El Arc de Triomphe is the most important and unique monument in the French capital, second only to the Eiffel Tower. It is arguably the most famous arch in the world, located in Paris. Its powerful symbolism lies in its commemoration of France’s most memorable military victories, especially those achieved by Napoleon.
It stands in the 8th arrondissement, not in the very heart of the city but well-connected by metro, bus, and RER lines. The monument reaches a height of 50 meters, featuring two impressive vaults. The grand vault soars to over 29 meters, while the smaller one exceeds 18 meters in height.
Positioned at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is a major attraction for tourists. Visitors can climb to the top for some of the best views of Paris.
NOTE: An important tip for visitors is that you should not attempt to cross the roundabout on the surface. It is impossible and considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Instead, use one of the underground passages surrounding the monument. Spending several days in Paris without seeing the Arc de Triomphe is like never having visited the city at all.
If you are in the vicinity of the Arc de Triomphe, here are some recommended activities worth checking out:
- 1-hour Cruise on the Seine
- Skip-the-Line Louvre Museum Entry
- Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Eiffel Tower Access to Summit or Second Level
History of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was constructed between 1806 and 1836 under the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte during the reign of King Louis-Philippe. The monument was built to commemorate the French victory at the Battle of Austerlitz against Austrian and Russian forces.
The Arc has witnessed many historical moments significant to the French people, including the return of Napoleon’s remains on December 15, 1840, and the victory parades of French troops after both World Wars, in 1919 and 1944.
The architect of the Arc was Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin, one of France’s most prominent architects of that era. Unfortunately, Chalgrin did not live to see his project completed, and it was finished by Jean-Nicolas Huyot.
What to See at the Arc de Triomphe
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe is a must-do experience for anyone in Paris, not only for its stunning panoramic views of the city but for its rich historical significance, which we’ll explain further.
NOTE: When visiting the Arc, be aware of a unique phenomenon that happens twice a year. During sunset, the sun aligns perfectly with the Champs-Élysées and can be seen setting through the Arch. This spectacular alignment draws considerable attention in France.
Sculptures on the Arch
The four pillars of the Arc are engraved with the battles won by Napoleon and the names of revolutionary leaders who supported his triumphs:
- Le Triomphe (1810)
- Résistance (1814)
- La Paix (1815)
- Départ des Volontaires (1792)
Additionally, there are six exquisitely crafted reliefs and a large frieze, both of which are worth admiring for a few moments.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
To make the most of your visit, consider staying until dusk to witness the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier being rekindled—a daily ritual honoring the fallen of World War I and subsequent conflicts.
At the base of the Arc de Triomphe, outside the monument itself, lies the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This World War I monument (established in 1921) honors an unidentified soldier, representing all the French soldiers who lost their lives during this devastating conflict.
The eternal flame, which never goes out, keeps the memory of those individuals alive. It is maintained through the contributions of both active and retired French military personnel and is surrounded by colorful floral arrangements, creating a solemn and beautiful tribute.
Climbing to the Viewing Platform of the Arc de Triomphe
Can you go up the Arc de Triomphe? The answer is a resounding yes. While admiring the monument from below is impressive, the real highlight is the panoramic view from the top, where you can see all of Paris from the observation deck.
If you choose to go up, there are two options: climbing 286 steps or taking the elevator (which only goes up to the museum on an intermediate level). Even if you opt for the stairs, it’s not as strenuous as it seems, and the climb is manageable.
Along the way, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the Arc de Triomphe on the mezzanine level. Here, you can delve deeper into the history of this iconic landmark. It’s an excellent spot to snap some photos, take a short break, and gather energy for the final climb to the top.
From the viewing platform, you can see the 12 grand avenues that radiate out from the Place Charles de Gaulle and extend across Paris. The views of the Champs-Élysées are spectacular, whether you visit during the day or at night. Many consider this to be the best viewpoint in Paris, even surpassing the Eiffel Tower.
Experiencing the Arc de Triomphe at night is magical; the monument is beautifully illuminated. But the true highlight is the breathtaking night view of Paris from above, perfect for taking memorable photographs.
Tickets for the Arc de Triomphe
Here are two types of tickets available for visiting the Arc de Triomphe:
1. Entry Ticket and Access to the Rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe
This ticket grants access to the interior of the Arc, including its museum, and allows you to visit the rooftop observation deck for unparalleled photos of the surrounding area. Skip-the-line access is available, and tickets can be canceled up to the day before your visit.
BOOK2. Guided Walking Tour of the Arc de Triomphe with Entry and Macaron Tasting
This is my favorite option because it includes a knowledgeable guide who will share the monument’s rich history and fascinating stories, followed by a tasting of one of France’s most iconic treats: macarons. It’s a cultural and culinary experience rolled into one.
3. Free Tour of the Arc de Triomphe Exteriors
For a budget-friendly option, consider this free guided tour of the exterior of the monument. The tour lasts around two hours and also offers a guided view of the Eiffel Tower, led by an expert Spanish-speaking guide.
4. Paris Pass
If you have the Paris Pass tourist card, you can visit the Arc de Triomphe without paying extra. The pass grants access to the museum, gift shop, and rooftop terrace. Additionally, it includes up to seven attractions in Paris, covering some of the city’s most iconic monuments. Here is the link to get this discount card:
How to Get to the Arc de Triomphe
To reach the Arc de Triomphe, head to Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as Place de l’Étoile, located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, offering a stunning view of this area of the French capital.
It’s situated in one of the world’s busiest and most challenging roundabouts, where 12 major avenues converge, creating intense traffic. There are no pedestrian crossings on the surface, so the only way to access the Arc is via an underground walkway with entrances located around the neighboring streets.
The most commonly used transport options are:
1. Paris Metro
The metro is probably the best way to reach the Arc de Triomphe. The nearest station is “Charles de Gaulle – Étoile,” which is served by metro lines 1, 2, and 6. From the station, it’s only a short walk to the monument.
2. Bus
Paris is well-connected with bus lines, several of which stop at Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe is located. The following bus lines serve the area: 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, and 92.
Another convenient way to get to the Arc is by a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus. These tours typically stop at major attractions around the city, including the Arc de Triomphe, and are ideal for sightseeing.
3. RER Train
If you’re coming from the outskirts of the city, one of the most efficient ways to travel is by the RER (commuter train) to the “Charles de Gaulle – Étoile” station. This stop is close to the monument, and you’ll only need to walk a few minutes to reach it.
4. On Foot
Walking is a fantastic option if you’re exploring the city and want to take in more sights along the way. If you’re near the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, or the Louvre, you can stroll over to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a pleasant walk along the Champs-Élysées, where you can photograph the Eiffel Tower or do some shopping at the many boutiques.
Arc de Triomphe Opening Hours
Here are the opening and closing times so you can plan your visit and organize your time in Paris:
- From April 1st to September 30th: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- From October 1st to March 31st: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
Keep in mind that the last entry is 45 minutes before closing, at 10:15 PM in summer and 9:45 PM in winter, to ensure you have time to enjoy both the museum and the terrace.
The visit to the Arc de Triomphe includes access to the rooftop terrace, which you can reach in one of two ways:
- By climbing a 284-step staircase.
- Using an elevator to the museum level and then climbing 46 more steps.
Given that it’s a popular monument, crowds are common. It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and try to avoid weekends if possible. Also, I recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to skip the lines and secure your preferred time slot.
As you can see, visiting the Arc de Triomphe is easy, thanks to its central location and the variety of transportation options. It’s undoubtedly one of the must-see monuments in Paris.