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
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

Arc 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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The Arc de Triomphe was truly unforgettable! This iconic monument is even more spectacular in person, and the panoramic views of Paris from the top are simply breathtaking. I went on a weekday in February, and to my delight, the waiting time to enter was little, making the experience incredibly seamless. It's an absolute must-see when in Paris. If you want to see the panoramic view from the rooftop, you have to buy the tickets ( not expensive at all) otherwise the access underneath the arch is free.
Marius Machis - a week ago

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4 Star Rating Views are amazing...great information contained within...little unclear on 'just visiting below' vs. 'Climb up' lines...and the ticketing took far too long for that difference...but overall great experience to be had. Note: The climb and stairs can be challenging...don't dismiss other reviews...BUT there are plenty of 'pull out' areas to rest
Stacy Martin - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Amazing sights to see from the top of the Arc. The stairs are quite scary as they spiral up steeply, but worth it when you get to the top. You can see for miles and so many monuments. The inside is really interesting too. Good value for money. The only issue we had was a man decided to climb the top and get undressed and refuse to leave. Security and police handled it well
Rochelle king - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating 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 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Arc de Triomphe, Paris 🇫🇷✨ Standing proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most powerful and historic landmarks. Seeing it up close, you can truly feel the grandeur of its architecture and the stories it carries from France’s past. Climbing to the top is absolutely worth it — the panoramic view over Paris, with the avenues radiating out from the monument, is breathtaking and gives you a whole new perspective of the city. Whether by day or beautifully illuminated at night, the Arc de Triomphe is a must-visit spot that combines history, beauty, and unforgettable views of Paris.
buppha markpong - 2 weeks ago

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Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Metro 1, 2 or 6 or RER ACharles de Gaulle—Étoile station2 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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