Flaubert L'Arc de Triomphe is perhaps the greatest standing Arc in... Read More

Eric R. Mar-06-2022

Pre-COVID review: The first tourist attraction we went to in Paris (other than Disneyland, which I don't really count it) was L'Arc de Triomphe! Adult... Read More

Grace C. Jan-13-2022

The view from the top is breathtaking! The day we went, it was cloudy and raining but still it was worth it. You can see the whole city with such view. The... Read More

Emi J. Mar-16-2022

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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.