Arc de Triomphe: Visit the Symbol of French Patriotism

At the end of the Champs-Élysées, in Place de l'Étoile, stands the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic monuments in Paris, historically second only to the Eiffel Tower. The bustling roundabout of l'Étoile, where the Arc is prominently featured, is almost a "sacred" place for France: yes, because the history of the country is tied to this famous monument! Let's explore some detailed information about visiting this national symbol.

The Arc de Triomphe is located at the center of a "star" (étoile) where many Parisian roads intersect. A historic axis of the City of Light! Starting from the Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde, and walking west along the Champs-Élysées, it is impossible to take your eyes off the Arc de Triomphe which dominates the view as you approach. Once you arrive in Charles De Gaulle Square, also known as Place de l'Étoile, you can appreciate the grandeur of this monument: the structure is about 164 feet high and 148 feet wide and is inspired by Roman monuments.

The nearest metro station to the Arc de Triomphe is Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (Line 6)

You can climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy a view of Paris from the highest point of the Champs-Élysées. Access is not free; you need a ticket to enter. To avoid long lines at the ticket office and to save time for other attractions and points of interest, the best advice we can give is to plan ahead and book skip-the-line tickets online in advance.

Thanks to the priority access ticket, you will have no trouble accessing the inside of the monument. Enter through the priority lane - which means you skip the line at the ticket booths - although you might still encounter small queues here, they will be shorter than those at the ticket offices; the ticket is valid for 1 year, can be used (once) at any time during your stay in Paris, and allows you to stay inside as long as you want. The ticket includes admission to the monument and access to the observation deck.

Entry is free for EU visitors under 26 years of age and for disabled individuals with a companion. Additionally, if you hold a Paris Pass, you can enter for free bypassing the line.

How long does it take to reach the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe? A visit lasts on average 45 minutes. After passing through security and visiting the ground floor of the building, expect some waiting time for the stairs: the line is not exhausting but there is usually some wait due to the small size of the staircase.

One of the best times to visit the Arc de Triomphe is around 6:30 PM: the flame for the Unknown Soldier is lit and the Champs-Élysées are all illuminated. There is no luggage storage available inside the monument.

Get ready to climb some stairs. Yes, there are 284 steps on the spiral staircase leading to the panoramic terrace of the Arc de Triomphe. But rest assured, the effort is rewarded: in front of you, a magnificent view of Paris and the Champs-Élysées! With Place de la Concorde on one side and the skyscrapers of the La Défense district on the other, you can admire one of the most beautiful views of the capital. Additionally, from the top of the Arc, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, the Sacre-Coeur, and the Louvre. Inside the monument, there is also an interactive museum - with multimedia installations focused on the two hundred years of history of the monument and other famous arches around the world - before... going to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe!

Is there an elevator? Yes, there is an elevator that serves the different floors of the monument, but this is reserved for individuals with reduced mobility and disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with young children and strollers.

The Arc de Triomphe is open:From January 2nd to March 31st: Open daily, 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM;From April 1st to September 30th: Open daily, 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM; From October 1st to December 31st: Open daily, 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM.

The Arc de Triomphe is closed on:January 1st, May 1st, May 8th (morning), July 14th (morning), November 11th (morning), and December 25th.

Last access: 45 minutes before closing.

The Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of the busy roundabout of Place de l'Étoile. It is always advisable to use the convenient pedestrian underpass connecting Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Avenue de la Grande Armée to reach the entrance on the ground floor. Never attempt to cross the chaotic and dangerous roundabout from the Champs-Élysées!

It was Napoleon who commissioned the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris in 1809, as a monument to commemorate the glory and greatness of his army's victories. The last stone of the arch was only laid 30 years after the emperor's death. Subsequently, the Arc de Triomphe became a symbol for all soldiers who lost their lives for their country during the World Wars. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the base of the monument, is a tribute and testament to that.

An "eternal" flame is lit in their memory during a ceremony that can be attended every evening at 6:30 PM.

Did you know that the sides of the Arc de Triomphe are decorated with scenes of war, including those inspired by the famous "Marseillaise," a war song and the French national anthem? Today, the Arc de Triomphe is a landmark for many Parisian events: it is the finish line of the Tour de France and is here that the most important parades are held, such as the military parade on July 14th, France's National Day.