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 – 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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating A nice memorial with beautiful views from the very top! We only waited about 40 minutes total, through 2 different lines (one to buy tickets and the other to get through security) to get to the elevator. For those not capable of walking up the 284 steps to the level where there’s a shop and then access to the roof, there is an elevator. But once you get to this level on the elevator, you’ll still have about 40 more steps to get to the roof. It’s great to walk around and see the different sites around Paris.
F'burg Foodie - a week ago

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4 Star Rating We went on a week night before they closed like 930. My husband is a larger man, and the cashier suggested the elevator. I didn't realize the amount of stairs. The view of the Eiffel Tower at 10 was amazing. The sparkles is memorizing. People crowd in, but it is worth it! Long lines at that time make sense. We lucked upon it and the sparkles were a delight. Gift shop is cool. Small museum at the top. Tomb of soldiers is always somber and respectful.
SJSB Smith - a week ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - a month ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Breathtaking views! Very easy to buy a ticket at the office and was only a 20-minute wait in the queue to get inside the Arc. Steep spiral staircase was tough but worth it for the incredible panoramic views at the top and the interesting museum rooms covering the history of the Arc. You can also view the tomb of the unknown solider without buying a ticket.
George - in the last week

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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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