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

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

Open Now: Yes! Some attractions may restrict entry prior to their closing time.

Hours This Week:

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: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Phone: 01 55 37 73 77

Official Website: Arc de Triomphe

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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Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5

Nice view. Note that if you have a European id-card you can get in for free, but you can't just stand in line at the entrance and show your id-card; You first have to get a ticket (for free with a European id-card).

Vincent de vries - 3 days ago

This isn't a review of the Arc - obviously, it's worth going to. Just some advice. You CAN go under the Arc and look around without having to buy a ticket to go to the top. It's easier if the lookout is closed, since then you can just go past the shuttered ticket booth and walk up the stairs to go up there. If they're open, it's not clear what to do, you still may have to wait in line.

John Harvey - 6 days ago

Amazing place with a great view of the romantic Paris city from the top, including the Eiffel tower. One cannot but appreciate the wonderful construction considering perfect symmetry of the roads connecting from the outer Arc to the center like the spokes of a wheel. One must not miss the top view especially in fine weather. It's so easily accessible by metro.

Jim Cherian - 16 days ago

Spectacular. An amazing sight to see. Provides a wonderful view of Paris with a much safer feeling than the Eiffel Tower. Not a fan of heights, but this wasn't that bad. The spiral climb up and down wasn't wildly open for me to look down and feel like death was coming. Kids get in for free and students get a discounted rate. Cool how you cross the street by going underground. Would not suggest anyone undertaking the climb that isn't good with a lot of steps, but it is definitely worth it if you are willing. If not, still quite the work of art from underneath.

Caleb Waddell - 1 month ago

Museum pass was worth it as got to skip the ticket line and was put in a shorter line for security. Impressive view with a lot of stairs to climb. A few elderly people were really having a hard time getting up. It's a big spiral staircase with a bunch of stairs leading up from the subway and then to pass under the road again and back up. The view was amazing and the architecture was amazing. The inside exhibits were good explanations of the wars and history of battle uniform but I was expecting a bit more than posters on the walls and a few screens. The view at the top was amazing and you can walk all the way around. Once you are done you can take pictures at the bottom and relax before getting to go down the underpass. It is really easy to get to by metro just follow the signs as a bunch of lines stop here.

Brandon Zoras - 1 month ago

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