Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a historic landmark of monumental proportions
![View of the Arc de Triomphe from across the traffic circle](http://cdn.tourbytransit.com/paris/images/arc-de-triomphe.jpg)
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: 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: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: 01 55 37 73 77
Official Website: Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe Reviews
Rated
Easy to access by the subway. The lineup wasn't too long and the staff were very helpful with wayfinding. The stairs were a bit of a climb but they were so worth the magnificent view of Paris! Most of the landmarks were visible and during the sunset, it was a beautiful view.
Aidan Liang - a week ago
An excellent sightseeing stop. It is free to visit but it seems most people are confused on how to get there. It is in the middle of a huge roundabout and people will stand in-between streets, only see it from afar or try to run across the roundabout which is extremely dangerous. You need to find the stairs going downtown the underground tunnel leading across the street. Please be safe.
Joel Miller - in the last week
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 - 3 months ago
Amazing views! Full 360 of the city. Definitely worth a trip to the top and not very expensive. We paid 32 euro for a family of three, so one of the cheaper attractions. We booked in advance and avoided a huge line. Really impressed with the interior, really wasn't what we expected inside to look like. Definitely a must when visiting Paris.
Jonathan Oliver-Elliott - 2 months ago
It’s kind of difficult to figure out how to get there. I mean you get there, but then there’s car lanes surrounding it that you can’t cross. It took us some time to figure out that there’s a spot to cross going underground. Anyway, it’s a pretty cool spot. There’s plenty of similar attractions around the world, but what makes this spot cool is seeing how everything surrounding it was designed. It was designed to be the center, and the buildings around it are beautifully architected to be symmetrically appealing. We took the stairs to the top and it was a really nice view of Paris.
When planning my itinerary I almost didn’t include this place but I am glad we came!
Rosie Jones - in the last week
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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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 -
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Photo Credit: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Lars Plougmann - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: alyssaBLACK. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr
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