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
We visited the Arc de Triomphe at night, and it was as charming and impressive as ever. The monument is beautifully illuminated after dark, giving it a special and almost magical atmosphere. Standing there and looking at this historic landmark in the middle of Paris is truly a memorable experience. Definitely worth visiting, especially in the evening.
Guido Bertram - 2 months ago
In our trip to France we visited the Arc de Truomphe twice. Once in the later evening and the other time just before sunset. The sunset was a great time with the panoramic views.
We visited in the office season, so the lines were not too bad. At the time it was 16 Euros per person to go to the top. It is a multi step process. Purchase your tickets, then move up to the ground level and get in line to make the trek up. You will have to go through security. From there you will go up the spiral staircase (approximately 200 steps). This takes you to a open area, more steps to the next level, and more steps to the top. Once on top it is a spectacular view. Enjoy!
Rob Macdonald - 3 months ago
Seeing the Arc de Triomphe in person truly took my breath away. Its massive scale, intricate carvings, and powerful presence standing at the top of the Champs-Élysées are far more impressive than any photo can capture. Standing beneath it, you can feel the history and significance it represents. It was one of those unforgettable moments in Paris that made me pause, look up, and simply admire the grandeur.
Miriam Noyola - 3 months ago
A must-visit landmark in Paris.
Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe is absolutely worth it. The panoramic view over the Champs-Élysées and the twelve radiating avenues is breathtaking — even on a misty day, the atmosphere feels uniquely Parisian.
The spiral staircase is narrow but adds to the historic charm. At the base, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier gives the monument a powerful sense of history and respect.
If you want one of the best views in Paris without the crowds of the Eiffel Tower, this is the place to go.
Atom Tong - 3 months ago
A beautiful sight early in the morning before sunrise. With very little traffic at this hour, the monument stands out clearly and remains peaceful. The lights accentuate the architecture and highlight the structure in all its glory.
Rae Zyon - 4 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: KarthikNa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Pierre Blaché - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Graham Beards - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Lascar - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: aiva. - cc license via Flickr
