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 – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 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
Definitely a must-visit place when you are in Paris. Amazing architecture with intricate and well preserved details.There was a queue to wait in order to reach the top floor. But once you reach the top, the view is spectacular and it's an experience not to be missed. 🇫🇷👌✨️
Chryso N. - a week ago
Arrived on a dreary day but still decided to go to the top, cost 22€ for myself, my grandson's entrance was free because he was 16.
To reach the top you had to climb up a spiral stone staircase, it just seemed to go on forever. Just before you get to the top it opens to a level where there are toilets and a gift shop.
Once you catch your breath continue on up the shorter flight of stairs to reach the top, the views are lovely, although we did go when it rained very heavily.
Well worth a visit to the top, you can see the Eiffel Tower from here lol
mstrio69 - a month ago
Magnificent arc located on a busy roundabout.
You need to take the subway to reach under the arc.
Stunning monument. Amazing detailing. Didn't go inside but really loved visiting this historical monument. There was a sombre mood there but very pleasant experience.
Wasn't very busy when we visited.
Must visit on a trip to Paris.
P R - a month ago
Great exercise getting up those stairs! Worth paying to go to the top as there is an amazing view of Paris and of course the Eiffel Tower. A perfect spot to see the Tower when the lights sparkle at night.
The building itself is huge and amazing. Please use the underground tunnel to get there as you aren't meant to cross the road
Please fix the men's toilet door!
andrew westerbeek - a month ago
Visited the Arc de Triomphe early in the morning and it was 100% worth it. As soon as you exit the metro (Line 1 – Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station), you’ll pretty much see it right in front of you. Super easy to find, which was great because I didn’t want to waste time getting lost first thing in the morning.
Getting there early was the best decision, barely any crowds and the lighting supposed to be great for photos (sadly it was a rainy day). If you’re into photography, this is the time to go. I managed to get some shots without people photobombing every picture.
The monument itself is huge and super detailed, way more impressive up close than I expected. You can walk around the base and really take in all the carvings and statues. I didn’t go up to the top this time but I’ve heard the view is amazing, especially at sunrise or sunset.
There’s also a little memorial underneath with an eternal flame, which is really touching and gives a sense of the history behind the place. Cars are constantly driving around the circle.
it’s a must-see if you’re in the city. Easy access, great photo ops, and just an iconic Paris experience. :)
Ivan Tan - 2 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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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: Lars Plougmann - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: valcker - cc license via Flickr
